Design Fringe

"We have shared bread and salt" is an Ancient Greek proverb that speaks of the ancient custom of welcoming strangers and expressing gratitude, friendship and trust through the act of eating. Today, like in Ancient Greece, the humble dining table is more than just a piece of furniture; it is a cornerstone of connection, community, and culture. The dining table is both the centre of the home and a growing site for doing business, a symbol of family connecting and conflict and for the occasional solo frozen dinner. "We have shared bread and salt" takes the concept of the dining table as a starting point to explore how design creates environments that facilitate meaningful conversations and build stronger communities. This year's exhibition celebrates the role of design in fostering togetherness. It highlights the power of the table as a gathering place, inspiring new forms of connection and understanding, and highlighting the vibrant intersections of culture, conversation and food.