World Design Celebrates 20 years in Ireland

World Design Marks 20 Years with African and Brazilian Craft Exhibition at Flux Studios

World Design will celebrate 20 years since opening its flagship store in Dublin with a curated exhibition of African and Brazilian craft and design at Flux Studios. The exhibition 'Elements' opens on May 21 (rsvp only) and will be open to the public on May 22 and 23 from 11am to 6pm.

The exhibition coincides with Africa Day on May 25 and pays tribute to the skill and creativity of artisans across the African continent, alongside partner projects in Brazil. The showcase highlights art, craft and design sourced through ethical collaborations rooted in Fair Trade principles.

Founded in 1998 in Gaborone, Botswana, World Design was established to create market access for artisans, particularly women, working in the Global South. The concept expanded internationally, including retail locations such as the Nelson Mandela Capture Site in South Africa, before opening in Dublin at the Powerscourt Townhouse in 2006.

Over the past two decades, founder Annig Barrett has combined retail with development work, completing a master’s degree in international development and consulting on craft sector initiatives, including the creation of the Craft Council of Botswana. Today, World Design works with 37 projects across Africa and partners with eight initiatives in Brazil, continuing its mission of “aid through trade.”

“I spent my youth in Africa, going to markets with my mother and seeing the incredible creativity of local artisans,” said Barrett. “I always believed that one of the most effective ways to support women is to buy what they make. World Design was created to provide access to markets, which is often the biggest barrier.”

World Design continues to offer a carefully curated selection of jewellery, accessories and homeware that combine the elements of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, incorporating recycled, sustainable and locally sourced materials.