Background

Tbilisi Design Festival 2025 continues its mission of engaging the creative community in urgent global causes. Last year, we invited designers and illustrators to use their work as a form of protest against Russian aggression. This year, as Georgia and the world—face an escalating political crisis, we launch this project to highlight the problem and show that creativity itself is a powerful tool of resistance.

Authoritarian regimes have always feared creativity. In Georgia today, as in many places worldwide, artists, designers, filmmakers, musicians, and writers are among the first to be silenced, arrested, or forced into exile. The power of creative expression is not just a threat to oppressive systems—it is their direct opposition.

Design is not just about aesthetics. It is about communication, persuasion, and resistance. This year, we call on designers to visually express what it means to stand against authoritarianism, censorship, and the erasure of free thought.

The project will be curated by none other than Paula Scher, one of the most influential graphic designers of our time. Known for her bold, thought-provoking visual language and her ability to shape cultural and political conversations through design, she will lead the selection process and help showcase the best work. 

WHAT:

• Throughout history, oppressive systems have tried to control narratives, dictate truths, and suppress creative minds. But creativity has always found ways to resist.
• - What does creative resistance look like today?
• - How can design become an act of defiance?
• - How do you, as a designer, take a stand in this fight?

FOR WHOM:

• If you are a designer or illustrator who:
• - Has personally witnessed or experienced political oppression, censorship, or creative suppression;
• - Observes the rising wave of authoritarianism worldwide and wants to take a stand;
• - Believes that creativity is a weapon against oppression
• Then this is your fight.

HOW? Create a Poster

WHEN? Submission deadline: July 1st, 2025

WHERE? Send your work to [email protected]

Subject: Designers in Creative Resistance

Provide: 

• - Poster Title
• - A1 Poster file in .pdf (300dpi, Maximum size 30MB)
• - Short description of your concept (up to 100 words)
• - Include your credentials