WDC Hub

Aperitivo: Spanish Design in Conversation

«Aperitivo: Spanish Design in Conversation» is an international project promoted by the Spanish Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Design Foundation of the Region of Valencia and the Spanish Design Association Network, presented within the framework of World Design Capital Frankfurt RheinMain 2026.

Curated by Jorge Penadés, the project explores design as a catalyst for exchange rather than a final outcome. Inspired by the Spanish cultural concept of the “aperitivo”, it creates a space where ideas, processes and perspectives are shared before they are concluded.

The project combines a site-specific installation with a series of workshops and paired conversations between Spanish designers, engaging directly with the German creative ecosystem. The format moves away from traditional presentations, focusing instead on dialogue, materials and process-based thinking.

Through this approach, «Aperitivo» aims to foster meaningful connections between designers, institutions and audiences, contributing to the internationalisation of Spanish design and reinforcing its presence within the European creative landscape.

The event will be held in English. Participation is free of charge, with prior registration required. Places are limited. Registration details are coming soon.

Each session will feature two paired dialogues between leading Spanish designers:

Day 1: Thursday, May 7, 2026 · 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Register at:  https://form.typeform.com/to/FIKVZCec
Inma Bermúdez & Tomás Alonso
El Último Grito & Miguel Leiro

Day 2: Friday, May 8, 2026 · 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Register at:  https://form.typeform.com/to/heTJ91H0
Attua Aparicio & Lucas Muñoz
Idoia Cuesta & Sara Regal

Both sessions will be held in English and they will be moderated by Jorge Penadés, curator of the initiative and designer of the installation. Attendees are encouraged to engage, ask questions and take part in the exchange.

A wine reception will follow the dialogues at 5:30 PM at the WDC-Hub, hosted by the Spanish institutions and offering an opportunity to continue the conversation in an informal setting.

The project is organised by the Spanish Ministry of Culture, the Design Foundation of the Region of Valencia (an internationally active organisation dedicated to promoting design as a driver of innovation, culture and economic development, building on the legacy of Valencia World Design Capital 2022) and READ (Spanish Design Association Network).