Established in 2016 by Sir John Sorrell CBE and Ben Evans CBE, London Design Biennale promotes international collaboration and the global role of design with exhibitions and installations that "demonstrate the ambition to create universal solutions to problems which concern us all."

The third edition of London Design Biennale took place 1-27 June, 2021 at Somerset House. Due to the pandemic, this was nine months later than originally planned, and only two weeks after museums and cultural spaces reopened to the public. The sun shone, and the visitors poured in, overjoyed after months of lockdown and without travel, to see installations from around the world to view in the heart of London.

Exhibits from six continents, 33 countries, cities and territories were showcased alongside special projects, universities and art colleges, and an exhibition dedicated to Design in an Age of Crisis. The theme Resonance, by Artistic Director Es Devlin pre-pandemic, set in what might almost be considered another era, appeared more relevant than ever and provoked a fascinating range of installations, highlighting the role of design in addressing global challenges and providing solutions.

"I am delighted that the London Design Biennale will once again bring prominent designers, curators, and design institutes from around the globe to our capital. It has been an incredibly difficult year for the industry, but this programme will bring us together as an international community to reflect and collaborate on the challenges that lie ahead. London is a global creative capital, which will play a key role in our economic recovery from the pandemic."  

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London