OchoReSotto
Design Month Graz bundles and condenses the energy of the local creative industries within one month, makes it visible to the outside world and thus makes a central contribution to anchoring the creative industries in people’s consciousness. It provides a space for innovative projects – be it experimental or commercial – and thus heightens the perception of the meaning of design: it is not about purely decorative behaviors (design as styling), but about the economic relevance (design as development and value added process) as well as the transformational power of design in economy and society.
The festival boasts an extensive and multifaceted schedule, spanning across the numerous domains of design. Over the course of a month, attendees can expect to immerse themselves in exhibitions, workshops, meetings, and presentations, all while enjoying a plethora of individual initiatives from local designers, design schools and universities, and commercial entities. Through this event, participants have the opportunity to connect, showcase their work, and underscore the significance of design in daily life, as well as the economic value of creative endeavors and the future’s challenges.
Design Month Graz 2024 is all about the focus topic What now!?. Our world is in upheaval. Crises and uncertainties dominate. The time for lip service is over. The question is “What now!?” – what to do? What is needed now? The what and how of previous answers are not enough. We need a different what, a new how. We need new and different answers – solutions, visions and methods that offer a way out. What potential can we offer to counter the dystopias? One thing is clear: Not one discipline alone will “save the world”. It needs the creative power of many – it needs idea generators and implementers in many areas.