Applications for Design Week South Africa 2026 are now open. Designers, studios, brands and galleries have until 2 August to apply.
Applications are open for Design Week South Africa 2026, and the clock’s already running. Designers, studios, brands, hospitality spaces, retailers and galleries have until 2 August to put their names forward for the country’s biggest annual design showcase.
This year’s editions land in Johannesburg (8-11 October) and Cape Town (22-25 October), built around the theme “The Shape of Us”, a provocation for local creatives to explore how identity, history and forward motion shape South African design right now.
For those who make the cut, it’s a direct line to a design-literate audience and the local and international press that shows up every year. Past editions have pulled attention from global design media, so the exposure extends well past Joburg and Cape Town’s city limits.
Who can apply: designers, studios, collectives, architecture and interior practices, creative agencies, hospitality venues, retailers, galleries and brands with a genuine design connection. Pick one city or both.
Apply at designweeksouthafrica.com/apply before 2 August 2026.
