Philadelphia is about to get more wonderful.
From August 1-10, Assembly Required will host the Designer Toy Art Festival, the first large-scale event in Philadelphia dedicated entirely to the world of independent toy design, custom collectibles, and DIY creative culture. With more than 100 artists and vendors expected, the 10-day celebration includes an art exhibition, immersive programming, and a three-day main event held at the historic 23rd Street Armory.
Originally launched in Asheville, NC, by artist and curator Matthew J. Casale, Assembly Required has quickly become one of the few U.S. events focused exclusively on designer toys, bootlegs, pop-surrealist figures, and independent creators. This year marks the show’s expansion into a new city and a new format — one that brings together street art, figural sculpture, collectible culture, and storytelling under one banner.
“This space was built by artists who needed each other — and needed a platform,” says Casale. “Philadelphia is the perfect city for this expansion because it has a rich legacy of creativity, rebellion, and community-building. These artists deserve a stage, and Assembly Required is where they get it.”
Now reimagined as the Designer Toy Art Festival, the event is produced in collaboration with GoHero and POP Solutions — two industry forces known for pushing the boundaries of character design and brand storytelling. Together, they’re curating a space where art toys aren’t just celebrated, but elevated as cultural vehicles in their own right.
“Independent creators are the heartbeat of tomorrow’s brands,” says Steve Forde, founder of GoHero, POP Solutions, and co-founder of LBO Collective. “We’ve seen firsthand how powerful art toys can be in shaping culture. This event is designed to be a launchpad for the next generation of world-class creators.”
For more information about the festival, visit toyartfest.com.
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