DEMOCRATIC
DESIGN DAYS

Älmhult, Småland, 4–5 June 2025

Welcome to Democratic Design Days 2025!

Join us for a two-day event of inspiration and celebration – right here in Älmhult. Enjoy talks and panel discussions on art, design and new ways of doing. Watch live performances by Seinabo Sey, Sunnan, Oscar Zia, Yaeger and GERD. You can even get a new stylish haircut (yes, really). And of course, there’ll be delicious food and drinks from local vendors – including Democratic Pizza. Curious what that is? Come and find out.

Explore the pages to find out more. We can’t wait to see you there!

Music

On Wednesday 4 June we’ll be hosting exclusive live performances from musical artists Sunnan, Oscar Zia, Seinabo Sey and Yaeger. GERD will be joining us for a lunchtime performance on Thursday 5 June, 13:00! Don’t miss it!

Sunnan

Wednesday 4 June, 12:30
Downtown stage

The group was born during the pandemic when they began making music together in a house in Småland, where the landscape and light set the tone for their sound. The result? A genre-defying debut that Sweden’s biggest daily, Dagens Nyheter, called “the best there is right now.” Come and experience dreamy soundscapes, acoustic movements and electronic surprises in seamless symbiosis.

Oscar Zia

Wednesday 4 June, 18:00
Downtown stage

Oscar Zia entered the Swedish pop scene at a young age and has since built an impressive résumé – performing on some of the country’s biggest stages and reaching over 60 million streams on Spotify. In the autumn of 2023, Oscar released the long-awaited debut album Heartbreakmiljonär, followed by the spring tour The Heartbreak Tour. After a successful season of touring, he’s now back in the studio and planning his next album, set to be released in 2025. But first, a short stop here in Älmhult.

Seinabo Sey

Wednesday 4 June, 19:00
Downtown stage

One of the country’s most beloved and unique artists is coming to Älmhult for an exclusive performance. Seinabo Sey’s voice carries a rare kind of magic – one that both comforts and challenges, that stirs and awakens. Don’t miss the chance to see Seinabo Sey in a performance that promises to be both grand and intimate.

Yaeger

Wednesday 4 June, 21:00
Downtown stage

We wrap up day one with a not-to-be-missed performance from our final artist, Yaeger. Her incredibly powerful vocals and pumping beats will hit the stage through infectious rave-pop – with her vocals being front and centre. What feels like a renaissance from one of this year’s most interesting artists can also become a major exclamation point on stage.

GERD

Thursday 5 June, 13:00
Downtown stage

With her unique ability to bring together timeless, melodramatic pop with electronic soundscapes, GERD has quickly established herself as a strong voice to be reckoned with on the Swedish music scene. GERD draws us into an immersive and unknown world with her experimental arrangements and unconventional songwriting. We can’t wait to welcome her to Älmhult.

Talks

Join us for interesting and thought-provoking talks across the two days. With both external experts and voices from across IKEA, there’s something for everyone!

Slow furniture

Wednesday 4 June, 11:30
Uptown stage

Creating something high-quality, sustainable, and expensive is easy. So is making something cheap in both price and quality. But designing products that are affordable – while also beautiful in form, smart in function, and built to last – is a complex process that takes time. Join this talk that challenges conventional ideas of price, value, and sustainability.

Speakers: Lena Julle, Sarah Dodge, Mikael Axelsson, Thomas Suchy & moderator, Åsa Sandberg

Living in a material world

Wednesday 4 June, 12:00
Uptown stage

What if the seaweed in your sushi wasn’t just food—but future furniture? In a different world, or perhaps in the one just ahead, it could be just that. Hear how unexpected material streams and local solutions are helping reduce environmental impact and shape more sustainable products. The progress of material innovation brings great hope for the future.

Speakers: Sarah Dodge, Simon Hilmersson, Robert Carleke, Liljana Kusibojoska Forssten & moderator, Åsa Sandberg

When did you forget your inner playful child?

Wednesday 4 June, 13:45
Uptown stage

When did you last invent stories, build fortresses, or climb higher just to enjoy the view? For kids, play is how the world is explored. It’s how bodies, minds, and social skills take shape. For adults, play can unlock creativity, reduce stress, and spark new perspectives. Yet somehow, along the way, we forget it. In this talk, we’ll explore the concept of play — from defining its many types to understanding how we design for it. At IKEA, we take the power of play seriously.

Speakers: Karin Blindh Pedersen, Magnus Göransson, Auste Skrupskyte Cullbrand & moderator David Brain

Waste is a failure of the imagination

Wednesday 4 June, 15:00
Uptown stage

Douglas McMaster is a British chef, restaurateur, and sustainability pioneer best known as the founder of Silo, the world’s first zero-waste restaurant. Hear how he’s on a mission to eliminate waste on every level – from ingredient sourcing and food preparation to interior design and the way food is served.

