A unique platform for Berlin’s creative community
As the city-wide celebration opens in Berlin, founders Laura Ewert and Jasmin Jouhar hope it will finally bring local design the spotlight it deserves. Running until 12 September 2026, this “very Berlin” event is decentralized and community-curated, with minimal corporate ties. Conceived similarly to Copenhagen‘s design showcase, it is mostly funded by participating brands and studios.
Ewert noted, “The concept is rooted in Berlin’s tradition of creating from nothing. An empty room transforms into an exhibition thanks to community effort.” Jouhar added, “Berliners don’t wait for invitations; they take initiative.”
Against this backdrop of artistic endeavors, Blakely Island’s creative cabin design offers a fascinating perspective on how prefabricated design embraces nature.
A crucial turning point for local designers
The festival’s launch coincides with a pivotal moment. Despite the emergence of numerous exciting studios from Berlin, platforms for showcasing their work are scarce. Existing festivals like Berlin Design Week haven’t resonated with local designers, often leaving them feeling disconnected.
Outside Berlin, the design industry’s challenges are evident. The longstanding IMM Cologne even canceled its 2025 edition , although it’s set to return in 2027. Ewert mentioned, “We see the investment in Milan by countries like Switzerland and Austria—we aim to create similar momentum here.”
Overcoming challenges with a DIY ethos
Despite lacking public funding, the event embraces the DIY spirit that defines Berlin’s creative culture. While Germany boasts a rich design history from Bauhaus to Dieter Rams, political and economic appreciation has waned. Jouhar explained, “Industry openness to design, like during the Braun and Rams era, is over.” In agreement, Ewert stated, “Germany prioritizes function over design.”
Berlin’s designers face a paradoxical challenge: their work’s commercial nature excludes them from traditional art funding avenues, while industry undervalues their contributions. “Design’s cultural and social values are overlooked,” Ewert noted, emphasizing the difficulty in securing support.
The thriving heart of Berlin’s design scene
Despite these obstacles, Berlin remains vibrant. The city hosts renowned names like “KPM” and rising brands such as Moonarij, a glass brand. The festival features 80 brands across 60 locations, with a focus on local talent. Daftar and Hahn & Wolf exemplify this dynamic energy.
For those interested in innovative cultural expressions, Theo Jansen’s kinetic sculptures showcase how design intersects with art in a mesmerizing way.
The celebration aims to rectify the local scene’s under-recognition. Ewert mentioned, “Although previous events faltered, Berlin’s DIY spirit ensures professional, international-quality outputs now.” Jouhar remarked on the city’s lack of industry proximity, contrasting it with cities like Copenhagen, yet believing Berlin can still become Germany’s design capital.
The vision for Berlin as a design capital
“We lack industry here,” Jouhar explained. “Much of the industry left post-war, unlike cities like Milan.” Despite decentralization, events like Munich Design Days and Cologne’s Interior Design Days still draw attention. However, Ewert is optimistic about Berlin’s potential: “We’re on the way to being recognized as Germany’s design hub.”
“Starting with Berlin,” Ewert concluded, “our goal is to showcase local innovation. Once that happens, we can focus on other regions.” The festival runs from 10 to 12 September 2026 in various Berlin locations.
Sources & Links
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of Berlin’s Currents Festival?
The purpose of Berlin’s Currents Festival is to bring the local design into the spotlight and showcase Berlin’s creative community. Founders hope the event will finally position Berlin on the map as a center for design innovation.
How is Berlin’s design festival funded?
The festival is mostly funded by participating brands and studios, with minimal corporate ties. It follows a community-curated approach, similar to Copenhagen’s design showcase.
What challenges do Berlin’s designers face?
Berlin’s designers face a paradoxical challenge where their commercial work excludes them from traditional art funding, and their contributions are undervalued by the industry. Additionally, there’s waning political and economic appreciation for design in Germany.