Forward Festival Vienna 2026

On October 1–2, 2026, Forward returns to Vienna’s Gartenbaukino for two days of ideas, exchange, and creative energy. More than 1,500 creatives are expected, with 25+ talks exploring different approaches to making, thinking, and working creatively.

Since 2015, Forward Festival has brought together international voices from graphic design, art, photography, advertising, technology, and beyond. What started in Vienna has grown into an international platform for creative exchange, connecting established names and emerging talents through talks, workshops, exhibitions, and events.

Among this year’s speakers is Mirko Borsche, founder of Bureau Borsche and one of Germany’s most influential graphic designers. His work spans culture, fashion, music, and sport, always pushing typography and visual identity in unexpected directions. Annie Atkins brings a unique perspective on storytelling and design. Known for creating the graphic details behind films by Wes Anderson and other major filmmakers, she shows how typography, packaging, signage, and props can build entire fictional worlds. Dutch artist and designer Erik Kessels is known for his playful and unconventional approach to visual communication. His work embraces imperfection, coincidence, and found imagery, challenging the way we think about photography, advertising, and design. Natasha Jen, partner at Pentagram, works across identity, branding, editorial, and digital design. Her practice combines conceptual thinking with a sharp perspective on how design interacts with culture and society.

Also part of the lineup are Luna Maurer, exploring the relationship between design and technology; Gabriela Namie, whose work moves between art direction, branding, and visual culture; and Spanish illustration duo Cachetejack, known for their bold, colorful, and playful imagery. Jim Stoten, So-Me, and The Mill round out the lineup with perspectives spanning illustration, music, fashion, motion, animation, and visual effects.

Together, the speakers reflect the broad creative landscape that Forward has become known for—bringing different disciplines and perspectives together under one roof in Vienna.

Forward Festival 2026

When?
October 01–02, 2026

Where?
Gartenbaukino, Vienna

Tickets and further information are available via the official website.