Sikkim Design Week (SDW) is a celebration of the state's rich creative heritage and emerging industries, bringing together local talent, MSMEs, artisans, and startups. Building on the success of the District Design Connect initiative, SDW showcases the innovative spirit of Sikkim through workshops, exhibitions, and networking opportunities.
With support from strategic partners like NID Ahmedabad, SDW bridges the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern design practices, empowering local creators to gain visibility and compete on national and international platforms. This flagship event fosters collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation, paving the way for a design-led, sustainable future for Sikkim.
The District Design Connect initiative is a transformative two-day event held across each district of Sikkim, designed to harness and elevate the state’s vibrant creative economy. By identifying, nurturing, and showcasing grassroots-level talent, MSMEs, artisans, and startups, the initiative provides a powerful platform for local creators to gain visibility and scale their ideas.
Serving as a precursor to the flagship Sikkim Design Week (SDW), District Design Connect bridges the gap between traditional practices and emerging creative industries. It aims to foster innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration—bringing together weavers, designers, innovators, and entrepreneurs under one shared vision of design-led growth.
This initiative not only celebrates Sikkim’s diverse cultural and creative assets but also prepares them to compete on both national and international stages. Strategic partnerships—including a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad—will bring in national expertise in capacity building, product innovation, branding, and market access. Through focused workshops, mentoring sessions, exhibitions, and networking opportunities, District Design Connect empowers local talent with the tools and exposure needed to thrive in today’s global creative economy—laying the foundation for a more resilient, design-forward Sikkim.
Local Fairs and Competitions: Competitions in food, poster-making, and short films/videos will
highlight creative talent and innovative ideas across various fields.
MSME and Startup Fairs: A platform for businesses to exhibit products, receive expert
feedback, and gain support for growth.
Workshops and Masterclasses: Sessions on AVCG (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics),
XR/VR technologies, and creative design, focused on entrepreneurship, branding, and financial
literacy.
Government Schemes Awareness: Guidance on accessing government schemes like UNNATI,
SYSS, PMFME, and PMEGP for funding and growth support.
Live Demonstrations: Showcasing traditional and modern crafts, highlighting Sikkim’s creative
potential.
Pitching & Networking: Opportunities for participants to connect with investors, mentors, and
industry experts through pitching sessions.
District Design Connect’s identity is inspired by Sikkim’s cultural richness, traditional crafts, and evolving creativity.
Using bold patterns, intricate weaves, and vibrant colors drawn from landscapes and monastic art, the branding bridges tradition with innovation. Traditional imagery blends with modern design to symbolize the meeting of heritage and future aspirations, presenting Sikkim’s creative journey to the world.
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