Applications are officially open for Design Week South Africa 2026, inviting designers, studios, brands, galleries, retailers, hospitality venues and creative businesses to take part in one of South Africa’s biggest annual celebrations of design.
Taking place across Johannesburg and Cape Town this October, the platform aims to showcase the country’s creative talent while connecting participants with industry professionals, media and design audiences from both South Africa and abroad.
A celebration across two cities
The Johannesburg edition will run from 8 to 11 October, followed by Cape Town from 22 to 25 October, creating two dedicated weeks focused on South African design and creative culture. Bringing together work across disciplines, the event offers a platform for participants to present exhibitions, installations, product launches, talks, collaborations and other creative experiences.
This year’s theme, The Shape of Us, invites applicants to consider how cultural identity, historical roots and future-thinking continue to shape South African design. Rather than prescribing a single interpretation, organisers are encouraging participants to respond through their own creative practice, whether that is architecture, interiors, product design, fashion, furniture, graphic design or multidisciplinary work.
Why participate?
According to the organisers, Design Week South Africa provides creatives with an opportunity to showcase their work during one of the country’s busiest periods for the design industry. For designers and studios, participation offers the chance to present projects to an engaged audience while building visibility among clients, collaborators and industry peers.
Brands and creative businesses are similarly encouraged to apply, with organisers positioning the event as a space where businesses can contribute to South Africa’s broader design conversation alongside established and emerging creative voices. Participants also benefit from exposure through Design Week South Africa’s media partnerships and coverage across local and international design, architecture, lifestyle and culture publications.
Past editions have helped position South African design on a global stage while creating opportunities for networking, collaboration and new business across the sector.
Who can apply?
Applications are open to independent designers, design studios, architecture and interior design practices, creative agencies, galleries, retailers, hospitality venues, collectives and brands with a genuine connection to design and creative culture. Applicants can choose to participate in Johannesburg, Cape Town or both cities.
Beyond the annual events, Design Week South Africa says its broader mission is to strengthen the local creative economy by encouraging collaboration, knowledge sharing and public engagement with design. Inspired by internationally recognised design weeks in cities such as Milan and Melbourne, the platform aims to create greater awareness and appreciation for South African design while supporting the next generation of creative talent.
Applications close on 2 August 2026. Those interested in participating can apply via designweeksouthafrica.com/apply or visit designweeksouthafrica.com for more information.
