China Design Now, organized by the Victoria and Albert Museum, captures an extraordinary moment as China opens up to global influences and responds to the hopes and dreams of its new urban middle class.

This is the first exhibition in the United Kingdom and United States to explore the recent explosion of contemporary design in China and the first to attempt to understand the impact of rapid economic development on architecture and design in the country’s major cities. From significant architectural projects, including the 2008 Olympic national stadium, to the latest in fashion and graphics, the exhibition investigates this dynamic phase.

The exhibition takes the form of a journey through three rapidly expanding cities—Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen—each a starting point for the exploration of different design fields. Around one hundred designers are featured in a display that focuses on architecture, fashion, and graphic design as well as film, photography, product and furniture designs, youth culture, and digital media. These designers are the pioneers for future generations who will bring Chinese design to an international audience.

China Design Now showcases over 250 objects across architecture, fashion, and graphic design, as well as film, photography, product and furniture design, youth culture, and digital media. This exhibition enables visitors to explore how China’s design and consumer dreams began, how and why they are developing, and—most importantly—where they are going.

“The role of the independent designer is a new idea in post-reform China,” said Emily Holtrop, the Museum’s education curator. “Twenty five years ago China didn’t even have a word for a designer, let alone a design industry. This exhibition gives visitors an opportunity to appreciate the influential designs generated by China’s people at every level, from consumer goods to architecture.”

China Design Now will remain on view at the Cincinnati Art Museum Oct. 18, 2008 through Jan. 11, 2009. Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and college students, $4 for children ages 6-17, free for members and children under age 6.