In a world where analogue and digital realities are merging, age-old questions take on new significance: What is real and what is fake? What is artificial and what is natural? And, how real is reality?

Focus Theme: »The New Real«

Artificial intelligence is accelerating, technology is taking over, and reality is shifting. We are witnessing a new kind of real and a transformation that spares no industry. For professionals in design, communication, media, and the creative economy, this brings profound implications. During Design Month 2025, we will explore these through the programme focus “The New Real”: What does human creativity mean in an era of artificial intelligence? How are business models evolving? What responsibilities do those designing new immersive worlds bear?

The design community can look forward to thought-provoking discussions, exhibitions, workshops, and installations at the festival hub, Hornig Areal.

The programme is curated by Creative Industries Styria and features contributions from local, national, and international partners within the CIS network.

Are you a designer or a shop owner interested in participating in the »Design in the City« format? Find more information and the Call for Designers & Shops here.

Participation Terms for Design Month Graz

Responsibility

The format and nature of the event are entirely up to the applicants—whether it’s a presentation, event, exhibition, workshop, a single programme item, or a series. All programme proposals must be fully developed and budgeted at the time of submission. Conceptual ideas or projects still in the planning phase cannot be considered.

Initiative

The success of a submitted programme item largely depends on the applicant’s own initiative. Design Month Graz provides a promotional platform that accommodates a wide variety of programme points. However, this does not replace personal commitment or the need for individual marketing of the event.

Self-Funding

Each participant in Design Month Graz is responsible for financing their own event. Creative Industries Styria cannot provide financial support for implementation. Funding must be secured by the participants themselves.

Services Provided by Creative Industries Styria

As the initiator and organiser of Design Month Graz, Creative Industries Styria leverages all available marketing and PR channels to promote the programme locally, nationally, and internationally. Various print materials will be produced for the event, and all information will be available in both German and English on www.designmonat.at as well as through social media channels.

Programme Coordination

Creative Industries Styria maintains an overview of all submitted programme points. This ensures the best possible scheduling and helps avoid overlaps in timing.

Marketing

Creative Industries Styria promotes the overall programme and Design Month Graz as a brand, thereby supporting the visibility of individual programme items. Media relations for specific programme points are coordinated in collaboration with the respective partners.