Melba Design Festival 2027

Melba Design Festival 2027 – 10th Anniversary Edition

In 2027, Melba Design Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary with an expanded and particularly ambitious programme, marking a decade of bringing contemporary design and visual culture closer to the public in Bulgaria and beyond. Founded in Sofia in 2018 by Studio Komplekt, Melba has established itself as an independent platform for contemporary design, bringing together local and international designers, creative professionals, researchers and audiences through exhibitions, talks, discussions, workshops and urban interventions. The festival explores the role of design in shaping our everyday lives and its potential to contribute to meaningful cultural, social and environmental change. 

The 10th anniversary edition will feature a richer and more diverse programme, unfolding across the city through exhibitions, public-space interventions, lectures and other participatory formats. Its content will be structured around six thematic areas, reflecting some of the most relevant questions and developments in contemporary design:

• Design & Ecology / New Materials – exploring sustainable practices, material innovation and responsible approaches to production. 
• Design & Typography – looking at the cultural, visual and technological dimensions of type and lettering. Design & Products / Objects – examining the relationship between functionality, materiality, craftsmanship and everyday objects. 
• Design & Communication – exploring visual languages, graphic design and the power of communication to shape perceptions and narratives. Design & Social Causes – highlighting design as a tool for social engagement, inclusion and positive change. 
• Design & Urban Environment – investigating how design interacts with public space, architecture and the evolving identity of cities.  

Through a combination of international perspectives and local creative practices, Melba 2027 will create opportunities for exchange, professional development and public engagement. The festival aims to broaden the understanding of design beyond its traditional professional boundaries, encourage critical thinking and inspire new collaborations across disciplines and communities. More than a celebration of ten years, the anniversary edition will be an opportunity to reflect on the evolving role of design in society and to imagine its meaningful contribution to the future.