London Design Festival 2026 - Future Matter
Submit up to 3 works or 1 coherent collection exploring sustainable material futures through contemporary design, craft, textiles, innovative products, and research-driven practices.
Does this fit your work? 5 questions score every call to your medium, location and budget. Free.
Get matched →- Deadline
- 8 days left
- Entry fee
- Free
- Location
- ASC Handbag Factory, London, United Kingdom
- Exhibition window
- Sep 12, 2026 → Sep 14, 2026
About
Overview
Future Matter is a curated exhibition presented as part of London Design Festival 2026, exploring sustainable material futures through contemporary design, craft, textiles, innovative products, and research-driven practices. Organized by Nest - A Lab, the exhibition brings together emerging and established designers, makers, researchers, and creative practitioners who challenge conventional approaches to materials, production, and sustainability.
Key dates
- Submission deadline: August 3, 2026 (early submission suggested)
- Exhibition: September 12–14, 2026
- Installation day: September 9, 2026
- Work collection: September 14 after 7 pm or September 15 before 12 pm
Location
ASC Handbag Factory, London, United Kingdom. Exhibition opening hours: 11:00–19:00. Private view and opening on September 12.
Who should apply
Emerging and established designers, makers, craftspeople, jewelry, textile, ceramic and product designers, material researchers, interdisciplinary practitioners, independent studios, commercial brands, design collectives, and research groups focused on innovative design, material, craft, or sustainable practice.
Submission requirements
- Up to 3 works or 1 coherent collection
- Create a free CuratorSpace account to submit
- You must be able to deliver, install, and collect your own work
Participation fee
Selected participants must confirm participation by paying a £280 participation fee, which contributes towards venue hire, curatorial coordination, exhibition management, and promotion.
Selection criteria
- Relevance to the theme of Future Matter: meaningful engagement with sustainable material futures
- Material innovation and experimentation: challenging conventional approaches through experimentation, research, craftsmanship, technology, or creative reuse
- Quality of design and making: strong conceptual thinking, technical development, and high standard of execution
- Suitability for exhibition presentation: scale, format, installation requirements, and overall coherence within the exhibition context
Exhibitor terms
Nest - A Lab operates a 0% commission policy, with all sales handled directly between exhibitors and buyers. A professional art technician will be available on September 9 to assist with installation. Exhibition photography, press release, and exhibition archive will be produced with all participants credited. Participants are responsible for arranging their own insurance.
- Entry fee
- £280 participation fee
- Entries per artist
- Up to 3
- Sales commission
- No commission - you keep 100% of sales
- Theme
- The exhibition explores sustainable material futures through contemporary design, craft, and innovative practices, inviting diverse approaches to circular materials, responsible production, speculative design, traditional craftsmanship, biomaterials, urban mining, and experimental material practices.
- Eligibility
- Open to emerging and established designers, makers, craftspeople, jewelry, textile, ceramic and product designers, material researchers, interdisciplinary practitioners, independent studios, commercial brands, design collectives, and research groups.
- Audience
- Designers, makers, craftspeople, jewelers, textile, ceramic and product designers, material researchers, interdisciplinary practitioners, independent studios, commercial brands, design collectives, and research groups.
Every listing links to the organizer's official page. Always confirm deadlines, fees, and entry rules there before you apply.