World Design Capital Frankfurt RheinMain 2026 is bringing together people who are passionate about actively designing the future of our region. Whether individuals, initiatives, businesses, or cultural institutions, we’re all working together on projects and cooperations to develop ideas for a future worth experiencing.
Our exciting programme for 2026 highlights, across 7 thematic tracks, how design can strengthen democracy and positively change our lives. Along this journey, we invite you.
Save Democratic Spaces – Möglichkeitsräume schützen und schaffen
Save Democratic Spaces supports places where people come together, exchange ideas, and make a difference –regardless of their background or identity. These vital spaces are often under pressure from gentrification or funding cuts. Through our programme, we aim to protect, strengthen, and raise awareness of them, ensuring they continue to contribute to democracy and social cohesion in the future.
Co-designing GündiWest
by: studio formagora
This participatory design project works with volunteers and residents of the GündiWest housing project to co-create community spaces. GündiWest, a home for formerly homeless people, will move to a new location in late 2025.
Booty Bounce
by: Sarah Ariebu & Team
Booty Bounce is a performance project over several months that puts queer BIPoC FLINTA* individuals in Frankfurt in the spotlight, while fostering their participation in the cultural scene.
Photo: Nebs Mehari/ Booty Bounce
Demokratiekioske
by: Lust auf besser leben gGmbH
The Demokratiekioske project aims to use temporary kiosks and public spaces as discussion hubs, where communities can engage with democratic themes in informal, accessible ways.
Illustration: Barski Design
Better together – in guter Gesellschaft
Better Together is all about making changes together and actively shaping our environment. Through interactive projects and hands-on activities, everyone can help create more opportunities for people to participate in society and democracy. Whether it’s neighbourhoods creating new gathering spaces or initiatives advocating for more green areas – it's all about working together!
Kelkheim kann’s – Straße der Vielfalt
by: City of Kelkheim (Taunus)
Kelkheim kann’s – Straße der Vielfalt turns Frankfurter Straße into a meeting point for everyone. During the city festival in 2025 and 2026, local clubs and organisations will showcase what makes Kelkheim unique: its diversity and community spirit. There will be activities bringing together people from various cultures and art projects that stay in the city.
Kiosk of Solidarity X Drogensozialarbeit FFM
by: Moritz Ahlert & Felix Egle
The Kiosk of Solidarity X Drogensozialarbeit FFM is a project in Frankfurt that addresses drug use, homelessness, and social exclusion. The kiosk brings together drug users, addiction services, and local communities in public areas to resolve conflicts, foster dialogue and bridge social and health gaps.
Photo: Monika Keiler / Kiosk of Solidarity
With all Senses – mit allen Sinnen
With All Senses makes democracy a sensory experience. It’s about discovering new perspectives – through hearing, tasting, seeing and feeling. Whether it's a performance to reflect on or a shared meal that brings people together – this is all about experience, enjoyment and community.
Aufbruch und Abbruch: Architektur für Alle
by: BOYS* IN SYNC
A performative walk through the May housing estates: The performers alternate between tour guides and characters from Kleist‘s Erdbeben in Chili. The project prompts reflection on the intersection of architecture, democracy and crisis management.
Photo: Max Morris
Singen als soziale Praxis
by: Anouk Schmelz & Clara Maldener
People gather in public spaces to sing together, creating a sense of community!
BEAT BY BITS – AN OPEN-AIR VERSION OF 16BIT
by: Paula Rosolen/Haptic Hide
BEAT BY BITS (BBB) is a dance performance in public spaces across Frankfurt. It tackles the social and political meanings of techno, using a dynamic blend of sound, colour and movement to make these meanings perceptible.
Photo: Wolfgang Stahr / Beat by Bits
Moving forward – von Vergangenem zu Visionärem
Moving Forward connects the past and the future: We learn from traditions and history to shape tomorrow. It explores topics like sustainability, digitalisation, and mobility. To actively shape the future, we need creative ideas – not just to react to change, but to recognise new opportunities.
