Indy Design Week: Elevating Design, Amplifying Voices, and Fostering Community

Design is more than aesthetics—it’s problem-solving, storytelling, and a force that shapes the world around us. At Indy Design Week [IDW], we celebrate and elevate the many disciplines of design while fostering a collaborative and inclusive creative community. Founded in 2018, Indy Design Week has grown into an essential platform for designers, artists, and creative professionals to connect, share ideas, and inspire one another.

At Indy Design Week, our mission is to celebrate and elevate the Indianapolis design community and showcase the incredible creative talent in Indianapolis while bringing awareness to design’s role in culture, society, and inclusivity. IDW is a 100% volunteer-run nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing together designers across industries, from graphic design and architecture to fashion, interior design, and industrial innovation.

“We see Indy Design Week as the intersection for all the different areas of design,” says Tori Witter, Executive Director of Indy Design Week. “Our goal is to inspire & foster collaboration between Indianapolis designers.”

We believe in the power of design to shape culture, solve complex problems, and drive meaningful change. Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive space where designers, creators, and enthusiasts can come together to share ideas, explore new perspectives, and make a lasting impact. Through engaging programming, workshops, and thought-provoking discussions, we highlight the power of design to transform businesses, communities, and lives.

A Commitment to Inclusivity and Collaboration

Since its inception, Indy Design Week has prioritized diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in all aspects of programming. We believe that great design stems from diverse perspectives and that everyone should have access to the creative community. Our partnerships with organizations like AIGA Indy, Indy Pride, and Second Helpings reflect this commitment, as we continue to provide a platform for underrepresented voices and emerging talent.

As an organization, we value collaborating and showcasing the work of local Indianapolis talent. Each year, we work with local creatives to bring their interpretation of our theme to the annual event by showcasing their artwork on IDW swag, merchandise, and posters. These collaborations not only showcase incredible local talent but also inspire future generations of designers to tell their own stories through creative expression.

The Impact of Color: Exploring Design Through Hues

Each year, Indy Design Week selects a theme that resonates with the broader design community, sparking conversations that extend beyond the week itself. One of our most compelling themes has been Hues, which explores the power of color in design, branding, storytelling, and cultural identity. The theme serves as a reminder that color is not just a visual element—it carries meaning, evokes emotion, and can be a powerful tool for communication.

“With Hues, we’re exploring how color connects us culturally and creatively, sparking conversations about identity, branding, and design’s deeper meaning,” explained Witter. “By bringing together diverse voices in our community, we’re not just discussing color—we’re using it as a tool to become better storytellers, better designers, and ultimately, a more connected creative community.”

From the way brands establish recognition through signature color palettes to how colors influence mood and perception, the significance of hues in design cannot be understated. By highlighting both the technical and emotional aspects of color, Indy Design Week encourages creatives to consider the deeper significance behind their design choices.

It’s discussions such as these that continue to bring together designers, innovators, and creators to dissect the impact that design has in our everyday lives.

Connecting Indianapolis to the Global Design Community

Indy Design Week is not just a local event, it’s part of a larger movement to connect Indianapolis creatives to the global design community. We are proud to be a member of World Design Weeks, a network of international design festivals that provides opportunities for cross-cultural exchange and collaboration. Through this membership, our programming is now accessible to global audiences, allowing designers and creatives from around the world to discover and engage with our Indianapolis-based speakers and content.

While our primary focus remains on amplifying local voices, this global affiliation enhances our reach and impact. Select Indy Design Week talks and discussions will now be available for members of the World Design Week’s network to access, providing an opportunity for our city's creative talent to be heard on a worldwide stage. This connection strengthens our mission to position Indianapolis as a key player in the international design conversation while ensuring that our programming continues to resonate both locally and globally.

A Look at the Future: Growing Our Impact

Witter took over the role as Executive Director in 2023, and Indy Design Week has continued to expand its reach and impact. We are constantly exploring new ways to support local creatives, foster mentorship opportunities, and create programming that is both inspiring and actionable.

“Through strategic partnerships, grant funding, and a dedicated volunteer team, we are building a sustainable future for Indy Design Week that will benefit the creative community for years to come,” Witter states.

In addition to our annual week-long festival, we are also growing initiatives that are available year-round to provide ongoing opportunities for designers to connect. Our goal is to create a thriving ecosystem where designers feel empowered to grow their careers and push the boundaries of their craft.

One of the most exciting aspects of our growth is the increasing involvement of students and early-career designers. By engaging with local universities, colleges, and creative institutions, we provide emerging designers with valuable opportunities to connect with industry leaders, showcase their work, and gain hands-on experience through workshops, competitions, and portfolio reviews.

A Legacy of Innovation: Highlights from Past Events

Over the years, Indy Design Week has hosted an array of compelling speakers, panels, and workshops that have left a lasting impact on the community. Some of our past keynote speakers have included leaders in design, branding, and social impact, offering attendees fresh insights and inspiration. In previous years, we’ve hosted workshops on typography, experiential design, digital marketing, and more, giving attendees practical tools to take back to their own creative practices.

Additionally, our collaborations with organizations like Second Helpings have allowed us to use design for social good. Whether through food rescue and hunger relief initiatives or community-focused design challenges, these partnerships reinforce the idea that design can drive meaningful change beyond aesthetics.

Support Indy Design

Indy Design Week is more than an event, it’s a movement that champions the power of design and the people behind it. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, a student exploring your creative path, or simply someone who appreciates the impact of design, there is a place for you in our community.

By attending our events, engaging with our content, or becoming a volunteer, you can play a role in shaping the future of design in Indianapolis. Together, we can continue to build a more inclusive and innovative creative landscape that celebrates the stories, talents, and ideas that make our city unique.

To learn more about Indy Design Week, explore upcoming events, and get involved, visit www.indydesignweek.com.

Written by Alli Donovan