As part of the Open Call, you submitted over 1,000 fantastic project ideas, participation and cooperation offers, space suggestions, and support proposals. We are absolutely thrilled by your enthusiasm and want to say a huge thank you! Your creativity and commitment have truly impressed us.
Your ideas, along with cooperations and our own events, now form the foundation of the preliminary programme for 2026, taking place under the theme Design for Democracy. Atmospheres for a better life.
Over the past few weeks, we have reviewed all submitted ideas and project proposals and, together with our panel of experts, decided which projects will move on to the next stage. All persons have been informed.
Everyone who has offered spaces, support, or participation have also received an update from us about the next steps. We are now moving forward with the selected projects and individuals to develop and plan the programme for 2026 in detail. In early February, we held our first press conference and presented an interim update on the 2026 programme.
Any questions?
Then join our online consultation hour every Monday at 5 PM!
Project selection is based on our programme guidelines, which include both formal and content criteria. These guidelines ensure that all ideas selected for further development reflect the core theme Design for Democracy.
Formal Project Criteria (Stage 1)
Principles of a project (Stage 2)
For us, design goes far beyond creating beautiful products or graphics; it represents shaping, creating, and the power of creativity. Our motto, Let us design how we want to live, invites everyone to play an active role in creating our living spaces and ways of life to foster a fair and diverse society. Our seven guiding principles are built on this broad understanding of design:
Strengthening democracy: A WDC project is committed to promoting democratic engagement within our society. It upholds core democratic values such as freedom of expression, equality, and diversity, and integrates these principles across different levels—whether among individuals, in groups, or within societal and institutional frameworks.
Encouraging participation: A WDC project actively involves participants at various stages and through different forms of engagement, making them co-creators. By exchanging ideas and perspectives, it strengthens civic involvement and encourages participants to take action and initiate their own long-term projects.
Breaking down barriers and embracing diversity: A WDC project is designed to be as inclusive and accessible as possible, ensuring all individuals have the opportunity to take part. Its offerings reflect the varied needs of participants, and any forms of discrimination, including racism and sexism, are firmly opposed.
Strengthening local networks: A WDC project encourages cooperation and exchange among local stakeholders, organisations, and individuals in both urban and rural areas. By sharing resources, knowledge, and skills, participants work together to develop sustainable solutions that amplify the reach and impact of each project.
As part of the Open Call, you submitted over 1,000 fantastic project ideas, participation and cooperation offers, space suggestions, and support proposals. We are absolutely thrilled by your enthusiasm and want to say a huge thank you! Your creativity and commitment have truly impressed us.
Your ideas, along with cooperations and our own events, now form the foundation of the preliminary programme for 2026, taking place under the theme Design for Democracy. Atmospheres for a better life.
Over the past few weeks, we have reviewed all submitted ideas and project proposals and, together with our panel of experts, decided which projects will move on to the next stage. All persons have been informed.
Everyone who has offered spaces, support, or participation have also received an update from us about the next steps. We are now moving forward with the selected projects and individuals to develop and plan the programme for 2026 in detail. In early February, we held our first press conference and presented an interim update on the 2026 programme.
Any questions?
Then join our online consultation hour every Monday at 5 PM!
Project selection is based on our programme guidelines, which include both formal and content criteria. These guidelines ensure that all ideas selected for further development reflect the core theme Design for Democracy.
Formal Project Criteria (Stage 1)
Principles of a project (Stage 2)
For us, design goes far beyond creating beautiful products or graphics; it represents shaping, creating, and the power of creativity. Our motto, Let us design how we want to live, invites everyone to play an active role in creating our living spaces and ways of life to foster a fair and diverse society. Our seven guiding principles are built on this broad understanding of design:
Strengthening democracy: A WDC project is committed to promoting democratic engagement within our society. It upholds core democratic values such as freedom of expression, equality, and diversity, and integrates these principles across different levels—whether among individuals, in groups, or within societal and institutional frameworks.
Encouraging participation: A WDC project actively involves participants at various stages and through different forms of engagement, making them co-creators. By exchanging ideas and perspectives, it strengthens civic involvement and encourages participants to take action and initiate their own long-term projects.
Breaking down barriers and embracing diversity: A WDC project is designed to be as inclusive and accessible as possible, ensuring all individuals have the opportunity to take part. Its offerings reflect the varied needs of participants, and any forms of discrimination, including racism and sexism, are firmly opposed.
Strengthening local networks: A WDC project encourages cooperation and exchange among local stakeholders, organisations, and individuals in both urban and rural areas. By sharing resources, knowledge, and skills, participants work together to develop sustainable solutions that amplify the reach and impact of each project.
