School of Visual Arts and MFA Design: Designer as Author + Entrepreneur present “Venture17: Beyond Design,” a thesis exhibition of 19 design ventures by the 2017 graduating class. Curated by Ada Whitney, the exhibition is on view Saturday, April 22, through Saturday, May 20, at the SVA Gramercy Gallery, 209 East 23rd Street, New York City.

“Venture17: Beyond Design” is a fascinating look at an exciting new wave of design entrepreneurship and a showcase of 19 ventures: products, services, apps and more. The Thesis Launch show is a platform for MFA candidates to introduce their ventures to the public, receive feedback, and build partnerships.

Curated by Ada Whitney, MFA Design faculty member and co-founder and creative director of Beehive, the show features promotional videos of the 19 ventures, highlighting the story, features and viability of each student’s product. The ventures of “Beyond Design” span a range of themes and media. Some are educational, designed to help people learn more about themselves and the world around them, while others are digital experiences that connect people and create communities. Several ventures offer online services designed to make everyday life simpler, easier and happier, and many others develop innovative products to complement the modern lifestyle of global consumers.

We warmly welcome our colleagues in the design and business communities, the press and the interested public to join us for the opening reception on Monday, May 8 from 6:00–8:00pm, to celebrate with the members of the Class of 2017. Refreshments will be provided.

MFA Design at SVA, also known as MFA Designer as Author and Entrepreneur, launched in 1998 as an alternative to traditional master's programs, which emphasize form over content. MFA Design provides the tools, inspiration and experience to ensure that students transcend the common definition of designers as solely service providers to become individual and collaborative authors and originators of content.

Exhibition

Venture17: Beyond Design Exhibition

SVA Gramercy Gallery

Reception