Mar 2, 2023

SURTEX 2023 returns to NYC as standalone event

Commercial art and surface design show SURTEX is set to return to New York City as a standalone event May 9-10, according to Emerald Holding.

Previously hosted together with Emerald’s NY NOW, the redesigned SURTEX event will take place at New York City’s Metropolitan Pavilion in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood.

According to show executives, SURTEX has been enhanced with a dedicated focus in response to a high level of pent-up demand among both artists and buyers. The nature of the event aims to create an engaging, collaborative environment for buyers and sellers of the latest commercial art and designs. This year’s event is expected to attract more than 150 exhibitors representing the leading commercial artists and designers from around the world, Emerald said.

“During the pause since the last edition of SURTEX, Emerald carried out an industry wide evaluation and assessment on the needs of the commercial art and design marketplace,” said Yma Sherry, vice president of Emerald Xcelerator. “The overwhelming positive response from manufacturers, retailers, artists, agents and designers alike gave us the feedback to not only bring the show back, but to expand it as a standalone event in an inspiring location with more opportunities to connect both during and after the event.”

SURTEX is designed to serve the commercial art and design needs of multiple industries, including home textiles, tabletop and housewares, paper products, bed & bath, lifestyle & decor, apparel, toys, beauty, stationery, weavers and rugs, greeting cards and more.

“For more than 35 years, SURTEX has been an internationally recognized brand, and we are excited to uphold its reputation with this return to New York City,” said Liz Hitchcock, SURTEX brand leader. “Our team is dedicated to exceeding all expectations as the best and most collaborative source for commercial art and design that is reflective of the world’s most popular trends and best-selling products.”

In addition to individual artists, show executives said SURTEX exhibitors include many prominent design studios and licensing companies. Firms such as Union Sq. Art Collective Studio, formerly known as Design Works International, Patternfield Software Pty Ltd., Wild Apple Graphics, Tana Bana Design Services, Pink Light Design, Yuno Design Studio and others are committed.

“Over the years, SURTEX has been a wonderful opportunity for us to connect with manufacturers, licensees, art directors, and artists while promoting the work of our talented artists,” said Stuart Horrex, co-founder of Sydney based ArtSHINE.com, a creative industries launch pad and accelerator working with clients and creatives from around the world. “We’re looking forward to yet another great show.”