Austin Design Week is a platform for designers and the greater community to come together, share, learn from one another, and grow—we believe this is more important than ever. We need to hear your voice. We need to come together to call out long-standing social problems and design community-driven solutions. We need to create and honor safe spaces to share, question, inspire, and grow.

This year’s theme, Embrace ______ is all about exploring the role of design in times of change and the ambiguity that comes with it—discovering together what we can embrace, and how. You can learn more about this year’s theme in our theme announcement.

With the ongoing impact of our global health crisis, Austin Design Week will look different this year. We don’t know what November will hold, but we will be hosting a majority of our events online and are looking for your creativity to bring the magic of ADW to a new virtual space.

We encourage community members of all backgrounds and skill levels to propose an event. As you think about your proposal, we ask you to embrace uncertainty, virtual gatherings, change, and community.

Before you begin your proposal, please read the full FAQs. We also invite you to join us for an online information session to get your questions about hosting an event answered. You can join us on either of the two dates:

• July 9th, 12pm CT (RSVP)

• July 22nd, 12pm CT (RSVP)

Stay tuned for tips from our advisory board and past hosts on how to make your submission stand out and align with this year’s theme. The call for proposals will close on Monday, August 3rd at 11:59pm CT.

Apply to host an event

We’re excited to see the creative ways the community will come together and embrace this new format. Whether or not you submit a proposal, we can’t wait to see you at Austin Design Week November 9th-13th!