Participating in events
What can I participate in?
You can participate in Tide Exhibition, Tide'Super'Market, or Tide Extension. Read further information or download an entry sheet.
>>download
What other events can I participate in other than Tide Exhibition, Tide'Super'Market, and Tide Extension?
Join our parties, workshops, events, or participate as volunteer staff. If you have ideas on other ways to participate, mail us at info@designtide.jp. Read more about volunteering here.
How should I choose between Tide Exhibition and Tide 'Super' Market?
Tide Exhibition is a place to exhibit works and products, while Tide 'Super' Market is a place to sell them. Both are great for PR and business, but we suggest joining Exhibition if you want to advertise your works, and Market if you want to sell or take orders.
Entering and screening
Is there a difference between the first deadline (May 31st) and the second (June 29th)?
No. Due to limits on space, we recommend an early submission. The second deadline will be the last call, so we suggest submitting your entries by the first deadline.
Does that mean there are two steps to the screening process?
No. There will be a screening for entries submitted by the first deadline, and another for the second.
What are the guidelines for the screening process?
Entries will be screened by the Design Tide committee, advisory board, and project leaders based on artistic quality and the concept behind the work.
How will the screening results be announced?
We'll send an e-mail announcing one of three results: 'accepted', 'still screening', or 'rejected'.
I can't download the entry sheet.
Mail us at designer@designtide.jp to ask for help. If you can't download the sheet, we'll send you a copy.
Can anybody exhibit if they pay the entry fee?
There is a screening process before the payment. Only accepted applicants will be asked to pay the entry fee.
Works
Does my work have to be created under this year's base theme of 'PLAY'?
No, the base theme is for the organizers of Design Tide. There are no rules as long as your works are based on your own concepts and thoughts.
What fields will Design Tide cover?
Mainly interior, product, and furniture design. We also welcome fashion, jewelry, graphic design, video, art pieces, and interactive design.
Exhibition space
Where is the main exhibition space?
It will be held at an event space in the Design Tide area (Aoyama, Harajuku, Shibuya and Roppongi). The exact location will be on announced on our website around June.
Planning and set up
How should I schedule my exhibit for Tide Exhibition and Tide 'Super' Market?
Tide Tide Exhibition: The committee will decide on the layout of the main exhibition space in July. We will ask participants what kind of space they would like (width, depth, w/wo wall), and decide on a layout. 3-4 weeks before the opening, the committee will start on the construction of the site (wall, ceiling, power supplies, basic lighting, etc). 1-2 weeks before the opening, the participants will start on the setup of their individual spaces onsite.
Tide Tide Market: The committee will decide on the layout of the main exhibition space in August. After the layout is decided and 3-4 weeks before the opening the committee will start on the construction of the site (wall, ceiling, power supplies, basic lighting, etc). One week before the opening, the participants will start on the setup of their individual spaces onsite.
What should I prepare for Tide Exhibition and Tide 'Super' Market?
Tide Tide Exhibition: Design Tide will provide the ceiling, flooring, basic lighting and power supplies. Please inquire about anything else you need. You will be responsible for the design, production, set up, and removal of any tables or decorations.
Tide Tide Market: Design Tide will provide the ceiling, flooring, basic lighting, power supplies, and tables. Please inquire about anything else you need. You will be responsible for the design, production, set up, and removal of any decorations for your space.
Guests
How many people will be attending?
Around 50,000 attended during the five days of last year's Design Tide. The count for the main exhibition space alone was 20,000.
What kind of people will be attending?
Buyers, manufacturers, press, students, others from the design industry, and design lovers in general. Press from Europe, America, and Asia will be attending as well.
Other
How is Design Tide different from Designer's Week?
Both are design events held during the same period to promote the design scene in Tokyo. However, we have different organizers and differ in nature.
The entry fee for Design Tide is set at a low price so that young and energetic designers can participate independently. Participants exhibit concept models and prototypes instead of commercial products, and work side by side with the committee while finding opportunities to commercialize their works along the way.
From DT's point of view, Designer's Week centers around an interior design tradeshow. A tradeshow is one of DT's objectives of course, but we value the process of a design becoming 'traded', and aim to further the possibilities of design by broadening our range beyond young creators and products.
