Organizer Information
EMMA – Kreativzentrum Pforzheim is a creative center in Pforzheim, Germany, supporting design and creative practices through workspace, workshops, networking, and exchange. The Designers in Residence scholarship program is organized by the town of Pforzheim and invites young international designers to undertake a three-month residency in the city.
Title & Description
Designers in Residence 2027
Designers in Residence 2027 is a three-month scholarship program for emerging and young international designers. The program supports designers who want to develop and implement a project during their residency in Pforzheim. Interdisciplinary approaches are particularly encouraged.
Three scholarships will be awarded to the strongest applications. Selected designers will work at EMMA Creative Center, have access to equipped workshops and coworking spaces, and present the results of their residency in an exhibition at the end of the program.
Categories
- Design
- Jewelry Design
- Fashion Design
- Accessories Design
- Industrial Design
- Communication Design
- Interdisciplinary Design
- Other Design Disciplines
Eligibility
The opportunity is open to young international designers who:
- Have completed studies at a university or university of applied sciences.
- Are 35 years old or younger, or completed their studies no more than two years before applying.
- Can communicate in German or English.
- Submit a project proposal that can be implemented during the three-month residency.
- Are prepared to live in Pforzheim throughout the residency. Scholarship holders may be absent for a maximum of 10 days.
Only one application per applicant is permitted, and the application must be submitted in English.
Program Benefits & Awards
- €1,000 monthly financial support for three months.
- Free accommodation in Pforzheim during the residency.
- Travel costs for the journey to and from the applicant's home.
- Access to fully equipped workshops and coworking workplaces at EMMA Creative Center.
- Potential access to workshop facilities at Pforzheim University of Applied Sciences, as required.
- A special allowance for material costs.
- Opportunities for networking and exchanging ideas with the jury and professors at Pforzheim University.
- Presentation of the residency results in an exhibition at EMMA Creative Center.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 2 November 2026
- Scholarship Decision: Mid-December 2026
- Residency Period: April 1–June 30, 2027
- Q&A Zoom Meeting: October 15, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. CET
Location
Pforzheim, Germany
Additional Details
The application must be written in English because the jury is international. Applicants should prepare their application separately before entering it into the online form because the application cannot be temporarily saved. The required documents must be submitted in PDF format, and the maximum file size is 50 MB.
Applicants should submit a project proposal specifically suitable for development during the residency. Interdisciplinary projects are encouraged.
Required documents include:
- Curriculum vitae, including previous grants, awards, and prizes
- Proof of final degree, with certified German or English translation where applicable
- Work samples such as products, models, photographs, or other images of design work
- Project outline
The jury consists of professionals from design, art, materials research, and creative industries. Applicants will receive written notification of the decision, but the reasons for the jury's decision will not be provided.