About the Residency
The ‘Designers in Residence’ program is a prestigious international scholarship offered by the City of Pforzheim in collaboration with Pforzheim University and the Design-Center Baden-Württemberg. This opportunity is open to young, talented designers across various fields, including jewelry, fashion, accessories, industrial, and graphic design, along with other design disciplines. Three selected designers will have the chance to develop their projects at the EMMA Creative Center—the city’s creative hub—during a three-month residency from April 1 to June 30, 2025.
Pforzheim, known for its vibrant design community, is supported by the renowned Faculty of Design at Pforzheim University of Applied Sciences, giving the town a distinguished reputation within the international design scene. This scholarship is made possible through the generous support of Sparkasse Pforzheim Calw, C. Hafner, Rotary Club Pforzheim-Schlossberg, and yellow design.
Jury
The selection jury comprises esteemed figures in the design industry:
- Melitta Baumeister, Fashion Designer, New York.
- Romin Heide, Product Designer, Verband Deutscher Industrie Designer e.V., Berlin.
- Jiro Kamata, Jewelry Artist, Munich.
Conditions
The scholarship is open to young international designers specializing in fields such as jewelry, fashion, accessories, industrial, communication design, and related disciplines. Applicants should meet the following criteria:
- Have completed studies at a university or university of applied sciences.
- Be under 35 years of age or have completed their studies within the last two years.
- Submit a project proposal suitable for implementation during the residency, with interdisciplinary proposals being encouraged.
- Have proficiency in German or English.
Scholarship Benefits
Three scholarships will be awarded based on merit. Each scholarship includes:
- Access to fully equipped workshops and coworking spaces at the EMMA Creative Center.
- Free accommodation for the duration of the residency.
- If needed, access to the workshop facilities of Pforzheim University.
- Monthly support of 1,000 euros and reimbursement for travel costs to and from Pforzheim.
- A materials allowance for project expenses.
- Opportunities to connect with jury members and professors from Pforzheim University for mentorship and networking.
At the end of the residency, the completed projects will be exhibited at the EMMA Creative Center. Scholarship recipients are required to remain in residence for the full three months, with a maximum allowance of 10 days of absence.
Residency Period
The 2025 residency period runs from April 1 to June 30, offering an immersive experience for designers to refine their skills, collaborate, and contribute to the rich creative culture of Pforzheim.
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