Despite recent tragic events, the design month in GRAZ has concluded, with creative industries reporting a positive outcome.The event saw participation from 50,000 visitors across more than 140 events, with creative professionals from 15 nations contributing to the program. this yearS theme, “The New Real,” explored the multifaceted nature of reality through exhibitions, installations, workshops, and talks. A key highlight was the main exhibition at the Hornig area festival center, showcasing an immersive environment featuring 50 video boards by AI artists from various countries, including France, South Korea, Canada, Ukraine, USA, and Italy.

Over 24 days, the UNESCO City of Design GRAZ and its surroundings hosted over 140 design events with approximately 160 program partners. These events collectively attracted around 50,000 visitors, including international delegates from other UNESCO CITIES OF DESIGN, such as Montreal and Wuhan.

The “Design in the City” initiative within the inner city experienced mixed results. Though, collaborations outside of GRAZ, including “Schloss Hollenegg for Design“, “Design from Hof” in Pöllau, and the “Deters to the bearded Therese”, proved popular and attracted a diverse audience.

Eberhard Schrempf’s Final Design Month

this design month marked the last under the leadership of Eberhard Schrempf, the managing director of Creative Industries Styria. Having been in charge since the “CIS” foundation in 2007,the internationally connected design and cultural expert will retire at the end of August. As he concludes his tenure,Schrempf emphasizes the importance of maintaining and expanding the design festival,ensuring its interdisciplinary and inclusive nature. “In the course of the previous 16 editions, the design month of Graz has developed a strong network and positions the city on the international map, especially in the context of its role as a UNESCO City of Design.On this foundation, one should continue to work sustainably and not freely destroy it through new budget cuts,” said Schrempf.The Creative Industries Styria is supported by the Styrian Business Development SfG, the city of Graz, and the Styria chamber of Commerce, with funding from public sources.

“In the course of the previous 16 editions, the design month of Graz has developed a strong network and positions the city on the international map…”