London Design Biennale
I served as Head of Content & Digital for London Design Biennale (LDB) during the 2021 and 2023 editions.
Established in 2016, London Design Biennale is a three-week international exhibition and thought leadership programme located at historic Somerset House, in the heart of London. It showcases global design innovation, creativity and research, highlighting design's relevance in contemporary culture. The Biennale features a programme of events, talks, debates, tours and workshops exploring design as a transformative global tool.
Somerset House, one of the UK's finest and most beautiful 18th century buildings, is of international historical and architectural importance and a cultural powerhouse for contemporary arts and culture. It’s one of London's most visited attractions with 3.2 million visitors annually.
I led the team responsible for storytelling, content, communications, marketing and branding. Early on, our priority was to relaunch the Biennale after it had been postponed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I played a key role in updating its online presence with a new website that documented past editions, developed print publications including playful catalogues, and supported operations with over 50 international exhibitors. Partners included Pentagram (Domenic Lippa's team), Chatham House, Brunswick Arts, Somerset House, Bloomberg Philanthropies (Bloomberg Connects), Koto and ON.
"We believe design is an international language which everyone understands." — Sir John Sorrell, President and Co-Founder, London Design Biennale
London Design Biennale 2021
LDB 2021 ran from 1-27 June with the theme 'Resonance', chosen by the Artistic Director, multi-award-winning artist and designer Es Devlin.
Photos by Ed Reeve
London Design Biennale 2023
LDB 2023 ran from 1-25 June with the theme 'The Global Game: Remapping Collaborations', selected by the Artistic Director, Nieuwe Instituut, the Dutch national museum for architecture, design and digital culture, led by General and Artistic Director Aric Chen.
Photos by Taran Wilkhu
During LDB we hosted a reception at the Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street, a welcome occasion to wear a tie and take the obligatory photo at the famous black door.
In the end, LDB is about bringing people together and an opportunity to connect with leaders in the international design world like the brilliant Es Devlin, Paola Antonelli and Shigeru Ban.
Left to right: Gian with Es Devlin ; Vincent Haiges, Shigeru Ban and Clare Farrow; Paola Antonelli (photo by Iona Wolff); attendees during the Medal Ceremony (photo by Iona Wolff)
