Budapest Design Week was launched with a press conference, which discussed the objectives, most important programs, and main professional partnerships of the event series, with a special focus on the domestic and international connections of the event and its opportunities for the creative industry.
Zsófia Jakab, Ministerial Commissioner for Creative Industry Development and Sectoral Coordination and the CEO of the Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency, opened the press conference. Regő Lánszki, State Secretary for Architecture and National Chief Architect; Attila Ledényi, founder and director of Art Market Budapest; and Judit Osvárt, editor-in-chief of ELLE Decoration magazine also gave speeches. The speakers called attention to the potential in the synergies between creative sectors.
This year, Budapest Design Week awaits the public interested in product design and the creative industry with a diverse range of innovative and craft programs. Across more than 100 venues throughout Budapest and various cities in the countryside, visitors can enjoy exciting events, workshops, temporary exhibitions, guided tours, toasts, and other experience-based programs. In addition to the initiatives in the capital, Sopron and Pécs also join the event series. The Sopron Design Week is held for the 9th time, with the organisers aiming to raise awareness of the economic and social role of design. With its various programs, DesignPécs draws attention to one of the hidden assets of Baranya County, the local design and creative industry.
Budapest Design Week’s opening event, the ELLE DECO International Design Awards (EDIDA), is held on the 10th of October 2024, acknowledging the most exceptional creators and inspiring works in the Hungarian design profession. The internationally acclaimed EDIDA, also known as the Oscars of the design world, has been awarding the best in the profession for 20 years. Once again, this year, renowned experts compiled the shortlist, selecting works representing the newest directions of domestic and international design, with a special emphasis on sustainability and creative solutions. The sponsor of the Young Talent of the Year category this year is once again the Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency.
Budapest Design Week’s central exhibition, 360 Design Budapest, will present the most outstanding domestic and regional design artworks for the fifth time between the 15th and the 20th of October, 2024. This year, the exhibition takes place in the former waiting hall of Nyugati Railway Station. The Red Dot Award-winning event aims to enhance the international recognition of Central European creative artists and support design brands in entering the global markets, with a focus on sustainability. The exhibition underlines the role of design in everyday life while opening a gate for regional designers to debut on the international scene. Over the past few years, the event has garnered prestigious international awards, including the Red Dot and A’ Design Awards.
A key professional event at Budapest Design Week will be the creative industry roundtable discussion and presentation discussing topics and questions such as developing the domestic creative industry, assisting its entry into the international market, and enhancing its competitiveness. The programme on the 17th of October will take place in the imposing ArtHab building.
Another accentuated side event of Budapest Design Week is the Art Market Budapest, held between the 17th and the 20th of October at Millenáris. The largest international contemporary art fair in Central and Eastern Europe showcases the latest contemporary artworks with over 100 exhibitors from 30 countries. Art Market Budapest has been representing the cultural richness of the region and its progressive artistic directions since 2011, with a special emphasis on emerging artists and new art trends.
Those who want to take home a unique piece of Hungarian design and craft can purchase them directly from the artists at the fair hosted by the Independent Contemporary Art Salon (FIKSZ).
Today marks the start of the Budapest Design Week event series, showcasing a broad spectrum of creative sectors where visitors can explore both traditional craftsmanship techniques and the latest innovations.
Visitors can gain a deeper insight into the different aspects of design, be it product design, cultural heritage, jewellery making, or interactive installations.
More information and the detailed programme are available at HFDA.hu.
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Budapest Design Week
Budapest Design Week is the largest experience-based domestic event series, targeting a broad audience. Organised annually by the Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency, the series aims to highlight the direct impact of design across all aspects of life while raising awareness and recognition of design as both a cultural and economic resource. The event features a diverse programme of accompanying events, featured highlights, and partner-organised side events, offering activities in the capital and major cities across the country through associated programmes. HFDA’s long-term goal is to transform BDW into a leading regional, experience-based design event series.
About the Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency
The Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency was founded in 2018 to support every actor in the fashion and design industries in an efficient and structured way, following predetermined strategic pillars: professional coordination, enhancing Hungarian brands’ availability and trade opportunities, educational development and manufacturing development. To realise their goals, HFDA organises domestic events each year, such as the region’s major fashion event, the Budapest Central European Fashion Week, or the 360 Design Budapest exhibition, which has received international awards. Besides, they provide Hungarian creators opportunities for participation and debuting at international professional events such as the Milano Fashion Week. The key responsibilities of HFDA encompass strategic cooperation with professional organisations, increasing exports, and supporting the professional development of Hungarian brands through their mentoring programmes.
