All events are virtual and free.
ACTIVATION
The pandemic has brought in a lot of change and uncertainty. But alongside that, the need to step forward and gain knowledge as creatives and entrepreneurs to give deeper meaning for creative industries is needed now more than ever. Register now to take this conversation forward, and be part of the impact this brave new world needs.
WORKSHOP
Taking little steps with our future change makers to make them aware about sustainability through various creative activities by CIT Kids. Register your little one and join us for a hands on activity.
GRADUATE
EXHIBITION
Hosting its annual graduate showcase "Reveal" at Sri Lanka Design Festival 2021. This year for the first time, the festival goes virtual as its graduate showcase takes a hybrid approach with a sneak peek online and the physical exhibition at Colombo Innovation Tower (only through prior registration)
ACTIVATION
The event focuses on Creative Entrepreneurship & being future-proof. The pandemic has brought much change and uncertainty. But alongside that, the need to step forward and gain knowledge as creatives and entrepreneurs to give deeper meaning for creative industries is needed now more than ever. Register now to take this conversation forward
FORUM
In Sri Lanka, the creative industry has grown rapidly over the past few years, opening doors to many creative enterprises. Then the question arises, what are the roles Creative Industries can play in building the new post pandemic economy? Join us as we explore the potential for the creative industries to provide new dynamism in the economy and fresh opportunities for inclusive growth with a focus on greater environmental sustainability.
INSPIRATION
An inspirational and intellectual artist in Sri Lanka pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation. Featuring Anoma Wijewardene, a contemporary artist whose work encapsulates her passion for sustainability, diversity and peace. Register now as she takes us through her journey.
FASHION SHOWCASE
Mercedes Benz Fashion Talent brings together the most interesting design talents, apparel industry innovation. It showcases unique mergers between craft, textile technology and wearables from Sri Lanka. Join us as we present the virtual edition of MBFT for the first time in Sri Lanka
DISCUSSION
SLDF holds a special place in creating impact at Grassroot level with Sri Lankan artisans and it’s always been a one of a kind relationship, filled with immense love and dedication to craft. It is preserving the cultural heritage of local artisans by empowering them through design. Be a part of the conversations with the nation’s renowned change makers with a history of creating impact in craft.
INSPIRATION
AOD alumni share their creative endeavours to act and stir up change while championing, nurturing and showcasing powerful movements in design. Join us as these changemakers share their inspiring work and the progress they've made in creating impact through different design disciplines.
RELIVE SLDF 2021*
Watch now
Click below to watch the events that unfolded at
Sri Lanka’s first virtual design festival!
Emerging Designers
REVEAL
Mercedes Benz Fashion Talents
Artist Spotlight
Creative Legends:
Ena De Silva
FASHION SHOWCASE
Mercedes Benz Fashion Talent brings together the most interesting design talents, apparel industry innovation. It showcases unique mergers between craft, textile technology and wearables from Sri Lanka. Join us as we present the virtual edition of MBFT for the first time in Sri Lanka.
INSPIRATION
Iconic creatives of Sri Lanka, masters in their field! Yet their legacy still stands strong throughout the test of time creating real impact. Join us as we carry on their legacy as Creative Legends of Sri Lanka.
Creative Legends: Chitrasena
Design Katha: Modern Sri Lankan Furniture
Design Katha: Architecture & Craft
Design Katha: Gem & Jewellery Legacy of Sri Lanka
INSPIRATION
Iconic creatives of Sri Lanka, masters in their field! Yet their legacy still stands strong throughout the test of time creating real impact. Join us as we carry on their legacy as Creative Legends of Sri Lanka.
CONVERSATIONS
Taking a focused look into Furniture, Channa Daswatte shares how Sri Lanka, like many other countries in south Asia, has had a profound influence on its design of furniture from the west and how Modern Sri Lankan Furniture has evolved. This short film will look at the various designs made by Geoffrey Bawa, one of the most renowned architects of the modern period in the context of the political and economic conditions within which they worked.
CONVERSATIONS
A practicing architect and interior designer, Ruchi, draws a parallel between traditional crafts and architecture. She talks us through the practice of keeping detail-oriented conversations alive through the semantics of construction, an open ear to available elements and bringing the right craftsmen.
CONVERSATIONS
Holding the world enchanted, The legendary allure of Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery industry shared at SLDF 2021. For decades, the island’s treasured sector has brought international acknowledgement to the country as “Ratnadweepa” - the island of gems. The discussion presents an informative virtual journey into the heart of Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery legacy
Design Katha: Impact of Design in Advertising
Design Katha: Port City Future City & Public Art
Change Makers
DesignTech Colombo Conference
CONVERSATIONS
Why design sells; the impact of design in advertising unpacked at SLDF 2021 bringing together the local ad industry to discuss its future. Ad veterans and new leaders discuss where design thinking is needed to fulfill an increasingly important role in bridging brands and consumers in new and exciting ways.
CONVERSATIONS
The two Design Kathas are led by Creative Director James Balmond of Balmond Studio. One looks at the impact Public Art has through the Port City's first Design Competition, that opened doors to artists around the island to showcase their perspective and their vision into new cities and cityscapes. The other brings together both Port City and pavilion architects Balmond Studio in a discussion about the Port City project, architecture and how it is poised to be the future city.
Fashion Innovation Showcase
Designed Experiential Tourism & Sustainability Conference
Crafting Impact
(Launch of Sri Lanka Craft Week)
Featured Designers
Creative Economy for Sustainable Development
Press Play by MMCA Sri Lanka
Presented &
Organised by:
Bringing your
"A" Game
If you've got a creative calling, visit
Presented by*
The Sri Lanka Design Festival (SLDF) was conceptualised by the Academy of Design (AOD) in 2009 to fulfill the need for a platform with global reach to support and strengthen the growing design initiatives and activity in Sri Lanka.
Over the past decade, AOD has established itself as the most trusted partner for design led industries in Sri Lanka and abroad. AOD believes in the power of design to create greater impact, and conceptualized the Sri Lanka Design Festival to be a global platform that connects industries, creatives, emerging designers and the public to inspire and learn from each other the impact design can have.
If you've got a creative calling visit, www.aod.lk
Sponsors & Partners*