The Street as a Runway
by: Lorenza Manfredi & Team
The Street as a Runway explores the use of public spaces. Streets weren’t always meant for cars. In workshops focused on kite-building and flying, people of all ages will come together in the streets.
Photo: Francesco Schifano
Bibliotheken digifit
by: FD Kultur Rheingau-Taunus-Kreis
This project strengthens digital participation in the Rheingau-Taunus region. Bibliotheken digifit is a mobile, modular makerspace expanding the possibilities of 15 local libraries and enhancing digital expertise.
SEIT 19/02/20 HANAU
by: Biarna Diegmüller
This digital platform gathers various texts and materials on right-wing terrorism. Users can download and share zines and posters to raise awareness and spark dialogue.
Photo: Seit 19/02/2020 Hanau
Design in Schools – Design macht Schule! Frankfurt RheinMain lehrt Gestaltung
Design in Schools aims to highlight the role of design as a key to future-oriented education. The goal is to encourage young people to actively shape not only their immediate school environment but also society as a whole.
TikTok-Formate – S-Bahn-Takes (WT) and Blindcast (WT)
by: Bildungsstätte Anne Frank e. V.
S-Bahn-Takes (WT) and Blindcast (WT) bring 2 people together on TikTok to debate controversial topics.
Domäne S
by: Domäne S – für Schülerinnen und Schüler e. V.
This project transforms unused display cases and empty shop windows on level B at tube station Hauptwache into creative platforms for students in Frankfurt, allowing them to showcase their ideas and experience democratic participation in public spaces.
Workshop of Domäne S – hosted at the Agentur des städtischen Wandels, Photo: Domäne S
Urbane Raumforschung Frankfurt
by: studio gross klein
Young people shaping their neighborhood! Together with experts and the local community they explore and transform public spaces. The city becomes their own project.
Illustration: Falko Schnelle
Design meets Society – Der Designdiskurs um den erweiterten Designbegriff
Design meets Society explores how design can help drive and shape social change. The aim is to convey an expanded understanding of design and to create new spaces and formats through thoughtful design that enable democratic discourse and contribute to a better future.
Summerschool 409
by: Gestalt Error 409
How can design have a true social and societal impact? 30 participants will dive into the intersection of design and theory over 3 workshop days.
Re-Negotiating Space
by: Kultur einer Digitalstadt e.V. and hortopia.org
The Re-Negotiating Space event series asks: How can we fairly consider nature and humans in urban planning? In 3 to 5 events, new ideas and ways for collaborative planning will be developed.
Photo: Kultur einer Digitalstadt / Re-Negotiating Space
Typography for Democracy
by: Jewish Community of Frankfurt K.d.ö.R. and Bureau Mitte, Frankfurt
Typography for Democracy features several events that explore the cultural significance of typography as a bridge between cultures.
Photo: Golnar Kat Rahmani / Type Politics
Cooperations with Universities – Programme mit der kreativen Hochschullandschaft der Region
1) Open Call University Projects
Many universities have submitted projects to our Open Call in 2024, covering a wide range of topics in seminars and research projects: designing public spaces, political tools in design and the democratisation of digital content.
2) University Roundtable / Cooperations with Universities
The University Roundtable brings together actors from various universities, colleges and academic disciplines.
Together, they will discuss and initiate potential collaborations and projects. We support the initiatives of partnering universities, from seminars and projects to theses, real labs, conferences, exhibitions, tours, summer schools, residencies and research initiatives with material budgets.
3) Young Talent Design Campus (YTDC) – International Summer School 2026
The YTDC will take place in 2026 at Museum Angewandte Kunst in Frankfurt. It connects universities and their (international) students from the region and beyond, providing a platform for young designers and inviting them to participate in a summer school with keynotes and workshops focused on the expanded concept of design and its potential.