Speaker: Douglas McMaster

Food for thoughts

Wednesday 4 June, 15:30
Uptown stage

Delicious and nutritious food remains out of reach for too many. In a world where food is a big part of culture and connection, it can also highlight social and economic gaps. Join this talk on making eating a joy for everyone.

Speakers: Petra Axdorff, Douglas McMaster, Fredrik Kastengren, Jens Dolk & moderator, Åsa Sandberg

Rethink traditional

Wednesday 4 June, 17:00
Uptown stage

Join the world premiere of a new collection inspired by the surprisingly familiar everyday challenges of the 19th century: limited space, multifunctional living, and craftsmanship born out of necessity. In a world of excess, the humble 1800s cabin reminds us that designing with intention – and living with less – can mean living better. This talk offers fresh ideas on “then versus now,” and a chance to meet the creative leader and designers behind the collection.

Speakers: Ina Tidbeck Sjöblom, Maria Vinka, Matilda Hunyadi & moderator, David Brain

The power of social entrepreneurship

Thursday 5 June, 10:30
Uptown stage

IKEA teams up with social entrepreneurs and civil society organisations to create real, sustainable opportunities. Meet some of the social entrepreneurs and hear how, through partnership and mutual learning, we grow together and make a bigger impact. From handmade collections to local services, these collaborations also bring value to IKEA customers. Join this talk about business ideas as a force for good.

Speakers: Therese Frykstrand (Jallatrappan), Shafiqul Alam Selim, Mithila Mith (Karupannya), Åsa Skogström Feldt, & moderator: Akanksha Deo

Creativity, part 1

Thursday 5 June, 12:00
Uptown stage

Creativity is part of the IKEA DNA, and continuing to find new and better ways of working—while leaving room for ideas—is crucial for future development. That’s why we’ve invited a truly exciting panel of speakers to explore what it takes to be creative.

Speaker: Gustaf Westman, Emma Dafnäs, Dorte Nielsen & moderator Auste Skrupskyte Cullbrand

Creativity, part 2: Chairs, a personal journey

Thursday 5 June, 12:30
Uptown stage

Tom Sachs is a New York-based artist celebrated for his distinctive DIY aesthetic and provocative, hand-crafted sculptures that reimagine icons of consumer culture, space exploration, and timeless ritual. Welcome to a rare opportunity to hear Sachs’ personal journey as both an artist and a creative mind.

Speaker: Tom Sachs

What turns a space into a home?

Thursday 5 June, 13:30
Uptown stage

In this playful and thoughtful conversation, a set designer, interior designer and strategist will explore the home from different perspectives. From movie sets designed to hint who a character is before they speak, to IKEA’s vision of what the home of the future might look like – this talk explores how spaces tell stories.

Speakers: Lotta Noremark, Kate Copeland, Pia Wallin & moderator David Brain

Agenda

We’re super excited to reveal the full agenda for the event filled with talks, activities, music, and so much more! Join us in the DDD village, the IKEA Museum and the Museum of Furniture Studies. We can’t wait to see you!

Wednesday
4 June

Thursday
5 June

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Map

Q&A

The event is 4-5 June 2025. 10:00 – 23:00 Wednesday, and 08:30 – 17:00 on Thursday.

The event takes place in Älmhult in the carpark connecting the IKEA Hotel and IKEA Museum.

There will be limited spaces available in the carpark from Monday 26 May due to the build up of the event space.

Alternative parking is available nearby, see map for details.

Everyone is welcome! Whether you are curious to learn more about design and creativity or just want to enjoy the atmosphere, music and food. The event is open to external visitors so bring your friends, families and favourite neighbours!

No, the events are open to all ages.

For the activities, talks and music performances, you don’t need to register as these are open to the public – however space may be limited so get there early.

No, the only thing you need to pay for is food and drinks, or if you wish to shop the MÄVINN collection that is on preview.

Yes! We have a fantastic selection of local vendors during the event serving food, drinks and sweet treats throughout the days. The IKEA Museum, IKEA Hotell and Grillen are also open as normal throughout the days too.

Small bags like handbags are permitted and may be checked for security reasons. Please do not bring large bags, backpacks and luggage with you as these are not permitted, and we do not have storage.

The easiest way to get to Älmhult is by train. If you are travelling from another country, the train from Copenhagen Airport takes just under two hours. Find travel information via Skånetrafiken or Länstrafiken Kronoberg.

Due to the event, there are limited or no rooms available in Älmhult. If you wish to stay overnight, you can find many great alternatives in Osby, Hässleholm, Lund or Malmö.

DEMOCRATIC DESIGN DAYS