Brooklyn's Progress
December 2005/January 2006

Kenneth Adams, President of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that BKLYN DESIGNS™ 2006 will run from May 12 –14 at several DUMBO locations including St. Ann’s Warehouse (http://www.brooklyndesigns.net/).  The annual three-day show will feature Brooklyn-based designers and manufacturers of contemporary furnishings, including indoor and outdoor furniture, rugs, lighting and accessories.  It will signal the start of Design Week in New York City, America’s answer to Milan’s Salone Del Mobile.

Attracting thousands of visitors to DUMBO, Brooklyn’s hub for cutting-edge design – BKLYN DESIGNS™ 2005 showcased a jury-selected group of leading Brooklyn-Made products, and marked the debut appearance of some of the country’s hottest new designers.  In its June issue, Dwell described BKLYN DESIGNS™ as “a boon for those seeking good design minus starchy attitudes…it featured young designers showing eclectic wares in DUMBO.”  Metropolis added, ““During the last ten years, Brooklyn has emerged as a vital scene for art and design in New York City.…The growing success of Brooklyn Designs…reflect[s] the strength of the new work coming from the borough.”

According to Mr. Adams, “This year we plan to grow the show while remaining committed to the high level of quality that our visitors have come to expect.  We will again work with a jury of design industry professionals to select the very best work from across the borough. Buyers, design professionals and consumers will be making the trip to NYC for Design Week.  We want to make sure that their first stop is Brooklyn.  Our curated show will be their chance to see what’s happening in local studios and workshops that are setting home furnishings trends worldwide.”

Show organizers are working to put together an expanded series of events that will take place across the DUMBO neighborhood.  There will also be a special focus on “green” production materials and products.

The Chamber has put out a call for exhibitors.  Interested Brooklyn-based manufacturers and designers should click here to download a 2006 application form.   The jury, made up of leading design professionals including editors from the top shelter and design publications, will review exhibitor applications in late December 2005.

BKLYN DESIGNS™ is sponsored by Two Trees Management, Con Edison, Time Out New York, Time Out New York Kids, Interior Design, Pratt Institute, AIA, ASID and IIDA. BKLYN DESIGNS™ receives additional support from Speaker Sheldon Silver and the Brooklyn Delegation to the NYS Assembly, Speaker Gifford Miller and the Brooklyn Delegation to the NYC Council and the New York City Department of Small Business Services.  For more information, interested companies can contact auster*events for sponsorship and marketing opportunities at 718-243-1414.