Our preliminary programme in the press
Here you can watch a Sat.1 report on our preliminary programme:
World Design Capital Frankfurt RheinMain 2026 is bringing together people who are passionate about actively designing the future of our region. Whether individuals, initiatives, businesses, or cultural institutions, we’re all working together on projects and cooperations to develop ideas for a future worth experiencing.
Our exciting programme for 2026 highlights, across 7 thematic tracks, how design can strengthen democracy and positively change our lives. Along this journey, we invite you.
Save Democratic Spaces – Möglichkeitsräume schützen und schaffen
Save Democratic Spaces supports places where people come together, exchange ideas, and make a difference –regardless of their background or identity. These vital spaces are often under pressure from gentrification or funding cuts. Through our programme, we aim to protect, strengthen, and raise awareness of them, ensuring they continue to contribute to democracy and social cohesion in the future.
Co-designing GündiWest
by: studio formagora
This participatory design project works with volunteers and residents of the GündiWest housing project to co-create community spaces. GündiWest, a home for formerly homeless people, will move to a new location in late 2025.
Booty Bounce
by: Sarah Ariebu & Team
Booty Bounce is a performance project over several months that puts queer BIPoC FLINTA* individuals in Frankfurt in the spotlight, while fostering their participation in the cultural scene.
Photo: Nebs Mehari/ Booty Bounce
Demokratiekioske
by: Lust auf besser leben gGmbH
The Demokratiekioske project aims to use temporary kiosks and public spaces as discussion hubs, where communities can engage with democratic themes in informal, accessible ways.
Illustration: Barski Design
Better together – in guter Gesellschaft
Better Together is all about making changes together and actively shaping our environment. Through interactive projects and hands-on activities, everyone can help create more opportunities for people to participate in society and democracy. Whether it’s neighbourhoods creating new gathering spaces or initiatives advocating for more green areas – it's all about working together!
Kelkheim kann’s – Straße der Vielfalt
by: City of Kelkheim (Taunus)
Kelkheim kann’s – Straße der Vielfalt turns Frankfurter Straße into a meeting point for everyone. During the city festival in 2025 and 2026, local clubs and organisations will showcase what makes Kelkheim unique: its diversity and community spirit. There will be activities bringing together people from various cultures and art projects that stay in the city.
Kiosk of Solidarity X Drogensozialarbeit FFM
by: Moritz Ahlert & Felix Egle
The Kiosk of Solidarity X Drogensozialarbeit FFM is a project in Frankfurt that addresses drug use, homelessness, and social exclusion. The kiosk brings together drug users, addiction services, and local communities in public areas to resolve conflicts, foster dialogue and bridge social and health gaps.
Photo: Monika Keiler / Kiosk of Solidarity
With all Senses – mit allen Sinnen
Aufbruch und Abbruch: Architektur für Alle
by: BOYS* IN SYNC
A performative walk through the May housing estates: The performers alternate between tour guides and characters from Kleist‘s Erdbeben in Chili. The project prompts reflection on the intersection of architecture, democracy and crisis management.
Photo: Max Morris
Singen als soziale Praxis
by: Anouk Schmelz & Clara Maldener
People gather in public spaces to sing together, creating a
sense of community!
BEAT BY BITS – AN OPEN-AIR VERSION OF 16BIT
by: Paula Rosolen/Haptic Hide
BEAT BY BITS (BBB) is a dance performance in public spaces across Frankfurt. It tackles the social and political meanings of techno, using a dynamic blend of sound, colour and movement to make these meanings perceptible.
Photo: Wolfgang Stahr / Beat by Bits
Moving forward – von Vergangenem zu Visionärem
Moving Forward connects the past and the future: We learn from traditions and history to shape tomorrow. It explores topics like sustainability, digitalisation, and mobility. To actively shape the future, we need creative ideas – not just to react to change, but to recognise new opportunities.
