The call is open from Monday, February 12th – Sunday, April 14th 11:59 EST.

The theme for the 2024 Detroit Month of Design is Creative Currents. Design Core is focused on the products, services and systems that help our communities become more united. We welcome ideas and concepts that bring unity to the forefront, as we believe this element holds the key to creating a future in which all people and our planet thrive.

Events and experiences are independently funded, managed, and implemented by the event organizer. Design Core does not offer micro-grants for independent happenings. We recommend having a plan in place to attain the financial and technical support needed to execute your event, experience, or installation.

Track registration and attendance for reporting. Market your event to family, friends and the wider community. Accessibility (i.e. live transcripts for virtual events, physical access, onsite signage, and restrooms access just to name a few). Adding a virtual component to your talk, workshops, exhibitions, etc. Multi-day programming that allows attendees to visit over a period of time.

Applications will be reviewed by a diverse curatorial committee and selected based on the following criteria: creativity, authenticity to Detroit, story, collaboration, feasibility, inclusion, and social impact.

Detroit Month of Design applicants are not limited to one submission. Please fill out a new application to be considered for other opportunities.

Submissions are open to the public. We welcome submissions from all backgrounds, ages, levels of profession, and communities. We place an emphasis on showcasing Detroit talent, but are open to submissions from regional, national and international designers, brands and organizations as well.

All in-person events will follow the guide-lines for group gatherings set by the State of Michigan. Design Core is taking careful measures to ensure a safe Detroit Month of Design experience. Measures could include time-ticketed entry into indoor events, private tours of exhibitions, virtual streaming options, outdoor experiences, no-touch installations, mask requirements, social distancing and heightened sanitation practices and more. We also ask that any in-person events require advance registration.

No, there is no application fee to apply for Detroit Month of Design. However, there is a $60 participation fee that you will have to payif your application is accepted. This fee supports costs associated with the festival and promoting your event.

Yes, independent event organizers are responsible for securing a space to host their in-person or outdoor events. We ask that venues interested in Month of Design Programming apply to the Open Call as well so that Design Core can try to match designers with venues when possible. However, there is no guarantee of placement.

Each event gets one calendar listing. The start date of a multi-day event will be listed on the calendar. Full event information, including additional dates and times, will be listed on the event web page.