Melbourne Design Week 2026

Centred on the theme “Design the world you want,” Melbourne Design Week 2026 examines the ongoing influence of design and the construction of a lasting Australian design legacy. Programmatic strands include living legacy, Australian‑made design, luminaries, design futures, circularity, and tech‑support, each addressing how creativity intersects with societal and environmental concerns. The event convenes designers, thought leaders, educators, businesses, and the broader community to explore the transformative potential of contemporary design.

Highlights of the festival feature a keynote by Japanese industrial designer Shunji Yamanaka, a special exhibition and keynote commemorating 25 years of Alison Page’s practice with a focus on Blak design, and a session with US architect Tom Kundig at the NGV. Additional programmed events include a conversation between Mary Featherston and Anthony Burke on mid‑century partnerships, and an in‑conversation presentation with chef Hugh Allen and architect John Wardle examining the relationship between design and craftsmanship in fine dining. Through its curated discourse and diverse participation, Melbourne Design Week emphasises craftsmanship, innovation, and critical analysis of both Australian heritage and international design trajectories.