12th Edition of WDCD Live Returns to Amsterdam to Explore Design and Climate Justice

On 5 July 2024, Amsterdam will host the 12th edition of WDCD Live, bringing together hundreds of creatives, activists, policymakers, and start-ups for a day of talks and workshops on design and climate justice. Scheduled to take place at the stunning Muziekgebouw, the festival promises a dynamic programme led by rebellious thinkers, makers, and doers from around the world.

This year’s lineup features renowned figures such as fashion designer Bobby Kolade (Founder, BUZIGAHILL), architect Afaina de Jong (Founder, AFARAI), graphic designer Clive Russell (known for his work for Extinction Rebellion), photographer Dirk-Jan Visser (Co-founder, New Horizon Initiative), industrial designer René van Geer (Co-founder, Secrid), bio designer Natsai Audrey Chieza (Founder, Faber Futures), illustrator Edel Rodriguez (known for his work for TIME Magazine and The New Yorker), graphic designer Samar Maakaroun (Partner, Pentagram), and the winners of the global Redesign Everything Challenge. Together, they will delve into the intersection of creativity, activism, and disruption, offering insights and inspiration for attendees eager to make a difference.

This year’s festival will dive into some of the most challenging environmental and social issues of our time, as well as the threads that connect them:

Designing for Climate Justice
Though climate change is a global problem, its burdens are not shared evenly across society. Those who pollute the least often suffer the most, and marginalised communities are also more vulnerable to compound challenges like food insecurity and mass displacement. To build a different future, we need a better understanding of how climate issues — and solutions — impact people differently across intersections like class, gender and race.

From Ancient Knowledge to Artificial Intelligence
In search of solutions, designers increasingly turn to ancestral and local ways of making, building and living. Often, this means revaluing or reviving traditional knowledge of materials, products and services that have been preserved within circular communities for centuries. At the same time, we are living in an era marked by artificial intelligence, and a fascination for all things virtual, augmented and data-driven.

Designing for the Circular Transition
Getting to the root of the climate crisis means changing how the economy works (and how it doesn’t). No sector can do this alone — but designers can pave the way by shifting from linear to circular modes of production. Many are already taking an active role in this transition, and part of this year’s programme is dedicated to the next generation of creative entrepreneurs who are working towards a restorative and regenerative future. On the main stage, the 11 winners of the global Redesign Everything Challenge will present their projects, after which a special exhibition and networking session will follow.

“WDCD Live 2024 is about uniting changemakers from every corner of creativity and activism to tackle the climate crisis head-on,” explains WDCD co-founder and creative director Richard van der Laken. “From fashion designers and architects to bio designers and illustrators, we’re gathering the innovative minds and diverse perspectives necessary for real, lasting impact. There’s incredible strength in that collective effort.”

A day for big ideas, deep-dives and urgent conversations
Besides plenary talks and dialogues, the day-long programme also includes musical performances, networking sessions and interactive breakout sessions.

In a nutshell, here are the main components of this year’s festival:
– A main stage programme featuring talks by 10+ leading figures in the creative industry; plus a string of musical performances to bring the crowd to their feet.
– A breakout programme for visitors to dive deeper; featuring smaller workshops and panel discussions on themes like cultural heritage, community-building and the role of new technologies.
– A circular showcase by the 11 winners of the global Redesign Everything Challenge

For more information about the main stage speakers and break out sessions, please visit: https://www.whatdesigncando.com/events/wdcd-amsterdam-2024/

For tickets, please visit the What Design Can Do ticket shop: https://www.whatdesigncando.com/shop/