ABOUT US

Design Event began in 2005 initially as a festival and has since expanded into an organisation delivering an annual programme of design based exhibitions, talks and events across the North East of England. Each year we curate the Design Event North East festival celebrating design throughout the region including NewcastleGateshead, Sunderland and Middlesbrough.  A major part of the festival is the Design Event MART a curated selling exhibition of work from the region’s very best designers.

Our aims are to :

    * Engage the public and raise knowledge and awareness of design

    * Develop regional designers, focusing on those who are at the early-mid stages of their careers alongside developing a sustainable supportive design community

    * Position and promote the North East as a hotbed of design talent and creativity

 

 

Karen Nairstone - Director

Being director of Design Event I’m responsible for both programming and overall management; whilst keeping an eye on the strategic development of the company. Prior to founding Design Event in 2005 I ran a design store – Space in Newcastle so I have a deep passion for design and showcasing the region!

 

Kala Preston - Marketing

I am responsible for promoting and marketing the various events and exhibitions that we hold through out the year, and as part of our annual Design Event festival. I enjoy the scope and variety of the role and love working within our bijoux team!  Previously I worked with advertising and design agencies, a theatre and an African dance company in marketing roles.

Beatriz Clemente - Admin and Events

I am responsible for  general administrative support, managing events such as talks and networking events, workshops, launch events and other opening events and previews. For the past year I have worked as a freelancer and volunteered with art and design organisations in the North East whilst studying for an MA in Museums and Art Galleries Studies at Newcastle University. Before coming to UK I was employed for two years as Exhibition Coordinator in a well known gallery in Madrid.

 

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