A global stage for Detroit's creative innovators.
Festival Dates
September 1 - 30
Application Window
Feb 23, 2026 - April 19, 2026
The open call is an invitation to contribute to our city's creative story
We are seeking independently produced exhibitions, product launches, workshops, tours, and experiences that bring design to life across the city.
Whether you run a global design firm or build furniture in your garage, if your project embodies the 2026 theme, we want to hear from you.
The Selection Process & Benefits
All submissions will be reviewed by a curatorial committee of professionals.
Selected participants will benefit from:
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Official Festival Integration: Inclusion in the 2026 Month of Design digital and print schedules.
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Marketing: Promotion through the festival platform and access to an official toolkit of assets to amplify your event’s reach.
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Legacy & Networking: The opportunity to showcase your work within Detroit’s storied design history and connect with a network of innovators.
Don’t miss the opportunity to shape the future of design in Detroit - apply today!
Deadline: Sunday, April 19, 2026
Timeline
Festival Timeline
February - April
Submit your application.
It’s free to apply!
May
Curatorial Committee reviews all submissions. See submission criteria to learn more about how they decide
Selected exhibitors are notified.
Details are finalized & participation fees are paid.
June - August
Exhibitors receive training & promotional materials setting them up for success in September!
Selection Criteria
All submissions will be reviewed by our 2026 curatorial committee based on the criteria below.
We are looking for work that uniquely mirrors Detroit’s design spirit. Submissions will be evaluated on their creativity, originality, and ability to highlight local talent or innovation in an authentic way.
In alignment with our mission, we prioritize projects that address one or more of the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Applicants should clearly demonstrate how their work contributes to a more sustainable or equitable future.
Design is more than aesthetic; it is a medium for communication. We look for submissions that offer a compelling narrative or visual story that resonates with the viewer and adds depth to the festival’s theme.
Submissions must demonstrate high-level technical proficiency. We evaluate the "how" as much as the "what," looking for precision, excellence in execution, and a professional standard of craft.
A successful festival experience is one that captivates. Projects will be assessed on their potential to engage the public, their relevance to Detroit’s diverse audience, and their overall marketability within the design community.
We prioritize projects that reflect the city’s multifaceted population and demonstrate a meaningful commitment to inclusivity across all spectrums of identity and experience.
Selection Criteria
1. Innovation & Local Authenticity: We are looking for work that uniquely mirrors Detroit’s design spirit. Submissions will be evaluated on their creativity, originality, and ability to highlight local talent or innovation in an authentic way.
2. Global Impact & Sustainability: In alignment with our mission, we prioritize projects that address one or more of the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Applicants should clearly demonstrate how their work contributes to a more sustainable or equitable future.
3. Narrative Depth & Storytelling: Design is more than aesthetic; it is a medium for communication. We look for submissions that offer a compelling narrative or visual story that resonates with the viewer and adds depth to the festival’s theme.
4. Technical Excellence & Craft: Submissions must demonstrate high-level technical proficiency. We evaluate the "how" as much as the "what," looking for precision, excellence in execution, and a professional standard of craft.
5. Audience Engagement & Marketability: A successful festival experience is one that captivates. Projects will be assessed on their potential to engage the public, their relevance to Detroit’s diverse audience, and their overall marketability within the design community.
6. Equity & Representation: We prioritize projects that reflect the city’s multifaceted population and demonstrate a meaningful commitment to inclusivity across all spectrums of identity and experience.
Applicants are not limited to one submission. Please fill out another application to be considered for other opportunities. Email questions to: submissions@designcore.org.
We ask for complete applications with as much information as possible to help our selection committee review all entries effectively.
We recognize that the creative process is iterative and some details may still be evolving. Please note that accepted events will have a final opportunity to confirm their details before the festival calendar is finalized.
Successful applications are those that clearly define the event’s vision, its value to the community, and the partners involved.
This opportunity is for designers, organizations, companies, and curators who have an online or in-person event, exhibition, or installation they want to self-produce and feature on the official Detroit Month of Design calendar.
Applications are open to the public. While we prioritize showcasing Detroit-based talent, we welcome submissions from regional, national, and international designers, brands, and organizations.
No, Design Core does not offer funding for independently organized events or venue hosts.
Participants are responsible for securing their own funding and technical support for the execution of the event.
We strongly encourage all exhibitors to secure their own venues.
While Design Core may assist in connecting designers with potential venues, placement is not guaranteed.
While we do work with some cultural organizations in the metro Detroit area, we prioritize acceptance of independent events planned to occur within the city of Detroit.
No, applying to Detroit Month of Design is free.
Design Core subsidizes application fee costs as part of our commitment to equity.
Yes, selected event organizers must pay a $100 participation fee, which helps support festival production and marketing efforts. Design Core works with philanthropic funders and sponsors to subsidize the cost of participation as part of our commitment to accessibility.
Late submissions will incur an additional $50 fee.Design Core uses a standardized registration form for all events to streamline and track attendee sign-ups.
External registration platforms are not permitted.
Accessing Registration Lists
Event organizers can request attendee registration lists, which will be emailed to them upon request.Event Promotion
Organizers are encouraged to link to their event page from their own sites & promotional platforms.