Open Call – mcbw Public Space 2027

Overview

This is an open call for design professionals — established studios, brands, and emerging collectives alike — to design and realize a large-scale, interactive public installation for mcbw 2027, staged at a prominent public location in Munich. The commissioned installation must translate mcbw 2027's annual theme, "SIGNAL — NOISE," into a spectacular, immersive, and highly photogenic experience that invites the public to walk into, touch, and engage with it directly. Selection is based on the strength and originality of the concept rather than the applicant's size or track record.

Theme

SIGNAL — NOISE: an exploration of how to distinguish meaningful signals from the noise of constant information and stimuli — described as "perceptual intelligence" — and asks applicants to consider how design can bring clarity, shape attention, and translate signals into tangible products, spaces, services, or technologies.

Eligibility

Open to design professionals internationally — both established studios/brands and emerging collectives. No stated restriction by nationality, career stage, or discipline within design. Selection criteria are based on the strength and relevance of the submitted concept, not organizational size or prior experience.

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: October 5, 2026
• Commissioning of Selected Partner: October 19, 2026
• Final Concept & Plans Due for Approval: End of November 2026
• Development Period: December 2026 – March 2027
• Prototype of Installation Due: March 2027
• Completion of Exhibition Pieces: End of April 2027
• Assembly, Presentation & Dismantling: May 10–16, 2027 (or longer, installation intended to run 10 days up to 4 weeks)
• mcbw 2027 Event Dates: May 10–16, 2027

Award & Support

• €30,000 production budget to cover the entire installation across all phases (concept, development, planning, visualization, implementation/assembly, handover, support, and dismantling)
• Coverage of electricity costs for illumination of the installation
• Location scouting, permit applications, and electricity supply handled by bayern design
• Installation covered under Bayern Design's event organizer liability insurance
• Signage/labelling for the installation organized and funded by bayern design
• Promotion via mcbw's social media channels, newsletters, mcbw magazine, online programme, press coverage, and video documentary
• Regular check-ins and collaborative support from the bayern design team throughout development
• Completed, publicly launched exhibition project for portfolio

Installation Requirements

• Must be exhibited in public space for at least 10 days and up to 4 weeks, ideally accessible around the clock
• Must be wind- and weather-resistant, vandal-proof, and require minimal additional security
• Must be clearly labelled/marked as part of mcbw (pillar, plaque, or similar, in consultation with bayern design)
• Storage, assembly, and dismantling should minimize impact on lawn/public space
• Selected partner is responsible for entire project process — concept through implementation, execution, and on-site supervision during mcbw
• All costs, including technical equipment and lighting, must be kept within the fixed €30,000 budget
• No explicit commercial use of the installation is permitted; must be considered in any sponsorship arrangements
• Applicants requiring water for their concept must apply for this themselves

Application

Online application. No application fee.