Under the motto 'Life first, then spaces, then buildings', the event is structured around four pillars — Forum, Fair, Fest and Satellite Events — that invite us to rethink the built environment through a more human, inclusive and aesthetic lens. The festival places particular emphasis on affordable housing as a cornerstone of democratic participation, and on the capacity of citizens to transform their surroundings from the ground up.

Beyond its institutional dimension, the Festival serves as an international platform for projects that blend social innovation, art and sustainability. The Fair will act as a laboratory for ideas and prototypes, while the Fest will celebrate cultural diversity through performances, installations, and participatory experiences.

The possibility of hosting satellite events in other European cities extends the festival’s reach and reinforces its decentralised nature. In a context where many green initiatives risk becoming trapped in rhetoric, the New European Bauhaus Festival stands out for its commitment to the tangible, the sensitive, and the collective. It is not merely a showcase of best practices, but a call to imagine — and build — liveable futures rooted in beauty, equity, and climate action.

The 2026 edition also opens calls for artists, designers, collectives, and organisations wishing to share initiatives rooted in New European Bauhaus (NEB) principles and values, with a special focus on initiatives that promote biodiversity, circularity, accessibility, and a sense of belonging.

Do not miss the opportunity to showcase your NEB-aligned project and apply for the Fair until 30 September 2025.