What opportunities does design offer us to shape our coexistence? At the two-day festival in Wiesbaden, consisting of see-Conference on April 25 and see-Camp on April 26, creatives from the fields of design, fine arts, architecture, performing arts, and film will show how our participation in society is shaped by design. And this in 2026, the year in which the Frankfurt RheinMain region holds the title of World Design Capital under the motto "Design for Democracy."
The see-Conference on Saturday
The festival kicks off with the see-Conference on April 25, 2026, at the Schlachthof Wiesbaden Cultural Center. Now in its 20th year, it invites international creatives from all fields to Wiesbaden, making it one of the most important interdisciplinary design conferences in Germany. Around 750 visitors are expected at this year's see-Conference. A accompanying exhibition and the subsequent get-together round off the program – as does the break program, popular among long-time see-guests: a diverse culinary offering and exchange with inspiring people.
A Line-up Full of Highlights
The highly acclaimed philosopher Eva von Redecker will open the conference with her keynote. Her new book "Dieser Drang nach Härte" (This Urge for Harshness) about the new fascism will be released shortly before the conference. Also confirmed are Tobias Trübenbacher, awarded "Newcomer Designer of the Year" and one of the key players in the "World Design Capital," and the founders of the unconventional design studio Holy Motors from Georgia, who bring topics such as war, icon painting, banking, and homemade schnapps. Animation artist Deveroe will speak about how creativity can cut through in times of the attention economy, and Tobias von Laubenthal will report on his work at the Center for Political Beauty. Jette Cathrin Hopp will inspire with insights into the projects of the world-renowned architecture firm Snøhetta, and photographer Lois Hechenblaikner will give us an unsparing look at the effects of winter sports tourism in his home country of Austria. The lineup is completed by Hungarian artist David Ariel Szauder, who, as a boundary-crosser between technology, cultural history, and digital narrative forms, is one of the most fascinating voices in contemporary media art.
The see-Camp on Sunday
After the inspiring lectures on Saturday, the see-Camp takes a more practical approach: speakers from the see-Conference, dedicated experts, and local initiatives will guide participants in working towards a democratic and sustainable coexistence. In thematic areas such as design and art, nature and health, and democracy, there will be discussions, guided tours, workshops, and masterclasses to collaboratively shape living spaces creatively – with concrete initiatives that will remain visible and tangible in Wiesbaden and the region beyond the event day.
We are World Design Capital
The see-Conference is an essential part of the "World Design Capital 2026" program. For one year, Frankfurt RheinMain will bear this title, officially declaring the entire region the world capital of design. The motto "Design for Democracy. Atmospheres for a better life." perfectly matches the established theme of the see-Conference and see-Camp: developing visions for a liveable future. Perhaps like no other event, see addresses the shaping of our living spaces by combining impulses and food for thought from international creatives with a very practical level over two days.
Register now and be there!
see-Conference | Saturday, April 25, 2026, Schlachthof Cultural Center Wiesbaden
see-Camp | Sunday, April 26, 2026, Campus of Former Municipal Clinics Wiesbaden
Information and tickets at: see-conference.org
The see is funded by the Hessian Ministry of Economics, Energy, Transport, Housing and Rural Areas, by the Non-profit Kulturfonds Frankfurt RheinMain GmbH, by the Department for Economy and Employment of the State Capital Wiesbaden, and by Scholz & Volkmer GmbH.