Vitoria-Gasteiz is set to become the epicenter of design, technology, creativity, and Basque culture from October 8th to 10th, thanks to the Basquerville Festival. Promoted by the Basquerville Elkartea Association, the event returns to the Arkabia space to continue fusing innovation, art, sustainability, and collaborative processes. It is supported by the Vitoria-Gasteiz City Council, the Provincial Council of Álava, Fundación Vital, and collaborations with DIGA, EIDE, LABe, and IDarte.
The event was presented by María Nanclares, Councilor for Economic Promotion, Employment, Commerce, and Tourism of Vitoria-Gasteiz; Ander Larrinaga, Director of Economic Development and Innovation for the Provincial Council of Álava; Arantxa Ibáñez de Opacua, Director of Vital Fundazioa; Izaskun Urkijo, film art director and Festival speaker; and Basquerville Elkartea representatives Mikel Escalera and Ane Sánchez.
This year, the Festival revolves around the theme ‘Izaera’ (identity or character in Basque). As explained by the organizers, each person has a unique way of observing, interpreting, and relating to their environment. ‘Izaera’ speaks of our identity, what defines us, influences us, and accompanies us. Thus, the 2026 edition focuses directly on the human aspect of design: the people behind each project, analyzing how their way of being, thinking, and creating leaves an unmistakable mark on everything they do.
Among the international guests is digital art pioneer Miguel Chevalier (France). His participation at Basquerville is part of his immersive exhibition ‘Digital Floralia’ at the Arkabia space, a top-tier synergy made possible by close collaboration with Fundación Vital.
The international speaker lineup also includes Portugal's Bürocratik agency, Soyun Park (South Korea/Netherlands), Alec Vivier-Reynaud, UK-based creative coding expert Rifke Sadleir, and visual artist Gab Bois (Canada).
Rifke Sadleir and Gab Bois will enrich the festival's practical training with two limited-capacity workshops on Thursday, October 8th, at Arkabia.
As a Basque design and technology festival, Basquerville's core mission is to highlight Basque talent, enabling it to dialogue directly with global avant-garde. Alongside the international lineup, a strong contingent of Basque and Spanish creators will be featured, including renowned film art director Izaskun Urkijo, and leading multidisciplinary studios and artists such as Hiruki, Xerra estudioa, Arrate, Marc & Marina, sound studio Tunipanea, and Gina Guasch.
This commitment to the local environment also materializes in support for new generations. As a prelude to the Festival, on Wednesday, October 7th, the ‘Portfolio Eguna’ will be held, organized by DIGA and EIDE associations, specifically for design students and young professionals. This event aims to provide a space for reviewing portfolios, gaining diverse perspectives, and engaging with the sector through quick 10-15 minute meetings with professionals from various disciplines.
The commitment continues on Thursday, October 8th, with ‘Harroby’, a space dedicated entirely to Basque emerging talent. Far from being just a student springboard, ‘Harroby’ is established as a major showcase for young design talents already undertaking high-level professional projects. This space will feature Elixabet Botanz, Saioa Villa, Mikel G. Ardanaz, Maria López de Subijana, and Asier Aguayo, demonstrating the vibrant present of Basque design's future.
Beyond the talks, the Festival aims to be a participatory and purely analog experience where the public can also be creators. This edition features collaboration with Voltaire Lab – Serigrafia artesanal, allowing attendees to get hands-on and print the festival's emblematic scarf on-site, taking home a unique, self-made souvenir.
Day tickets (including the ‘Harroby’ session on the 8th) and the full pass (‘Pack Egurra’ for the 9th and 10th) are now on sale.
