9th International Design Conference & 16th Review of Student Design 14.5.–15.5. 2026

AGRAFA 2026 – Cycles

This time, we would like to invite you to explore the multidimensional meaning of cycles in the world of design. We focus on a systemic approach to design, where every action generates complex reactions in interconnected areas. Our attention is centered on sustainable development and the circular economy, as well as natural cycles as a source of inspiration for contemporary design. The event reflects on the iterative nature of the design process and the role of time in design, exploring the tension between linear and cyclical perceptions of reality. We pay particular attention to the balance between technology and nature, and the role of the designer as a conscious agent of social change.

The event will consist of:

an international conference
an international review of student design
a conference for young designers – students and doctoral students
consultations, exhibitions, and workshops

Conference

We are planning seven presentations. There is something new in the 2026 edition: some of the lectures at the conference will be selected from proposals submitted through open calls.

The organizers of the AGRAFA’26 Conference invite proposals for presentations related to the theme CYCLES.

Submission Guidelines

Presentation duration: 20 minutes
Format: Lecture
Language: Polish / English

Submission Requirements

Each submission should include:

The title of the presentation
An abstract (max. 1000 words)
A short biography of the speaker (max. 500 words)

Deadlines & Submission Process

Submission deadline: 15 December 2025
Notification of acceptance: 19 January 2026 (via email)

All proposals will be reviewed by the conference’s academic committee:

dr hab. Justyna Kucharczyk, Prof. ASP

dr hab. Jacek Mrowczyk, Prof. ASP
dr hab. Agnieszka Nawrocka, Prof. ASP

dr hab. Zofia Oslislo-Piekarska, Prof. ASP
dr hab. Anna Pohl, Prof. ASP
dr hab. Justyna Szklarczyk-Lauer, Prof. ASP

The guest speaker will be paid a fee of PLN2200 (about 500 euros) for the lecture and PLN 2200 (about 500 euros) to cover travel costs and accommodation.

Submission Form

Review

We invite all students to share their work! Show us what you are working on, experimenting with, and what moves you. Individual works on any topic can be submitted for review, with the exception of theses. We will soon make the application form available – keep an eye on the website!

In addition to individual student submissions, last year’s edition of the event introduced a new element to the competition format: studio presentations. The aim of this expansion was to create a platform for the exchange of experiences and enrichment of knowledge about different approaches to designer education, as well as to promote and popularize the activities of individual studios. The results encourage us to continue, and this year we invite interested design studios to participate. We will accept applications in the form of short videos. The film/animation should present the studio’s program and how it addresses the issues related to the competition theme “Cycles.”

Registration of all applications will begin in January and end in mid-February 2026.

Young Agrafa

Young Agrafa gives young designers the opportunity to present their ideas and thoughts to a wider audience. Participation in the event is free of charge. We will be opening applications soon!

New information coming soon, but in the meantime, here’s a reminder from the previous edition.