Design Must Not Lose Its Voice Even in Difficult Times – The New Issue of Designum Is Out Now!

“*Culture has become one of the most discussed topics in recent times. Exceptional attention is given not only in terms of urgent support, importance, significance, or representation but, conversely, also due to fears of declining public interest. Although culture in Slovakia has neither traditionally been nor currently is a state-preferred area (despite past authoritarian regimes having tried to claim it), it is now followed more closely by mass media, especially regarding current consolidation. In the shadow of the spotlights, which are normally aimed at the more attractive sides of culture and art, the seemingly less important facets—hidden from much of the public eye—suddenly emerge. These concern the routine operation of institutions and their collections, both professional and everyday activities, or the existence of the people working within them. Culture is an important part of daily life, shaping our relationship to it through our value-based attitudes. That is why it matters to us.” stated Jana Oravcová, the chief editor, in the editorial of the just-published Designum 2/2025.

Financial Consolidation and the Existence of Designum

The consolidation of public finances has painfully affected the magazine of the Slovak Design Center: Designum. In 2024, we celebrated 30 years of its uninterrupted publication, yet we have never faced such a challenging situation: the editorial staff consists of only one person, and the budget is minimal. Still, we do not give up—and we are bringing you another issue!

Now, it is crucial that design does not lose its voice, that its contributions and significance are not forgotten, and that important ideas, works, projects, and personalities are preserved. Designum is both the only and a unique professional review on design in Slovakia. It is published four times a year, offering insights on current events, new trends, inspiring personalities, and historical contexts—not only for Slovak but also Czech readers, as the Czech Republic does not have a similar design-focused magazine.

More than Just a Magazine

Designum is much more than a periodical. It creates space for professional dialogue, stimulates critical thinking, and documents the development of design in the region. Each issue contains exclusive interviews with leading creators, trend analyses, exhibition and publication reviews, as well as reflections on the history of Slovak design. Young talents and their perspectives on contemporary creation are also showcased.

Over three decades, Designum has grown into a respected source of information and an archive of Slovak design culture. Thanks to its stable readership and high professional standards, it is an indispensable part of the cultural and creative environment.

What’s in the Current Issue, Designum 2/2025?

In the “Current Affairs” section, you’ll find an interview by Barbora Krejčová with Simona Császárová, who, along with her professor Michal Tornyai (AFAD), received a National Award for Design 2025 in the Typography category and also became a laureate of the Newcomer Award in Design. There is also coverage on how they completed the state contract for the redesign of vehicle registration plates.
Filip Birkner, like Kickie Chudíková, lives in New York, which inspired a joint meeting and an informal interview about their views on design in the context of their work and practical approaches.
Dávid Gabera dedicates his interviews to designers from eastern Slovakia; this time, he focuses on Lenka Šturmankinová, primarily known for illustrating children’s magazines.
Michala Lipková sums up fifteen years of the “Flowers for Slovakia” project in the context of a retrospective exhibition of all four cycles, which took place during Architecture and Design Days 2025 at the Primate’s Palace in Bratislava. This project gives students and young designers both the opportunity to present their work and to establish collaborations with established professionals and artisans. The next cycle will also include collaboration with young designers from the Czech Republic.
The Experimental Design Studio of the Department of Design at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava prepared the “Parallel Worlds” exhibition for its fifth anniversary. Jozef Eduard Masarik wrote a review reflecting on the wide range of design practices included in the exhibition, which were divided into three paths—material, critical-social, and identity/body.
Graphic designer, exhibition architect, and educator Pavel Choma celebrates a significant life anniversary this year. Gabriela Ondrišáková reviews his extensive work, particularly in exhibition design, cultural posters, and book graphics.
In the “Retrospective” section, Viera Kleinová writes about ceramist and sculptor Jozef Sušienka, focusing on his works in public spaces in Hlohovec, Piešťany, and Bratislava. Kleinová notes that Sušienka completed at least thirty ceramic works for public spaces between the 1960s and 1990s, offering a perspective for further research.
Jaroslav Polanecký examines the crucial role of environmental issues and sustainability in education in the article “Environmental Aspects of Design Education,” emphasizing the importance of teaching such topics and reflecting them in training future designers.
The current issue features display fonts Rue Slab by Karolína Ježíková and Ankopis Serif by Samuel Kráner.

Designum is currently available for the advantageous price of €4.20 (for a selected issue), and the whole annual subscription is available for €15.75. More information about sales is available on the magazine’s website