Future Matter is a curated exhibition presented as part of London Design Festival 2026, exploring sustainable material futures through contemporary design, craft, textiles, innovative products, and research-driven practices. Organized by Nest - A Lab, the exhibition will take place at ASC Handbag Factory, London, from 12–14 September 2026, bringing together designers, makers, researchers, and creative practitioners who challenge conventional approaches to materials, production, and sustainability.

About the Exhibition

Future Matter is a curated exhibition presented as part of London Design Festival 2026, exploring sustainable material futures through contemporary design, craft, textiles, innovative products, and research-led practices.

Organised by Nest - A Lab, the exhibition brings together emerging and established designers, makers, artists, commercial brands, material innovators, and researchers whose work rethinks how objects are designed, produced, and experienced.

Rather than presenting sustainability as a fixed solution, Future Matter invites diverse approaches to circular materials, responsible production, speculative design, traditional craftsmanship, biomaterials, urban mining, and experimental material practices.

The exhibition will take place at ASC Handbag Factory, London, from 12–14 September 2026 as part of the official London Design Festival programme.

Who Should Apply

We welcome applications from emerging and established designers, makers, craftspeople, jewellery, textile, ceramic and product designers, material researchers, interdisciplinary practitioners, independent studios, commercial brands, design collectives, and research groups.

We encourage projects that demonstrate innovation in materials, manufacturing, circularity, and sustainable design thinking.

Exhibition Information

Nest - A Lab operates a 0% commission policy, with all sales handled directly between exhibitors and buyers.

The exhibition will be promoted through the official London Design Festival, ASC Handbag Factory, and Nest - A Lab communication channels, and will be free and open to the public throughout the festival's opening weekend.

Future Matter is curated by Emma Gu, founder of Nest - A Lab, with academic support from Dr. Sofie Boons, Research Director at the British Academy of Jewellery and Senior Lecturer at UWE Bristol, who joins the project as Academic Consultant.

Participant Responsibilities

Selected participants will confirm their participation by paying a £280 participation fee, which contributes towards venue hire, curatorial coordination, exhibition management, and promotion.

Participants are responsible for the delivery, installation, and collection of their work.

A professional art technician will be available on 9 September to assist with installation where required.

Exhibition photography, a press release, and an exhibition archive will be produced, with all participants credited accordingly.

While every reasonable care will be taken in handling exhibited works, Nest - A Lab and ASC Handbag Factory cannot provide individual artwork insurance.

Participants are responsible for arranging their own insurance if required.