Contrary to what are traditionally considered “Design Cities” – places where design industries have evolved and thrived over several decades – the label World Design Capital is not intended to be a status designator. Rather we strive to recognise cities that have most effectively and, more importantly, creatively, used design as a tool for progress.

The next World Design Capital, may not be the most well know or most visited global capital. An innovative medium-sized city with a commitment to design has just as much chance at becoming the next World Design Capital as a high-profile national capital.