Seattle Design Festival ’25: FEEDBACK – Call for Proposals

The Seattle Design Festival (SDF) is excited to announce our Call for Proposals for the 2025 Festival! As we celebrate the 15th anniversary of SDF, we invite designers, artists, community organizations, and creative thinkers to explore our theme: FEEDBACK.

 About the Theme

FEEDBACK fuels transformation, growth, and positive change. It’s the spark that ignites new ideas, strengthens connections, and helps us build a better future. At its best, FEEDBACK is an invitation—one that encourages curiosity, creativity, and collaboration across different perspectives.

This year, we ask:
– What happens when we treat FEEDBACK as a tool for discovery instead of just critique?
– What becomes possible when we engage in FEEDBACK with hope and humility?
– How can design create spaces for meaningful dialogue, reflection, and renewal?

 Ways to Participate

We are soliciting proposals for three Festival elements at the SDF Block Party (August 16 & 17):

Mainstage Program
– Format: In-person or virtual talks, performances, skill shares, or films
– Duration: 15-30 min (plus 30-minute max setup)

Pop-Up Experience
– Format: Hands-on activities, workshops, or design challenges
– Duration: 1-4 hours (plus 30-minute max load-in/out)

Built Installation
– Format: Temporary outdoor structures designed to engage the public
– Duration: Full weekend (18 hours + load-in on August 15 and load-out after 7pm on August 17)
– Commitment Level: Highest

 Key Dates & Deadlines

May 28, 5pm PT: Call for Proposals Closes
June 6: Notification of Festival Acceptance
June 18: Final Marketing Material Edits Due
August 15: Built Installation Load-In at Lake Union Park
August 16-21: 2025 Seattle Design Festival!

 Accessibility & Inclusion

We are committed to an accessible and inclusive Festival. All proposals should consider accessibility holistically to create experiences where everyone feels welcome to participate. Please consider how you might engage participants with diverse abilities and experiences, including accommodations for language, color contrast, physical ability, and multiple sensory engagement.