Design Academy Eindhoven names Martina Muzi art director for Graduation Show 2026

Design Academy Eindhoven has announced the return of its annual Graduation Show from 17 to 25 October 2026 during Dutch Design Week, appointing Martina Muzi as art director for the upcoming edition. Serving as the creative counterpart to Raf De Keninck, chair of the executive board, Muzi will oversee the presentation of final projects from more than 200 bachelor and master graduates. Hosted at the former telephone exchange building on Professor Doctor Dorgelolaan near Eindhoven Central Station in partnership with NS Vastgoed, the exhibition serves as a critical benchmark for emerging research across social design, materials, and technology.

Muzi, a graduate of the academy’s Social Design program and studio leader of Studio Technogeographies, previously led the curatorial team for the exhibition’s past three editions. In her expanded role, she works alongside head curator Ina Hollmann and curatorial team members Brogen Berwick, Léa Cadieux, and Roberta Di Cosmo to align the showcase with the institution’s evolving academic vision. The accompanying exhibition catalogue is being designed by 2023 alumni Sonia Górecka and Matteo Bettini, with lead editing by Jeannette Petrik and contextual framing provided by Nadine Botha, head of MA Social Design. Graphic designer Karin Fischnaller will develop the visual identity for the show.

Beyond serving as a platform for graduate work, the 2026 event reinforces DAE’s broader strategy of connecting academic pedagogy with commercial and professional networks. The academy is expanding its student-run design tour program for corporate visitors and design professionals, funneling a portion of tour revenues directly into the DAE Alumni Association to fund future post-graduate initiatives. By integrating alumni into the curatorial, editorial, and commercial execution of the exhibition, the institution demonstrates a structured model for long-term career support and industry integration.