Curious about the design process behind films, animations, and games? Then you can’t miss The Art Department! On April 15, 16 & 17 (2026), Playgrounds brings this international festival to the Klokgebouw in Eindhoven, where emerging talents, industry pros, students, experts, and fans come together. Want to know the must-see highlights? We've got you covered!
For illustrators among us, Raman Djafari is probably no stranger anymore. He has worked with major artists such as Coldplay, Elton John, and Dua Lipa, as well as for media like The New York Times. He owes this to his strong signature style, in which he brings serious themes such as queer visibility, diversity, and emotional vulnerability to life. He breaks stereotypes and creates space for underrepresented identities. Have you always wanted to know the story behind his work? During TAD 2026, he will talk about his personal journey as an illustrator.
The Art Department Eindhoven ©Willeke Machiels
If you say Journey, you also say Matt Nava. With this artistic game, Matt Nava and his team introduced the world to an emotional, almost poetic experience in video game form. It earned them an impressive collection of awards, including multiple BAFTA Awards (British Academy of Film and Television Arts). He directed several games in recent years and is also the creative mind behind the artistic video games ABZÛ, The Pathless, and Sword of the Sea. Want to know which design challenges he overcame during these projects? Make sure you’re ready, because during his presentation he will take you behind the scenes of these games.
Games that are first built by hand using materials like clay and cardboard form a fairly unique method in the game industry. MoonHood Studio stands out by combining craftsmanship with technology. During TAD 2026, game maker and co-founder of MoonHood, Klaus Lyngeled, will take you through the creative process of his project The Midnight Walk.
The Art Department ©Willeke Machiels
On the big screen at Natlab, dive into a mix of independent (and Oscar-nominated) short films, Hollywood blockbusters, and bold new voices. But there’s more! With a film course, masterclasses, talks, meet-and-greets, a special children’s program, and an expo, there’s something for every film lover. Get tickets and the full program here!
Looking for a free creative experience? The Art Market lets you shop exclusive prints, books and apparel from top artists. Prefer to watch your favorite artist in action? At Ketelhuisplein, for example, Puck Paasen will be creating a floor painting live. If you’re into illustration, the free open-air gallery in the city is also highly recommended. Check out the window route through the city center and Strijp-S.
Before you start running around like a headless chicken, let us tell you where to find the full program, and—of course—how to get your hands on a ticket. Because on top of everything we just mentioned, The Art Department also offers sketch sessions, portfolio reviews, panel discussions, light art installations, and workshops. Okay, is that all? Nope, not even close! Check out their website for the full schedule and to bookmark the timetable—so you know exactly when and where to be. For tickets, you’ll have to try your luck on TicketSwap (it’s completely sold out).
Eindhoven Design District is an initiative of the city of Eindhoven, the Dutch Design Foundation, and Eindhoven365 to give design and technology in Eindhoven a bigger stage and to stimulate design thinking among companies and governments. On our project website, you will find information about the projects we realize and best practices from the Eindhoven design field. Be inspired!
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