025_027_029_031_033_Surtex.qxp_Art & Design LSB 01/05/2018 17:04 Page 25
Surtex 2018
Design for Life Inset: Last year’s Surtex New York show was a pivotal event in the art licensing calendar, and this year is shaping up to be just as important
Surtex might be billed as the leading global marketplace to source original art, design and pattern work, but its reach and reputation extend far beyond this. Surtex is the place where creative minds dare to dream, where art and design licensing deals are made and where the great and the good from across the industry meet and network to inspiring effect. Art & Design LSB takes a closer look at this year’s three-day event. f you’re looking for a simple yet effective way to sum up the secret to the success of legendary art and design licensing show Surtex, secondtime exhibitor and artist Amarilys Henderson has it in a nutshell. “The message of the show is that possibilities lie ahead,” says Amarilys, from company Watercolor Devo, who can be found at Booth 2646 at the Jakob K. Javits Convention Centre when this year’s show opens on May 20 on West 34th Street. “As you walk into the convention centre you are greeted by long glass walls that lead your eyes up to the ceiling of the foyer. It’s this location, the show’s proud history and the fact that it’s being held in New York – the city known for being the centre for America’s art and business advances – that are all key to Surtex’s prestige.”
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Show Stats Surtex 2018 Where: Jacob K. Javits Convention Centre, New York When: May 20-22, 2018 Web: www.surtex.com favourite places – making Surtex an easy yes for years to come.” Amarilys is one of around 200 exhibitors from across the industry, including artists, design studios and art and licensing agencies, who will be attending Surtex this year, with about 40% of those heading to the Big Apple for the show for the first time. And with more than a quarter of these hailing from outside the US, Surtex really does deserve its global reputation. Each year in excess of 4,500 visitors – manufacturers, retailers, licensees and buyers among them – attend the show to get their hands on some of the best and most innovative art and design around. Artwork and patterns are after all everywhere in today’s modern, visuallydriven society, from bed linen to stationery, fashion accessories to wall Below: Artist Amarilys Henderson loved her experience at last year’s show where she exhibited as part of the Design District
Last year Amarilys showcased her work in the Design District, which features first time exhibitors and a host of fresh art talent, and by the second day of the show knew she would be coming back. “We had filled our little black book of contacts thanks to a steady influx of new faces and exciting opportunities,” she reveals.“It also doesn’t hurt that New York is full of creative energy and one of my
Trend Theatre Surtex’s Trend Theatre is showcased within ‘The Boulevard’ – a special show area that connects Surtex with the National Stationery Show. “The Theatre schedule includes industry experts, thought leaders and trend spotters,” says show director Randi Mohr. “Topics include the use of vintage and antique textiles for inspiration, products with personality and the impact millennials are having on product designs and brands. “I’m especially looking forward to ‘It’s Now a Millennial World,’ which looks at how millennials are spurring the home textiles companies to transform and attract their business, and a session by Steve Greenberg and Chris Moore discussing digital technology in design.” For a full schedule visit: https://www.surtex.com/show/trend-theatre/
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