The Future Of Money Design Awards are open for entries for 2026. The FOM26 theme is “Musical Notes & Sound Money“.
The challenge is to explore and create from the relationship between money and music. Don’t let “what is” dictate “what could be”!
The best three projects will be awarded and exhibited at the Pay360 event in London.
Details about the 2026 theme are available on the official website.
Money and music (and, in fact, all creative endeavours) have always had an uneasy relationship. Music is profoundly human—it likely existed even before the rise of civilisation—and it runs deep in our collective unconscious. It is complex, emotive, irrational, and intrinsically linked to our sense of being and meaning-making.
Money, too, has a long history. It helped build civilisations, and in its contemporary form it is rational, functional, practical, and pragmatic. The motivations behind music and money often stand in stark contrast. We all need music (and creativity) to live—and money to survive.
Can this relationship be reinvented?
Buskers play for a peppercorn offering in coins and a transient audience. Youth orchestras often operate through a gift economy—people devoted to music and expression. Oasis claimed they were the last rock band for the masses (oh dear). David Bowie predicted music would become like turning on a tap—and he created the infamous “Bowie Bonds”.
The truth is: money and music are both here to stay.
But can they play harmoniously together?
We challenge you to explore and create from the relationship between money and music.
Participation is open to Designers, Artists, Musicians, Creative Economists, Financial troublemakers, Speculative Designers, Critical Designers, Students, Professionals and the retired.
Concepts need to be communicated effectively in a visually engaging way (if shortlisted). Hence, if you don’t have skills in visualisation, but have a great idea, perhaps befriend someone who can help? If you are a brilliant social scientist with an innovative approach, perhaps join forces with a designer or artist? (Just a thought).
The competition will run in two phases.
The prizes for 2026 are 750 pounds for the winning entrant, travel expenses to London for finalists, an opportunity to present to financial and payment industry experts, projects achieved on the FOM award website and a physical award (to put on the shelf).
Please check the official website for further information.
No Entry Fee!
It's free to enter.