This is what lies behind our 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 WDC programme

Our programme invites civil society, institutions, associations, foundations and stakeholders from business and politics to jointly shape our lives: whether in public spaces and squares, to make them more democratic and welcoming, or in educational institutions, cultural venues, transport or the production of goods. Sustainability, longevity, circular economy, reuse of materials: design has been proven to be the driver of innovation, excellence and value creation.

We don't build symbols of power, we create atmospheres.

With our programme, we will turn the Rhine-Main region into a large workshop for testing, experimenting and developing solutions for what we want to improve as a society in 2026. WDC 2026 is rolling out a carpet of over 400 projects in the region that demonstrate how design can turn the wishes and ideas of civil society into tangible, sensory, experiential situations and spaces: good places with emotional resonance and vibrations, colourfulness and beautiful tonality.

Impulses for the future, initiating processes and sometimes experimenting: no taboos!

We want to encourage the people of the region to get involved. To take action and assume responsibility instead of expressing indignation or complaining. For our democratic coexistence, which we want to renew in order to preserve what is important to us: freedom and self-efficacy to shape the future. The window of opportunity for systemic transformation is small: design and creativity can give us the decisive push we need.

The three pillars of the programme:

WDC in-house productions

Our WDC events provide a common thread throughout the WDC year 2026 and create versatile stages for the creative industries. These include a mobile pavilion, the WDC ship Navigating Democracy, the international Open – Design Week Frankfurt RheinMain, the WDC Campus – young talents at work and the WDC Summer with the Module Festival. The focus is on networking and co-creation between design, technology, communication, mobility and civil society. Collaborations with universities, institutions, companies and initiatives bring design to life as a socially relevant practice. Key partners bring business and design into play in a targeted manner and help shape key projects, including the World Design Policy Conference in November 2026.

Cooperation

Important programme highlights are developed in close cooperation with selected, renowned partners such as museums, universities, companies and foundations from the region. These partners contribute their expertise, creativity and passion and play a decisive role in showcasing the diversity and innovative strength of the region.

Projects from the open call

Our Open Call 2024 was an important milestone. We received a total of 1,200 projects and ideas, many of which are now an integral part of our programme. This allows us to showcase the creative potential of Frankfurt Rhine-Main and connect the various stakeholders with one another. Numerous projects from the Open Call are rolling out a carpet in the region and forming the supporting foundation of WDC 2026, developed by people from the region, institutions and associations – from Frankfurt to Darmstadt, from Wiesbaden to Offenbach.

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.