Open Call for Designers in Residence in Pforzheim 2026

Designers in Residence invites young international designers to Pforzheim.

Three designers are invited to work on their projects from April 1 to June 30 2026, at EMMA Creative Center, the central platform for creative people in Pforzheim. The town of Pforzheim is characterized by an active creative scene, which is focused on the area of design. The faculty of design at the Pforzheim University of Applied Sciences has established Pforzheim as a university town with an international reputation. "Designers in Residence" scholarship program is supported by the generous support of Sparkasse Pforzheim Calw, C. Hafner and Rotary Club Pforzheim-Schlossberg.


Conditions
The scholarship program is directed towards young international designers in the areas of jewellery, fashion, accessories, industrial and communication design, as well as other design disciplines. Applicants must have completed studies at a university of applied sciences or a university, must either not be older than 35 years or must have completed their studies not longer than two years ago. To apply, a proposal for a project that can be implemented during the scholarship must be submitted. Interdisciplinary project proposals are welcome. Language skills in German or English are required.


Scholarship benefits 
In total, there will be three scholarships. Of all applications, the three best will be considered. The scholarship includes the use of a fully equipped workshop and coworking workplaces in the EMMA Creative Center in Pforzheim and free accommodation for the period of three months.

As required, it will also be possible to use the workshop facilities of the Pforzheim University of Applied Sciences. In addition, each scholarship holder will receive a monthly support of 1,000 euros together with travel costs for the journey from and back to their home. A special allowance will be made available for material costs. During the scholarship, there is the opportunity to network and exchange ideas with the jury and professors at Pforzheim University.

The results of the scholarship will be presented in an exhibition at the EMMA Creative Center in Pforzheim. Those accepting the scholarship are required to be in residence. The scholarship holder may only be absent for a maximum of 10 days.

The period of residence in Pforzheim is from April 1 to June 30, 2026.


Jury
Melitta Baumeister, Fashion Designer, New York.
Almut Benkert, Head of Creative Industries, Pforzheim.
Charlett Wenig, Interdisciplinary Material and Product Designer, Berlin.
Luzia Vogt, Jewellery Designer, Basel.
Anja Kaiser, Graphic Designer, Leipzig.