Stimuleringsfonds

On Thursday 13 February 2025, the very first period of the new Creative Industries Kick-start Grant Scheme opened. The grant scheme is intended for small-scale projects, experiments and preliminary research in the fields of design, architecture and digital culture. Coordinator Carlijn Limburg reflects on the selection.

27 may 2025

general impression

This first period attracted a strong response from the field, especially within the disciplines of design and digital culture. Notable is the strong focus on sustainability and ecological themes, which was visible throughout all disciplines. In architecture, we see this in projects such as Healing the Existing with Hemp and Lime, where hemp lime is being explored as a sustainable, local material for renovation, and in design in Grounded Imprints, where Ikram Hamdi Mansour investigates how natural soils on textiles can contribute to ecological and cultural sustainability.

Many projects also focus on creating create new connections between technology and craft. In D//Am0re, makers explore how historical stringed instruments can be modified with electromagnetic resonance and custom-made hardware, while in Analog Power)s, Code)s and other Tongue)s, handmade bio and hardware circuits are developed as counterparts to the digitised world.

Physicality is also a recurring theme. It is visible in projects such as Gut Feelings, which investigates the connection between gut and brain audiovisually, and Climate Transition Pleasure, which explores how BDSM principles can help in experiencing the climate transition.

selection

Some notable projects include:

Caquetio Game – Maraca
With Caquetio Game, Claudia Kraan and Dylan Nagel set up a research project for the development of a game that brings to life the world of the Caquetio, an indigenous people of Curaçao. In this first phase, a design document is drawn up and an interdisciplinary team formed, and local and international target groups are identified. A foundation is also laid for the communication strategy. This preliminary research will lead to a project proposal for the realisation of the game.

Paper & Impermanence – Elvis Wesley
Paper & Impermanence is a material-based experiment by Elvis Wesley. He uses application paper – paper normally used for making stickers – combined with cardboard to develop new construction methods for temporary spatial objects. The project focuses on making practical elements such as tables, pedestals, podiums and presentation blocks. Using only recyclable materials that are easily separable could significantly reduce the environmental impact of temporary events.

Platform Pudding – Platform Pudding
With the project Platform Pudding, Kylièn Bergh, Karmen Samson and Mijke Tonnon, together Platform Pudding, are carrying out preliminary research for a contemplative platform about design. The makers feel the lack of a platform for exchange between theory and practice for the design field. With this project, they want to create a space where different forms of knowledge sharing come together – ranging from essays to poetry or crossword puzzles.

Textuner – Michelle Vossen 
The Textuner project is a collaboration between Michelle Vossen, Roald van Dillewijn and Dianne Verdonk. They are developing a device that converts irregular electrical signals from textile sensors into stable signals for music. The aim is to create a practical product that can be used during performances with textile sensors, both by the team itself and by other artists. The project consists of several steps: first, user requirements are collected, followed by technical research, and then test versions are made. The whole process will be recorded and a manual will be produced for using Textuner.

Ruimte voor een veranderende wereld – Studio Ricky Rijkenberg
The preliminary research study Ruimte voor een veranderende wereld by Studio Ricky Rijkenberg explores how spatial design can contribute to the independence and cultural connection of older people with memory loss. By studying international examples and working together with experts, the research explores how architecture, technology and social structures can promote a dignified old age. Mock-ups and scale models are used to explore new spatial solutions together with care staff, residents and designers. The results are collected in a sketchbook that guides the follow-up to the project.

numbers

The Creative Industries Kick-start Grant Scheme is open for the implementation of small-scale and stand-alone projects such as an event, for experiments aimed at acquiring new knowledge, and for preliminary research leading to a larger project. In this first period, half of the applications processed concerned preliminary research, a quarter a small-scale project and a quarter an experiment.

Per discipline, a maximum of 35 applications were admitted to the round (105 applications in total). Within design, 22 applications were positively assessed, within architecture there were 14 and within digital culture 15. The budget available for each discipline was € 175,000. In design, this budget was insufficient to award all positively assessed applications and after prioritisation 18 grants were awarded.

follow-up

The demand for the Creative Industries Kick-start Grant Scheme is much greater than we had anticipated when developing the scheme. Both the first period and the recently closed second period, for which the selection still needs to be made, show great demand from the field, particularly within the disciplines of design and digital culture. We note that the majority of applications submitted within these disciplines unfortunately cannot be processed. To serve the field as well as possible, we are therefore evaluating the scheme in 2025 and investigating possible adjustments for 2026. Information about the third period, which is planned for the third quarter of 2025, will follow as soon as possible.

Banner: Analog Power)s, Code)s and other Tongue)s

Awarded grants more Awarded grants

Creative Industries Kick-start Grant Scheme – 55 projects selected

Awarded grant2025

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