Playground is the magazine that dares to explore, question, and re-envision the creative industries. Through thought-provoking essays, reports, and bold, honest conversations, it’s where curiosity meets play and inspiration. Packed full of smart insights and egoless advice, Playground is a must-read for those working in, or curious about, Europe’s vibrant creative and cultural sectors.

Issue 5

The fifth, 128-page issue of Playground brings together creatives from all across Europe – writers, illustrators, photographers, and artists – to map the current state of creativity across the continent and beyond. Inside, you’ll find: A report on the importance of play; Essays on speculative writing, why ideas are like monobloc chairs, refusal as creative practice, the allure of old-school gaming aesthetics, and more; Our new city guide – Cities as playgrounds – exploring Finland's capital Helsinki; A deep dive into the world of workwear, along with the reveal of our latest workwear collaboration; Conversations with creatives: artist Oliviero Fiorenzi, creative entrepreneur Carla Camilla Hjort, and more; Plus, more Play – reader favourites including The CV of failed projects, The culture shelf, insights on the new local economy, and “play breaks” that invite readers to think along the way.
Across essays, data, and dialogue, Issue 5 investigates the invisible economy that powers creativity, asking what it takes to keep it fair, connected, and alive – and the role of experimentation and play in helping to shape what comes next.