21st Design Without Borders
We cordially invite you to the Design Without Borders exhibition, opening on 18 October at the Kiscell Museum in Budapest. As usual, AFAD, a partner of the exhibition, is represented by several student projects, in addition to works by AFAD alumni such as jeweller Klára Valušková and designer Erika Remencová. Additionally, three chairs designed by Industrial Design students in collaboration with TON, under the guidance of Ferdinand Chrenka, complement this year’s focus on bentwood furniture and the TON/Thonet story.
In this year’s edition of the 21-year-old exhibition and cross-disciplinary event series, works by nearly 180 artists from 18 countries are presented in thematic units. The 2025 focus is on Dutch and Polish design, while also highlighting the history and impact of bentwood furniture, unique textile works created at the intersection of design and contemporary music, and a diverse international selection of contemporary design and jewellery. This year also features a separate section for university and alumni works.
The name “Design Without Borders” refers to the project’s international scope, European cohesion, and regional dialogue, with particular emphasis on interoperability among different artistic disciplines and themes, as well as intergenerational dialogue. The works on display include mass-manufactured products, small-batch furniture and accessories, prototypes, experimental pieces, unique works at the boundary between design and fine art or design and science, along with eco- and socially conscious projects.
The exhibition features a dedicated section on bentwood furniture—specifically the landmark brand Thonet, its 184-year history and major role today—together with a selection from László E. Szabó’s furniture collection and the latest examples of the technology. The Church Hall apse houses a series of digital prints by 20 textile designers, reflecting on the works of contemporary composers in connection with the Transparent Sound Festival’s CentriFUGA project, alongside a diverse international contemporary jewellery selection.
The exhibition is complemented by a rich programme. Continuing the tradition, the day after the opening is the Professional Day, during which participants can give 10-minute presentations in English, followed in person and online. Curatorial guided tours offer behind-the-scenes insights and a deeper understanding of the selection. To reinforce the cross-disciplinary experience, the 3,2,1 classical music mini-festival takes place for the fifth time this year, focusing on works by Polish composers—in line with the Polish focus. Detailed information about the programmes will be available under the website’s Programmes tab after 20 September.
Founding curators: Szilvia Szigeti, textile artist, and Tamás Radnóti, interior designer.
Professional Day
18. 10. 2025, 10.30 – 15.00
Design Without Borders is not just an exhibition; it is also a gathering of the participating designers. On the day after the opening, we organise a Professional Day, where all exhibitors can introduce themselves and their work in 7 minutes in English, either in person or via Zoom.
Zoom link: Meeting ID: 248 920 6800 Passcode: FYtK8H