Organizer Information
Lottozero is an international creative hub, consultancy studio, and research center situated in the heart of Macrolottozero, Prato—one of Europe’s largest and most historic textile and garment manufacturing districts. By functioning as an open community laboratory and production space, Lottozero bridges the gap between independent international creators and the elite manufacturing infrastructure of Italian textile supply chains, helping designers develop sustainable prototypes and advance their material practices.
Title & Description
Lottozero Designer Residence Program.
This self-directed residency provides fashion designers, textile artists, and creative directors with an immersive live/work headquarters to test concepts, refine techniques, and build direct industrial connections in Italy. Spanning an expansive 400m² complex, the workspace integrates professional machinery rows with research libraries and shared co-working zones. The program functions as an elite platform for creators looking to escape standard commercial deadlines, dive into material exploration, and collaborate alongside local manufacturing artisans and international peers.
The Creative Infrastructure Kit:
Residents enjoy 24/7 key-card entry to a fully modernized production house including:
- The Textile Laboratory: Specialized prototyping workspaces equipped with industrial sewing lines, fabric finishing tools, and specialized processing stations.
- The Materials Library: A comprehensive curated archive of specialized fabrics, yarns, historical books, and technical trade publications.
- Workstations: Dedicated shared desk areas, high-speed networks, and private meeting zones to host clients or collaborators.
Categories
Design / Fashion, Textile / Fiber Art, Crafts / Traditional Arts, and Wearable Technology.
Eligibility
- Global Scope: Open to independent fashion designers, textile artists, product creators, and material researchers of all nationalities and backgrounds.
- Project Status: Tailored for both emerging talents setting up initial collection prototypes and established creators looking to execute targeted field research or industrial sourcing.
Program Benefits and On-Site Resources
- Private Accommodations: Fully covered stay inside Lottozero's dedicated residential apartment, located on-site in the creative district of Prato.
- Operational Consultancies: 1 included standard structural consultancy session per week with Lottozero’s in-house textile experts, designers, and supply chain liaisons to facilitate manufacturing introductions.
- Industry Networking: Direct access to regional fabric mills, local dye houses, raw fiber vendors, and trade experts.
- Showroom & Exhibition Space: Opportunities to lease or coordinate open showroom displays, collection previews, or public studio talks within the central exhibition wing.
Fees & Financial Model
- Application Fee: None (Free to submit your initial portfolio for review).
- Funding Architecture: Self-funded/Custom Fee Model. While accommodation and basic workstation access are wrapped into standard residency packages, costs vary based on custom technical lab usage, extra expert consultancies, specialized machinery wear, and duration of stay. (Lottozero will provide a formal itemized quote and institutional invitation letters to support selected applicants seeking external national arts grants or mobility funding).
Application Requirements
Dossiers must be compiled digitally and submitted through Lottozero’s central registration portal, containing:
- Professional CV / Resume: Detailing your training, background, brand launches, or exhibition history.
- Design Portfolio: High-resolution digital catalog or lookbook showcasing previous collections, material samples, or fine art textile investigations.
- Statement of Intent: A focused project proposal explaining your specific goals for the residency, your production schedule, and how you intend to engage with the textile industry in Prato.
How to Apply?
Access the interactive registration node, upload your compiled text documents, and attach your design portfolio folder directly to the selection board.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: Ongoing / Open Year-Round. Review committees evaluate portfolios on a rolling seasonal basis to match studio space availability.
Location
Italy, Prato (Macrolottozero Creative Zone, Tuscany).
Additional Details
Applications are evaluated based on creativity, project originality, and overall alignment with Lottozero's research-led mission. For custom length-of-stay packages or specialized equipment specifications, consult the official guide materials or contact the hub directly via their main network portal.