Asian Night Market Festival:
A Celebration of Cultural Diversity

Festival Design

Published in Graphic Design USA 2023 | Gold ADDY Winner 2023 (Local) | Bronze ADDY Winner 2024 (Local)

THE WHAT:

The Asian Night Market Festival (ANMF) is an annual event that celebrates the rich diversity of the Asian American community in the city. This weekend festival showcases the best of Asian culture, from delectable cuisines to vibrant fashion shows. The festival's primary goal was to make the event inviting to the entire community while honoring the myriad of cultures it represents. The key challenge was to design a festival experience that didn't overly focus on any single Asian culture but rather celebrated the collective diversity, encompassing over 20 different cultures from the Asian district.

THE SOLUTION:

Design Inspiration:

Our design approach for ANMF was inspired by Japanese woodblock printing (ukiyo-e), seamlessly blended with patterns representing various Asian cultures from India to China and beyond. Given the festival's summer evening setting, we chose a color palette that captured the essence of a night festival while incorporating colors symbolizing good fortune in many Asian cultures. Elements like woodblock dragons, tigers, and old Japanese illustrations were integral to our design, creating a cohesive and culturally rich visual narrative.

Branding and Implementation:

The branding was expansive, covering everything from street signs and wayfinding to posters and social media, effectively transforming the entire district into a vibrant canvas for the festival. This all-encompassing approach ensured a consistent and immersive experience for attendees, encapsulating the spirit of the festival across multiple touchpoints.

THE IMPACT:

Growth and Engagement:

Since its inception, ANMF has seen remarkable growth, attracting close to 50,000 people over the weekend. The festival has become a significant event for the Asian District, enabling it to showcase its uniqueness and inviting the broader Oklahoma City community to explore and celebrate Asian cultures.

Community and Cultural Impact:

The festival has not only been a platform for cultural showcase and appreciation but has also played a crucial role in bridging communities. It stands as a testament to the power of inclusive cultural celebration in fostering community bonds and enhancing cultural understanding.

SERVICES PROVIDED: