In 2018, the theme, Emotional States, was a diverse, global commentary on our emotionally turbulent times. At Somerset House, 40 countries, cities and territories presented installations that were curated by some of the most distinguished museums and design institutions in the world.

These exhibits interrogated the ways in which design affects every aspect of our lives, and influences our very being, emotions and experiences. Together, they presented an exciting laboratory of ideas that investigated the important relationship between design, strong emotional responses, and real social needs.