Digital Exhibitors Open Call NDW2026

OPEN CALL FOR DIGITAL EXHIBITORS AT THE NAIROBI DESIGN WEEK 2026 FESTIVAL

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Let’s Be Human

For digital exhibitors, we’re looking for work that redefines what it means to create human-centered experiences in virtual spaces. This year’s theme, “Let’s Be Human,” calls for submissions that are original, bold, and boundary-pushing, digital works that don’t just sit on a screen but spark emotion, interaction, and curiosity. Your creation should be crafted with care, and far from ordinary, something wildly creative, immersive, and unforgettable. Whether it’s an interactive narrative, animation, experimental web piece or VR recordings it should reflect a unique interpretation of humanity through digital design.

We invite all digital creators to submit works or concepts that can be showcased on screen. If your exhibit showcases the topics below as well as other human aspects not covered, we would love to hear from you.

  • Humanmade
  • Living with people
  • Human Spaces
  • Inclusivity
  • Taste or Trend
  • Beyond Human
  • Emerging Designers
  • The Human Experience

EXAMPLES OF DIGITAL WORKS

Include (but not limited to):

  • Digital Art & Design (2D & 3D)
  • Photography
  • Video/ Film
  • Animation

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

You should hold the right licenses for any copyrighted materials used.

TIMELINES

SUBMISSIONS DEADLINE: November 29th, 2025

We encourage early submissions from applicants, to create room for further discussions about your proposed projects.

FESTIVAL/EXHIBITION LAUNCH:

The Festival will take place from 9am-4pm on March 7th till March 15th 2026.


WHO CAN APPLY:

No age limits!! We encourage everyone to apply. 

  • Digital artists
  • Designers
  • Coders
  • Animators
  • Filmmakers
  • Students
  • creative technologists
  • Artists
  • Working independently or as part of a collective
  • From Kenya or anywhere in the world

If your work fits the theme and the space we want to see it. All submissions will be reviewed based on creativity, relevance to the theme, and feasibility within the exhibition setup.

DIGITAL SHOWCASING OPTIONS

1. DIGITAL EXHIBITOR

Best for individual designers & artists

1 minute of your work looped every 12 minutes on a shared screen, your work appears every 12 minutes. KSH 10,000 (you can rent a full screen with us for 9 days, please enquire under this option).

2. DIGITAL SCREENING

Best for short and long films, shown on the main stage.

KSH 12,000 per 30 minutes 

SUBSIDIZED SPACES

We support marginalized communities and those in the creative space by offering a limited number of subsidized spaces. Please indicate in your application if you’d like to be considered and why you think you are eligible for this. Please note only those most in need will be considered. Your work will still be curated to the same standards as the paying exhibitors. Subsidized exhibitors get a 10% discount depending on their category.

BENEFITS FOR DIGITAL EXHIBITORS

  • Global Reach
    Share your work with a wide, international audience through NDW’s digital platforms.

  • Creative Freedom
    Explore experimental, interactive, or immersive formats beyond physical limits.

  • Media Exposure
    Get featured on NDW’s website, social media, livestreams, and partner channels.

  • Networking
    Connect with fellow digital creators, tech innovators, and creative professionals.

  • Platform Support
    Receive guidance on hosting, accessibility, and integration with NDW’s digital spaces.

  • Professional Recognition
    Be part of a curated selection of forward-thinking digital creatives.

Here is your FAQ fix

Please note this information is only for Digital Exhibitors. There are separate open calls for Physical Exhibitors and Content Creators. This is an application. Some applicants may not be selected. Apply with your concept for a chance to be selected. Also note that this is not a final submission, and work submitted does not yet have to be completed. Apply with your concept to secure a spot to be considered. You will have until November 29th 2025 to submit your concept.