Einige Personen sitzen in einem schönen Raum mit viel Fensterfläche. Im Hintergrund ist ein großes Plakat von World Design Capital 2026.©Ben Kuhlmann

Programme

For us, democratic design begins with programme development. WDC 2026 sees itself as a participatory platform – meaning: It's not just the outcome that matters, but also the process of getting there.

The focus points

Throughout the year, our programme focuses on different themes. Those address topics from everyday life, give the programme a lively structure, and bring different dimensions of design to life.

Key themes of the programme

Project Highlights from the region

Die Mathildenhöhe ist im Sonnenuntergang vor blauem Himmel.©Sinah Osner
A Step Ahead
In 2026, the Mathildenhöhe in Darmstadt will celebrate the 125th anniversary of its first exhibition.
Mathildenhöhe Darmstadt
Vorplatz Jüdisches Museum Frankfurt©Jüdisches Museum Frankfurt
April2026
16
Th
Apr
26
Sa
Sep
Mishpocha – The Art of Collaboration Jüdisches Museum Frankfurt
Das Jüdische Museum Frankfurt, Atelier Markgraph and the IMA Clique invite you to an extraordinary experiential exhibition.
Jüdisches Museum Frankfurt
Am Radweg zwischen Frankfurt und Offenbach stehen große, bunte Leuchten.©Tobias Trübenbacher, Andreas Lang
May2026
05
Tu
May
29
Th
Oct
Main Light
Climate-neutral, environmentally friendly lighting for public spaces in Hesse.
Project Street as a Runway©Francesco Schifano
Die Straße als Startbahn / The Street as a Runway
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.
Grafik mit gezeichneten Elementen©Falko Schnelle
Urbane Raumforschung Frankfurt
Young people shaping their neighborhood! Together with experts and the local community they explore and transform public spaces. The city becomes their own project.
Project Typography for Democracy©Golnar Kat Rahmani
Typography for Democracy
Typography for Democracy features several events that explore the cultural significance of typography as a bridge between cultures.
Project Kiosk of Solidarity©Monika Keiler
Kiosk of Solidarity X Bahnhofsviertel
Kiosk of Solidarity X Bahnhofsviertel is a project in Frankfurt that addresses drug use, homelessness, and social exclusion.
Project Booty Bounce©Booty Bounce
Booty Bounce
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.

WDC events with regional and international focus

Menschen sitzend in einem Park©Ben Kuhlmann
November
WDC Hub
The WDC Hub at Museum Angewandte Kunst is WDC 2026’s central home – a vibrant meeting point where the year’s themes come together. Here, international impulses and regional perspectives converge.
Colorful abstract graphic
April2026
02
Th
Apr
24
Th
Sep
WDC Pavilion
Sustainably built, modular, and mobile: The Pavilion will travel through the region from April to September 2026, stopping at five to seven key locations – from vibrant city squares to cultural landmarks.
Ein rosa Kreis auf einer schwarzweißen Straßenszene
June2026
04
Th
13
Sa
Open – Design Week Frankfurt RheinMain
In June 2026, Frankfurt RheinMain will become an international stage for designing tomorrow. For ten days, visionary design from the region will meet impulses from around the world.
Young Talent Design Campius©Ben Kuhlmann
June2026
WDC-Campus – young talents at work
Students, teachers and graduates from various disciplines present their projects, concepts and visions - application phase starts soon!
Eine Gruppe Personen, die einem Vortrag zuhören©Sinah Osner
August2026
WDC Summer
August 2026 will be the WDC Summer – a full month of creative happenings showcasing the diverse facets of design, making WDC 2026’s year-long activities tangible. From installations and discovery tours to exhibitions, everyone in the region is invited to participate and explore the world of design.
Foto von Menschen auf einem öffentlichen Platz©Ben Kuhlmann
August2026
06
Th
22
Sa
Module – Festival of Form & Experiment
Module is an interdisciplinary festival taking place in August 2026. At its core is the experimental interplay between music, design, and socially relevant topics.
Foto der Paulskirche in Frankfurt©Ben Kuhlmann
November2026
10
Tu
13
Fr
Policy Days
The World Design Policy Conference 2026 will be the global gathering for design, politics, and science, aiming to establish design as a strong driver for addressing societal and political challenges. The conference will take place in Wiesbaden, Frankfurt, and Offenbach.
Colorful abstract graphic
World Design Spotlight
This format combines established media and various channels to feature exciting contributions revolving around WDC themes.

Regular Exchange Formats

Ein Tisch mit Apfelweingläsern, einem Bembel und dem Schriftzug WDC-Stammtisch©Ben Kuhlmann
WDC Regular's Table
Exchange is at the heart of WDC 2026. The consultation hour is one of the regular WDC exchange formats.
Der Werkstattwagen vor der Skyline von Frankfurt.©Ben Kuhlmann
WDC Workshop Truck on the road
Our red WDC workshop truck stops by in many places in the region. Learn more about the developing programme and get to know the WDC team.
Foto von Mitarbeiter*innen des WDC im Projektbüro©Ben Kuhlmann
WDC consultation hour
Exchange is at the heart of WDC 2026. The consultation hour is one of the regular WDC exchange formats.

More Information on the Programme

Viele Bierdeckel mit Ideen zu Designfragen hängen an einem Plakat©Ben Kuhlmann
Key themes
Our programme puts a spotlight on issues that affect us all.
Moodbild©Ben Kuhlmann
Calendar
Together with numerous partners from Frankfurt RheinMain, World Design Capital 2026 invites you to join a diverse programme in 2026!
Zwei Personen stehen vor der Ausstellung des Werkstattwagens und unterhalten sich.©Ben Kuhlmann
Participate
Take a look at the participation opportunities currently available.
Zwei Personen sitzen an einem Tisch im Büro und diskutieren über ein Plakat.©Ben Kuhlmann
Programme development
Our programme is largely based on our Open Call — shaped by submitted projects and ideas, our own events and a wide range of cooperations.
Stammtisch©Ben Kuhlmann
Contributors in the region
WDC 2026 thrives on collaboration with institutions, universities, companies, foundations, individuals and many others.
Menschen sitzen in einem Kreis auf einer Wiese bei gutem Wetter©Ben Kuhlmann
Code of Conduct
Our Code of Conduct sets out the values and principles that matter to us. These guidelines are grounded in our democratic constitution and shape the way we work—both internally and externally.
Graphic with colourful shapes
July
08
Tu
Jul
16
Tu
Sep
WDC Academy
The WDC Academy supports programme makers in implementing their projects in a future-oriented, inclusive and impactful way.