Recap Forward Festival Vienna 2018

It’s a wrap! 3.000 visitors, more than 40 speakers, 2 floors and 2 after parties – that was Forward Festival 2018 in Vienna.

The first festival day started with interesting talks by graphic design studio Beton, Jette Hopp from the reward-winning architecture firm Snøhetta, London-based creative agency Marshmallow Laser Feast and many more. The first day ended with 3 inspiring talks by graphic design legend Paula Scher, who emphasized the importance of passion projects for your own artistic development, the photographer Boogie, who shared stories from his work with drug abusers and gang members, and interactive designer Gavin Strange.

Gavin’s energizing talk about how to handle your passion projects and your day job rounded off the first the day of the festival. Afterwards, a happy and satisfied audience spilled on the dance floor of our Opening Party.

The photographer Stefanie Moshammer held the first talk on the second conference day. Speeches by Austrian advertising agency Demner, Merlicek & Bergmann, future-living lab SPACE10, innovation design agency AKQA, illustrator Ferry Gouw and last but not least the Spanish fashion and art studio Cool Shit.

Our second stage invited festival guests to listen to special-interest lectures by Bleed, Adobe Stock, Vice, Design made in Austria, Cannes Lions Festival and students from the Hungarian university MOME amongst others. The diverse workshops by Adobe, Swarovski, Fadi Haddad (DADD) and the graffiti artists Ruin, Friend and Perkup offered hands-on experience in many different fields.

In-between conference talks the attendants were able to explore the expo area with many interactive partner booths. Whether it was experiencing the VR-installation by Depart, testing the newest products by Wacom, perpetuate your name on Gewista’s wall or participating in the art action by graffiti artists Ruin, Friend and Perkup.

It’s best if you see for yourself (all photos by jmvotography):