AIGA Maine, the state chapter of the professional association for design, is bringing back Maine Design Fest, featuring more than 10 public events centered on design, creativity and community.
The event, scheduled for Aug. 1-7, will feature workshops, studio tours, mural walks, networking events, free co-working sessions, creative talks and AIGA Maine’s annual conference at the Portland Museum of Art.
Events are scheduled in Portland, Bangor, Bath and other communities, with advance registration required.
The festival follows a 2025 event that drew more than 500 attendees. Organizers expanded this year’s programming to include new experiences for designers, artists, entrepreneurs, educators, students and anyone interested in creativity.
About the event
This year’s festival theme, “Curiosity,” focuses on encouraging participants to explore new ideas, creative disciplines and perspectives through hands-on experiences and conversations.
The lineup includes a mix of free and ticketed events, including mural walks in Portland and Bangor, Creative Keynotes at the Maine College of Art & Design, studio talks with Maine creatives and hands-on workshops.
“Maine has become an incredible place for designers, technologists, artists, entrepreneurs, makers and students to build meaningful careers while staying connected,” said Emily Foran, president of AIGA Maine. “We hope Maine Design Fest inspires new ideas, unexpected collaborations and reminds people that Maine isn’t just a beautiful place to live — it’s a place where innovation, creativity and community thrive.”
AIGA Maine aims to foster a thriving, inclusive design community in Maine, according to the organization’s website. AIGA, a national organization based in New York, was originally known as the American Institute of Graphic Arts.
