Revolutionary: DEMO Festival 2025 transforms cities with motion design

The DEMO Festival, an acronym for DEsign in MOtion, has become a pivotal event in the world of motion design, celebrating its transformative power and global reach. Since its inception in 2019 at Amsterdam Central Station, the festival has grown exponentially, showcasing the boundless creativity of motion design across thousands of screens in the Netherlands by 2022. Now, in 2025, the festival has expanded its horizons, presenting curated works on XXL screens in 15 cities across seven countries, including Los Angeles, California.

Motion design, a relatively new field, has gained significant momentum worldwide due to its powerful communicative ability. This year’s DEMO Festival, known as the Cities Edition, received a record-breaking 5,334 submissions, reflecting the diversity and potential of this rapidly growing field. The festival provides a platform for both emerging talents and established creators, offering a rich visual language that blurs the boundaries between static graphic work and dynamic motion design.

DEMO Festival’s Global Expansion

The decision to expand the DEMO Festival into an international event was motivated by the desire to deepen the relationship with the global motion design community and reflect its inherently international nature. The festival’s creative director, Liza Enebeis, emphasized the importance of showcasing the diversity of styles, innovative techniques, and latest trends in motion design. For the 2025 edition, an international open call led to over 5,500 submissions, from which 570 works were selected by a team of curators.

The festival’s expansion to cities like Los Angeles highlights the role of motion design in shaping public spaces and digital environments. Motion design is not just a trend but a necessary part of how brands develop, allowing them to evolve their personality and communicate seamlessly across different media formats. By displaying these works in public spaces, DEMO Festival aims to inspire makers, brands, and the public to understand the potential of motion design in new and innovative ways.

The Impact of Motion Design on Public Spaces

The outdoor displays at the DEMO Festival offer a unique window into the world of a novel visual art form, acquainting the general audience and companies with its potential and allure. With over 250 screens located at train and metro stations, squares, public buildings, and shopping centers, the festival transforms these spaces into mesmerizing visual landscapes.

In Los Angeles, the DEMO Festival offers a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to experience the vibrant world of motion design. The festival’s partner, Global Media & Entertainment, emphasizes the importance of creativity in the Digital Out-of-Home industry, deploying digital screens to give designers’ work a wider stage in public spaces. This approach proves that public space can be a place for art and inspiration, not just commercial messages.

Our Advice on the City

For those visiting Los Angeles during the DEMO Festival, we recommend exploring the city’s diverse neighborhoods and cultural landmarks. The festival’s presence in Los Angeles offers a unique lens through which to view the city’s dynamic energy and creativity. Consider immersing yourself in a journey past different screens at the stations or reserve a distinctive guided experience led by Studio Dumbar/DEPT® designers.

For expert travelers, consider engaging with the local design community by attending workshops or talks related to motion design. Los Angeles is home to a vibrant creative scene, and connecting with local designers can provide valuable insights into the city’s artistic landscape.

In conclusion, the DEMO Festival 2025 is a testament to the transformative power of motion design and its ability to shape public spaces and digital environments. As you explore Los Angeles during the festival, take a moment to reflect on the role of creativity in our daily lives and how it influences our perception of the world around us. Whether you’re a casual visitor or a seasoned traveler, the festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and potential of motion design in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.