In recent years, Romania’s graphic design field has become more vibrant yet fragmented. Designers have the tendency to work in isolation, and opportunities for professional debate or public acknowledgment have been few and far between.

Competitions specifically dedicated to graphic design have been virtually nonexistent, leaving many notable projects unseen by a wider audience.

The Local Design Awards emerge as a much-needed initiative in Romania’s graphic design landscape, where opportunities for recognition have been scarce.

Organized by Local Design Circle in collaboration with Fabrik, this inaugural edition is not merely a contest — it is a celebration of design and an acknowledgment of projects that excel in their category.

By gathering outstanding works, the Awards aim to foster a sense of community, inspire ongoing dialogue, and highlight the vital role that visual communication plays in shaping cultural and social experiences.

At the heart of the Local Design Awards are two principal categories: the National Poster Competition and the National Book Competition. Both categories welcome submissions from established and independent graphic designers nationwide, while also providing a dedicated Young Category for designers under 26. Participants in the Young Category may submit work to either field, positioning emerging talent alongside seasoned professionals.

Instead of assigning traditional ranks like gold, silver, or bronze, the jury will simply honor those projects that exemplify outstanding design quality. This approach ensures every deserving project receives recognition based solely on its creative merit, fostering a more inclusive and merit-driven celebration.

Local Design Awards aims to cultivate visual literacy among a broader public by spotlighting design as a fundamental mode of expression: one that shapes identities, informs cultural narratives, and influences how we interpret information in both print and digital.

The Awards unfold over a weekend in September in Bucharest, where a half-day conference brings together local designers, students, and an invited international speaker to discuss the significance of celebrating design across communities. That same evening, an award gala honors the nominated projects, allowing designers, clients, students, and enthusiasts to connect in person.

Concurrently, an exhibition of all nominated works opens in Bucharest and, in the weeks that follow, travels to Timișoara and Cluj-Napoca. Complementary activities — such as a radio program and a printed catalog documenting the honored projects — extend the conversation beyond the core events, inviting broader public engagement.

The project is guided by the motto: “Local Effort, National Recognition, Global Perspective.”

By celebrating locally produced work and positioning it on a national stage, the Awards underscore how design reflects and amplifies diverse cultural voices.

The presence of an international jury and guests situates Romanian projects within a global discourse, encouraging cross-border exchange of ideas. 

Traveling exhibitions ensure that excellence is not confined to the capital; audiences in Timișoara and Cluj-Napoca can directly engage with the work, sparking dialogue in multiple regions. In doing so, Local Design Awards articulate graphic design as a vital component of cultural, educational, and economic development.

More than a one-off event, this first edition lays the foundation for an enduring institution. By integrating a conference, an award gala, itinerant exhibitions, a radio program, and a printed catalog into a single platform, the Awards transform a classic design competition into a multifaceted cultural experience. 

They create an environment where designers, clients, and the general public can meet, exchange ideas, and build professional networks. Ultimately, this initiative seeks to strengthen Romania’s design ecosystem — supporting creativity, innovation, and critical reflection — and to position Romanian graphic designers on a broader international stage for years to come.