Central European Creative Awards Launched

The Hungarian Design Award reborn with a broader, renewed approach

About the Awards

In seven of its nine categories, the Central European Creative Awards invite applications from creators, designers, companies, and higher-education students whose innovative, market-ready and professionally outstanding works contribute to the development of the creative industries. The Award focuses on creative quality, innovation, conscious design, and professional rigour, while providing space for independent works, collaborations, and the emergence of new talents, while also recognising exceptional creative careers.

“The launch of the Central European Creative Awards establishes a regional benchmark that brings Central Europe’s creative achievements into a shared framework. The creative industries are key players not only culturally but also economically, making it essential that they are presented in a way that is clearly understood at an international level. We hope that, over time, the submitted works will set a regional creative standard and the recognitions will encourage further progress within the industry,” highlighted Zsófia Jakab, CEO of Creative Hungary and Ministerial Commissioner for Creative Industry Development and Sectoral Coordination.

She further emphasised: “When renewing the Hungarian Design Award, our guiding principle was that, beyond aesthetic quality, market relevance, innovation and long-term impact should also play a prominent role in the evaluation. Accordingly, the Central European Creative Awards serve not only as a professional recognition but also as a quality benchmark with economic significance. Our goal is to showcase export-ready brands and initiatives that contribute to strengthening the region’s competitiveness. We are determined that the award will become a defining and prestigious professional accolade in the Central European region,” added the Ministerial Commissioner.

Entry and Awards

The Central European Creative Awards’ category system deliberately combines showcasing the strengths of the domestic creative industries with encouraging regional collaboration. In the Fashion Design of the Year, Product Design of the Year, Gaming Graphic Design of the Year, and Beauty Package Design of the Year categories, only Hungarian entrants are eligible to apply, thereby enhancing the international visibility and positioning of Hungarian creators and brands. The Young Talent of the Year and Collaboration of the Year categories aim to promote the talents of the new generation and successful professional collaborations.

In parallel, the CE Award regional category provides an opportunity for businesses and creators from Central European countries — Austria, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia — to compete, fostering cross-border professional connections. 

The Lifetime Achievement honours an outstanding Hungarian professional career with a lasting and defining impact. In the case of the Audience Choice award, the winner is determined by public vote, providing a direct opportunity to engage the audience.

Winners are selected by the Hungarian Creative Industries Council, with the professional evaluation of entries and preparation of decisions carried out with the involvement of recognised domestic and international industry experts. In addition to receiving the award, category winners will be granted a financial prize of HUF 1,500,000 (gross). Entries can be submitted between 26 January and 26 February 2026.

Tradition and Renewal

The Central European Creative Awards build on the more than forty-year legacy of the Hungarian Design Award. Established in 1979, the award served for decades as a defining benchmark of the Hungarian design scene.

“At Creative Hungary, we work to position Hungary’s complex creative industry ecosystem on a globally comprehensible and competitive path. In relation to the Award, our task was to approach the future by responsibly building on this rich heritage, while applying a market-driven perspective and engaging as many professional stakeholders as possible. We decided to renew the award because we believe that by showcasing the synergies within the creative industries, it is crucial to highlight, in a focused way across multiple sectors, the social and economic value that our creators generate for Central Europe,” explained Zsófia Jakab, CEO of Creative Hungary and Ministerial Commissioner for Creative Industry Development and Sectoral Coordination.

In 2025, Creative Hungary took over the responsibilities of the Hungarian Design Council and the Hungarian Design Award, while expanding its scope of activities beyond fashion and design to include the beauty and gaming industries. As a result, the Council continues its work as the Hungarian Creative Industries Council, while the award has been reborn as a regional recognition that goes beyond the field of design, building both on Hungary’s design heritage and the importance of a regional perspective.

Detailed information on submissions, category definitions, and the application process is available on the official platforms of the Central European Creative Awards. 

Call for Designs: Central European Creative Awards Trophy

In connection with the Award, a design competition is being launched for Hungarian visual and applied artists to create the official trophy. Creative Hungary is seeking contemporary, distinctive trophy designs that visually reflect the values of Central European creativity, as well as the spirit of quality, innovation, and collaboration. At the same time, submissions are expected to uniquely incorporate Hungarian cultural traditions, local customs and values, with sustainable material use and execution considered an advantage. The winning design will be realised as the official trophy of the Central European Creative Awards, emphasising the active role of Hungarian designers in shaping the award’s identity. Entry is free of charge. The Agency welcomes entries until 20 February 2026.

Creative Hungary

Creative Hungary was founded in 2018 under the name Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency to support all actors in the fashion and design industries in an efficient and structured manner, following predetermined strategic pillars: professional coordination, enhancing Hungarian brands’ availability and trade opportunities, educational development and manufacturing development. In line with global trends, the boundaries between individual creative industries have expanded in recent years, with cross-disciplinary collaborations becoming increasingly important. In response to industry and technological changes, the Organisation’s scope of activities expanded in 2025. Today, Creative Hungary serves as the highest-level coordinating Organisation of the Hungarian creative industry, encompassing the fashion and textile industries, furniture manufacturing and product design, offline and online game design, and the beauty and personal care industries. Its primary tasks include strategic cooperation with professional partners, increasing exports, and supporting Hungarian brands’ professional development through mentorship programmes. It is responsible for organising the region’s flagship fashion event, Budapest Central European Fashion Week, Budapest Design Week, and the 360 Design Budapest exhibition, which has received international awards. Additionally, it provides Hungarian creators with opportunities to participate in and debut at international professional events, including Milano Fashion Week and the Maison & Objet design fair.