Inspired and well attired
The EDIT expo and gala needed no corrections
An abandoned soap factory off the beaten track might not seem like the most obvious place to hold an epic installation and fabulous gala dinner, but that is exactly what the Design Exchange did to launch EDIT: Expo for Design, Innovation & Technology, presented by Rogers. Words, even photos, can’t really capture what thousands experienced at this biennial celebration of progressive thinkers.
Those who attended the wild and wacky donor dinner, chaired by a glittering Krystal Koo and sponsored by TD and Dream, were the first to explore the four floors ( 150,000 square feet) of world-changing ideas
that were carefully curated and mounted from all over the planet. Change Maker awards were given to indigenous artist/musician and activist Ian Campeau; Chief Planner and Executive Director of City of Toronto, Jennifer Keesmaat; environmentalist David Suzuki; and designer, filmmaker, brand strategist and former editor- in- chief of Wired, Scott Dadich. After dinner, guests joined thousands of other revellers at Pulse, where the masterminds behind the main exhibitions reigned supreme: Prosperity for All ( Bruce Mau), Shelter/ Cities ( Carlo Ratti), Care ( Julielynn Wong) and Educate (Kentaro Toyama). This was followed by an unparalleled interactive culinary experience designed by Montreal’s Mister Jaune – think interactive supper meets performance art. Over 10 days attendees experienced thought- provoking talks, immersive exhibits and interactive workshops which explored innovative ways for delivering shelter, nourishment and healthcare. “We created EDIT to demonstrate how design, creativity and innovation can make the world a better place for all people. We’re regularly exposed to doom and gloom, when the reality is that we’re actually living at the best time in civilization,” says Shauna Levy, director of the Design Exchange. “Never have we had access to the insight, intelligence and technology that we do now to make a real difference and ensure prosperity for all people. It was this story that we wanted to tell. We hope that people left the show inspired by the world around them and motivated to be part of this positive change.” We can hardly wait for the next EDIT!