How can design help to strengthen democracy? This is the question being explored by the World Design Capital (WDC) 2026, which is being held under the motto ‘Design for Democracy – Atmosphere for a Better Life’. Frankfurt RheinMain is the first region in Germany to hold the title awarded by the World Design Organisation (WDO). Until 1 August 2026, the WDC Campus Exhibition at the Museum of Applied Arts in Frankfurt am Main is showcasing work by students and graduates from various universities across Germany, including contributions from the Faculty of Textile and Clothing Technology at the Hochschule Niederrhein (HSNR).
Through the “Textile Design Connects” project, the faculty is taking part in the international programme and demonstrating how textile design can foster social dialogue, preserve cultural heritage and highlight democratic values. The project combines design, trade and participation, and invites visitors to see design as a tool for exchange and co-creation.
The project kicked off on 22 April 2026 with the interactive dialogue workshop ‘Water Connects’ at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK). Visitors learnt about textile techniques and natural dyeing methods and worked together to develop ideas for sustainable design. The focus was on approaches to integrative and participatory design that foster a shared creative process and bring together different perspectives.
Another highlight followed in May with the performance ‘A Cry for Democracy’. Together with representatives from the Museum of Applied Arts, lecturers and students from the HSNR, as well as representatives and trainees from the costume workshops of the Städtische Bühnen Frankfurt, the Vienna theatres and the Salzburg Festival, the group paraded through Frankfurt city centre. Accompanied by the character ‘Der Schrei’ (The Scream), the participants drew attention to the importance of textile craft trades and the preservation of traditional expertise.
“We spoke out in support of preserving a whole host of trades: shoemaking, hat-making, ladies’ and gentlemen’s tailoring, make-up and more. We spoke out in favour of preserving the trade techniques and textile knowledge that we are in danger of losing if many trade and industrial businesses close down,” explains Prof. Dr Marina-Elena Wachs from the Faculty of Textile and Clothing Technology.
In the view of those involved in the project, financial cuts in the cultural sector threaten not only jobs but also the preservation of trade skills and cultural knowledge. The repercussions extend far beyond the theatre landscape and affect issues of social participation and cultural diversity, which contribute significantly to the development of democracy.
“Anyone who advocates these cuts now is turning their back on the trades – both within and outside cultural organisations – that are so vital to the theatre landscape, which will have significant cultural and economic consequences for our country,” warns Markus Maas, Director of the Costume Workshops at Städtische Bühnen Frankfurt am Main GmbH.
The latest major contribution from the Hochschule Niederrhein to the WDC 2026 is now on display in the current MAK exhibition: textile and fashion design students from the Hochschule Niederrhein are showcasing their designs for the future in Frankfurt am Main until 9 August 2026. Further information on the WDC Campus Exhibition 2026 is available at: https://wdc2026.org/en/frames/wdc-campus-exhibition
