Upcoming Trade Shows in Spain for Graphic Design

Barcelona is one of the most active hubs for the graphic industry in Spain. The Barcelona Centre of Design (BCD) plays a pivotal role in promoting the city’s creative scene to an international audience. In response to the global pandemic and the subsequent cancellation of physical events in 2020, BCD launched Inspired in Barcelona, an online platform dedicated to championing Barcelona-based design. While the branding had been in use for several years, the digital platform emerged as a necessity to keep the city’s creative spirit alive during lockdowns. This initiative demonstrates the adaptability of Barcelona's design community and ensures that local talent continues to gain exposure despite challenging circumstances. Isabel Roig, the executive director of BCD, emphasizes the importance of creativity to the city’s identity, from small-scale projects to significant design endeavors, which represent the whole spectrum of the graphic design industry in Spain. The continuously updated directory on the platform is crucial for showcasing new work and reflecting the city’s diverse design specialisms from graphic design to industrial design. Roig believes that the city's diversity is a strength that can help achieve global recognition. However, she acknowledges that the appreciation for design in Spain is still a work in progress, particularly when compared to Nordic countries and the UK. This sentiment is shared by other industry professionals, highlighting the need for continued efforts to elevate the status of design within Spain. Inspired in Barcelona is supported by the city's council and hosts installations that are intrinsically tied to the essence of Barcelona. For example, A Gathering Bar is a meeting point that symbolizes the city's relaxed and pleasant lifestyle. This bar installation aims to showcase experimental design within culinary culture.