“What’s the essence of Polish design? And what sets it apart?” The answers to these questions formulated in the runup to the festival, provided by experts from the VIENNA DESIGN WEEK’s Guest Country, were for the most part unanimous. Because all designers work to conquer international markets while including and taking into account regional qualities. Poland long ago established a reputation as a country with a strong independent design scene and culture that produces most importantly high-quality furniture and product design. Thanks to Poland as a hub, the protagonists perform a balancing act between commercial brand success and local identity.

With: Tomek Rygalik (Studio Rygalik, designer and curator), Maria Jeglińska (Office of Design & Research, designer), Ania Rosinke (chmara.rosinke, designer)

Moderation: Gabriel Roland (VIENNA DESIGN WEEK)