The Street as a Runway
by: Lorenza Manfredi & Team
The Street as a Runway explores the use of public spaces. Streets weren’t always meant for cars. In workshops focused on kite-building and flying, people of all ages will come together in the streets.
Photo: Francesco Schifano
Bibliotheken digifit
by: FD Kultur Rheingau-Taunus-Kreis
This project strengthens digital participation in the Rheingau-Taunus region. Bibliotheken digifit is a mobile, modular makerspace expanding the possibilities of 15 local libraries and enhancing digital expertise.
SEIT 19/02/20 HANAU
by: Biarna Diegmüller
This digital platform gathers various texts and materials on right-wing terrorism. Users can download and share zines and posters to raise awareness and spark dialogue.
Photo: Seit 19/02/2020 Hanau
Design in Schools – Design macht Schule! Frankfurt RheinMain lehrt Gestaltung
Design in Schools aims to highlight the role of design as a key to future-oriented education. The goal is to encourage young people to actively shape not only their immediate school environment but also society as a whole.
TikTok-Formate – S-Bahn-Takes (WT) and Blindcast (WT)
by: Bildungsstätte Anne Frank e. V.
S-Bahn-Takes (WT) and Blindcast (WT) bring 2 people together on TikTok to debate controversial topics.
Domäne S
by: Domäne S – für Schülerinnen und Schüler e. V.
This project transforms unused display cases and empty shop windows on level B at tube station Hauptwache into creative platforms for students in Frankfurt, allowing them to showcase their ideas and experience democratic participation in public spaces.
Workshop of Domäne S – hosted at the Agentur des städtischen Wandels, Photo: Domäne S
Urbane Raumforschung Frankfurt
by: studio gross klein
Young people shaping their neighborhood! Together with experts and the local community they explore and transform public spaces. The city becomes their own project.
Illustration: Falko Schnelle
Design meets Society – Der Designdiskurs um den erweiterten Designbegriff
Design meets Society explores how design can help drive and shape social change. The aim is to convey an expanded understanding of design and to create new spaces and formats through thoughtful design that enable democratic discourse and contribute to a better future.
Summerschool 409
by: Gestalt Error 409
How can design have a true social and societal impact? 30 participants will dive into the intersection of design and theory over 3 workshop days.
Re-Negotiating Space
by: Kultur einer Digitalstadt e.V. and hortopia.org
The Re-Negotiating Space event series asks: How can we fairly consider nature and humans in urban planning? In 3 to 5 events, new ideas and ways for collaborative planning will be developed.
Photo: Kultur einer Digitalstadt / Re-Negotiating Space
Typography for Democracy
by: Jewish Community of Frankfurt K.d.ö.R. and Bureau Mitte, Frankfurt
Typography for Democracy features several events that explore the cultural significance of typography as a bridge between cultures.
Photo: Golnar Kat Rahmani / Type Politics
Cooperations with Universities – Programme mit der kreativen Hochschullandschaft der Region
1) Open Call University Projects
Many universities have submitted projects to our Open Call in 2024, covering a wide range of topics in seminars and research projects: designing public spaces, political tools in design and the democratisation of digital content.
2) University Roundtable / Cooperations with Universities
The University Roundtable brings together actors from various universities, colleges and academic disciplines.
Together, they will discuss and initiate potential collaborations and projects. We support the initiatives of partnering universities, from seminars and projects to theses, real labs, conferences, exhibitions, tours, summer schools, residencies and research initiatives with material budgets.
3) Young Talent Design Campus (YTDC) – International Summer School 2026
The YTDC will take place in 2026 at Museum Angewandte Kunst in Frankfurt. It connects universities and their (international) students from the region and beyond, providing a platform for young designers and inviting them to participate in a summer school with keynotes and workshops focused on the expanded concept of design and its potential.
Our preliminary programme in the press
Here you can watch a Sat.1 report on our preliminary programme:
