With an ethos of providing good times while doing good in the world, Potato Head is extending this manta and bringing together inventive minds across conservation, design, music, and fashion for a week-long celebration of sustainability in Bali.
The Potato Head Family have long been champions of sustainability starting with the iconic facade at Potato Head Beach Club made up of locally sourced antique shutters, the neighboring Katamama Hotel which is both a stunning feat in architecture and design but also an oasis for sustainable living, and their newly opened 100% zero-waste in-house bar and restaurant called Ijen. Bringing together their community of think-tank leaders in that space for the betterment of the world was the natural next step.
Introducing the inaugural Future Design Week, which unfolds at Potato Beach Club later this month with a series of exhibitions, talks, workshops, art installations, and music events all centered around sustainable design. The lineup will showcase both local and international designers, studios and brands whose approach is pushing towards a more enriched and thoughtful tomorrow.
“Transitioning into a circular economy is one of the biggest challenges of our time; it requires asking the right questions, keeping an open mind and global collaboration across multiple industries,” say the organizers. “Our aim is to show the incredible scope and ingenuity of forward-thinking designers, studios and brands whose innovative approach is pushing towards a more sustainable future.”
The week-long event kicks off on May 17th at Desa Potato Head, a creative village for the future “where sustainable living blends seamlessly with music, art, and design, shaping new forms of cultural experiences.” Future Design week aims to exemplify this idea even more. Here’s what not to miss:
The opening extravaganza
Although the event runs through to the 24th, day one will see the most action with a full day of talks, workshops and music including a weaving workshop and demonstration with Lim Masulin from BYO Living, a Future Design cocktail case study, a talk by Ronald Akili, founder of Potato Head, and a session on ocean conservation by Greg Long from Parley. The night will wrap up with a DJ set by Eric Duncan.
A visionary panel that discusses design as a vehicle for change
Friday’s programming also features a panel that will see Dan Mitchell, creative director of Potato Head, Tony Fadell, inventor of the iPod and co-inventor of the iPhone, Kristine Harper, professor and author of the book “Aesthetic Sustainability – Product Design and Sustainable Usage” and Mike Long, head of operations at Parley come together. The hour-long talk will see these visionary minds explore design as a vehicle for social change and why it matters.
A thought-provoking daily program
Following the official launch day, the Future Design Exhibition will open to the public daily at 10am and be complemented by a carefully curated selection of engaging extras. A Sustainism Lab will host several workshops throughout the week, like an Eco Mantra Workshop, as well as an Innovation Hub together with Bali’s Green School and pop-ups that will unfold daily at Studio Eksotika including a listening session.
A classic Potato Head style closing party
Lauded American artist, architect, and fashion designer Virgil Abloh will close the week off when he descends upon the Islands of the Gods on May 23rd to play a DJ set at the official closing party. He will be joined by American skateboarder, DJ, and entrepreneur Alex Olson for a not-to-be-missed musical double-header.
All the epic sunsets
There is one word that best describes Potato Head sunsets: epic. Nearly every day of the year as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean, Potato Head Beach Club boasts what is arguably one of the best sunset views in Bali from its iconic infinity pool and surrounding garden. You can expect Future Design Week to be well blessed with sublime sunsets that are best paired with boozey sundowners.
Find the full program for the inaugural Future Design Week here.