TDC71: World Typography in Warsaw

The exhibition is scheduled to open on April 18, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. and will be accompanied by a series of lectures and a panel discussion.

Dr. Monika Marek-Łucka (PJAIT), curator of the TDC Archive, will discuss the history of the TDC and the competition. Marian Misiak and Pola Małaczewska from Three Dots Type/Slanted will present the post-competition publication *Typography 46*, outlining the entire design process. Meanwhile, a panel of typography experts will take the stage—Prof. Ewa Satalecka (PJAIT ), Prof. Mateusz Machalski (Academy of Fine Arts, Warsaw), Dr. Ania Wieluńska (Academy of Fine Arts, Warsaw), Dr. Ada Pawlikowska (Academy of Fine Arts, Gdańsk), Dr. Joanna Tyborowska (Academy of Fine Arts, Kraków), Dr. Monika Marek-Łucka (PJAIT ), Marian Misiak, and Pola Małaczewska—who will jointly comment on the award-winning projects and discuss contemporary typographic challenges.

The exhibition is open on April 18–19, 2026 

at the Auditorium of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Warsaw. 

Admission is free.

Panel discussion

April 18, 2026 / 5:30 p.m.

Prof. Ewa Satalecka (PJAIT )

Prof. Mateusz Machalski (Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw)

Dr. Ania Wieluńska (Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw) 

Dr. Ada Pawlikowska (Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk)

Dr. Joanna Tyborowska (Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków)

Dr. Monika Marek-Łucka (PJAIT )

Marian Misiak (Three Dots Type/Slanted) 

Pola Małaczewska (Three Dots Type/Slanted)

Lecture

Type Directors Club – History, Competition, and 80 Years of Typographic Excellence

Dr. Monika Marek-Łucka, curator of the TDC Archive

April 18, 2026 / 4:30 p.m.

Presentation

“Typography 46” as an example of collective design — Case study

Marian Misiak, Pola Małaczewska

(Three Dots Type/Slanted)

April 18, 2026 / 5:00 PM

TDC71 in Warsaw

Exhibition of award-winning projects from the 71st Type Directors Club Annual Competition

Until recently, Carol Wahler—and since 2025, Joe Newton—the former director and current chief operating officer of the New York-based Type Directors Club—have prepared eight massive black packages each year containing the winning designs from the TDC Annual Competition. It is the most prestigious typography competition in the world, running continuously for 80 years. Award-winning projects not only receive a certificate of typographic excellence but—by becoming part of the so-called traveling exhibitions —also have a real impact on the culture of visual communication worldwide. The packages are sent to France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Spain, while one remains in the United States.

Since 2014, thanks to the efforts of Prof. Ewa Satalecka—dean of the New Media Arts Department PJAIT Warsaw—one of the packages has been addressed to Poland and sent to the TDC Archive. This is a unique collection in Central Europe. Opening the package is always accompanied by excitement and delight at its contents. Then comes the time for methodical work: curating the collection and preparing the exhibition. 

The exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art brings together over 150 award-winning projects from the 71st edition of the TDC competition (known as TDC71) in three categories: visual communication, typeface design, and lettering. We will present posters, publications, magazines, small-format prints, and packaging designs. Visitors will be able to pick up and examine each item. We have also prepared an interactive table where visitors can experience how handwriting is taught in schools across more than 40 countries (the Primarium project by TypeTogether). Each project is accompanied by a label presenting the project’s context and helping visitors understand the solution proposed by the designers. QR codes link to additional video materials related to the project.