APPLY to be a Physical Exhibitor at NDW2025

Do you have works that require a physical space to showcase?

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Who Can Apply

Are you ready to showcase your work at Nairobi Design Week? This is your chance to be part of a vibrant festival and present your physical products, artifacts, and experiences to a wide audience.

Whether it's furniture, recycled products, innovative design solutions, or even experimental fashion, this is the space for you to reach new audiences.

_Individuals, Collectives, Corporates, SME’s, NGO’s, Non-Profits, Funding Institutions, Cultural institutions, Schools etc. _are welcome to apply, if you don’t feel included in the list, apply anyway and tell us who we missed!

Captivate Festival Attendees

While we focus on promoting Kenyan creatives, we encourage submissions from Africa and all over the world.

Some examples may include: Furniture pieces, 3D models, physical installations, recycled & upcycled products, alternative use(s) of design products, experimental fashion pieces, cosplay pieces, machinery & equipment, sustainable building materials, innovative design solutions.

Key Dates

Submissions will be accepted on a rolling basis. Successful applicants will be notified on a rolling basis, from August 2024.

OPEN DAY: October 17th, 2024 , Join us for an information session from 11am to 1pm to gain invaluable insights into the event. Learn about the site, our audience, and exhibition process.

SUBMISSIONS DEADLINE: November 11th, 2024

We encourage early submissions from applicants, to create room for further discussions about your proposed projects.

FESTIVAL/EXHIBITION LAUNCH:

The Festival will take place from 9am-4pm on Saturday March 8th till Sunday March 16th 2025.

SITE VISIT:

Successful applicants shall be invited to attend a recce. Scheduled dates will be communicated ahead of the festival.

INSTALLATION:

Large exhibits and installations are required to be installed by 3pm on Thursday 27th February 2025, in order to give smaller exhibits time to set up by 3pm on Monday 3rd March 2025.

DE-INSTALLATION: Pack up by 3pm on Tuesday, March 18th 2025.

If selected, you will be expected to coordinate all planning and logistics to deliver and de-install your work at the festival location.

What You Get

All Exhibitors Receive…

  • Access to the press launch.
  • Access to the partners event.
  • Exhibitor board with your information for you to keep.
  • Access to the site to prepare.
  • Complimentary tickets to the festival.
  • Dedicated posts on social media.
  • Listed in festival brochure/Map.
  • Listed in Nairobi Design website.

Large Exhibitors will also…

  • Be recognised as a festival partner.
  • Be listed in the press release.
  • Receive a custom designed poster.
  • Large exhibitor board with your information.

Exhibitor Spaces

There are four categories you can choose to participate as: small, medium, large and extended installation exhibitors.

For the 9 days of the festival:

Standard

1*1m spaces and below starting from KES 20,000

Medium

2*2m spaces starting from KES 45,000

3*3m spaces starting from KES 90,000

Large

4*4m spaces starting from KES 120,000

Pavilion

5*5m spaces starting from KES 250,000

Custom sizes

Some spaces may offer irregular sizes and will be allocated in cooperation with the Nairobi Design curatorial team. Pricing will thus be based on the agreed size required per exhibit.

Payment

Successful Exhibitors will be required to pay the 50% deposit of the cost of their category by 30th November 2024. Payment details will be provided. Payment can be made by card and mpesa. For international exhibitors, bank transfer and paypal will also be accepted.

EXHIBITOR’S TEAM

We recommend that exhibitors engage the skills of experienced professionals within their areas of expertise. Nairobi Design may direct you to recommended suppliers and personnel where possible.

Sponsored Spaces

We support marginalized communities and those in the creative space by offering a limited number of sponsored spaces. Please indicate in your application if you’d like to be considered and why you think you are eligible for this. Please note only those most in need will be considered. Your work will still be curated to the same standards as the paying exhibitors. selected sponsored exhibitors only pay an administration fee.

Exhibit Tips

  • Challenge yourself: Show something new or a familiar product in a new way.
  • Focus: You don’t need to exhibit everything—choose a key highlight to display.
  • Engagement: Make your exhibit interactive—engage visitors' multiple senses.
  • Design smartly: Utilize your space effectively, considering height, width, and any unique venue features.
  • Sustainability: Think about reusability and how to minimize waste.
  • Self-sufficiency: Plan for transportation, production, and other logistics.
  • Submission Details: Include sketches, photos, or mood boards to clearly communicate your exhibit’s vision.

Remember, your exhibit is more than just a display—it’s an experience for visitors. How will they feel after interacting with your work?

All exhibitors are welcome to sell their products during the festival. Make sure your space is well-organized and always complete, even when unattended.

P.s this information is also available on the application form.

For any inquiries, you can email us on [email protected].