Seattle Design Festival 2026 Call for Proposals. Theme of IN[FLUX]. Due May 27.

2026 Seattle Design Festival Proposals Due

The Seattle Design Festival (SDF) is excited to announce our Call for Proposals for the 2026 Festival!

About the Theme

The 2026 Seattle Design Festival theme, IN[FLUX], recognizes that we are living in a moment of transition. Flux suggests movement, instability, and possibility all at once. It reflects the ways our city is evolving and the role design can play in navigating change.

This year’s theme invites designers, artists, community members, and thinkers to explore four lenses within this shared framework:

IN[FLUX] How can design respond to constant change and uncertainty?
IN[HABIT] How do our routines, behaviors, and systems shape the way we live?
IN[FORM] How do ideas take physical shape through design, materials, and space?
IN[TENSION] How can design engage conflict, difference, and competing priorities?

Ways to Participate

We are soliciting proposals for three Festival elements at the SDF Block Party (August 15 & 16):

Mainstage Program
– Format: In-person or virtual talks, performances, skill shares, or films
– Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour (plus 30-minute max setup)

Pop-Up Experience
– Format: Hands-on activities, workshops, or design challenges
– Duration: 1-4 hours (plus 30-minute max load-in/out)

Built Installation
– Format: Temporary outdoor structures designed to engage the public
– Duration: Full weekend (18 hours + load-in on August 15 and load-out after 7pm on August 17)
– Commitment Level: Highest

Key Dates & Deadlines

April 9 — Design Mixer @ citizenM SLU➔
May 7 — Design Mixer @ citizenM SLU➔
May 19 — Design Mixer @ Smith Tower➔
May 27 — Call for Proposals Closes
June 5 — Notification of Festival Acceptance
June 15 — Final Marketing Material Edits Due
July 30 — SDF Partner Social
August 14 — Built Installation Load-In @ Lake Union Park
August 15-16 — SDF Block Party

Accessibility & Inclusion

We are committed to an accessible and inclusive Festival. All proposals should consider accessibility holistically to create experiences where everyone feels welcome to participate. Please consider how you might engage participants with diverse abilities and experiences, including accommodations for language, color contrast, physical ability, and multiple sensory engagement.