Open Call Emerging Design Practices ABCSSS

The Open Call Emerging Design Practices ABCSSS is for starting designers from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (one to four years active within the design and creative field), who independently develop creative or artistic products. They could, for example, be fashion designers, animators and cartoonists, architects or game designers. However, creative entrepreneurs who focus on issues around the climate, nature, food, heritage and sharing neglected stories are also eligible.

This open call is not intended for:

• Designers who have already received a grant for the implementation of a development plan under one of this open call’s previous editions or the Open Call Scout Nights, the Talent Development Grant Scheme or an Artist Start contribution from the Mondriaan Fund
• Visual artists, (documentary) filmmakers, writers and journalists, theater makers, musicians and DJs, dancers, photographers
• Cultural organisations

Review the Open Call Emerging Design Practices ABCSSS for all conditions. Unsure if you are eligible? Join one of our online consultation hours on Tuesday 17 February 11:00 - 12:00 AST and Thursday 5 March 10:00 - 11:00 AST or contact the Fund via emergingdesignpractices@stimuleringsfonds.nl.

You can submit your application via the Fund’s application platform between Tuesday 13 January 10:00 AST and Wednesday 18 March 2026, 11:00 AST. To submit your application, you need an account with which you can log in to the Fund’s application platform. Create this account in time. It takes one working day before a new account is activated. Your application consists of a motivation video or letter, CV and portfolio. Read more in the Open Call Emerging Design Practices ABCSSS.

Ten makers will be invited to pitch. They present their development question in 3 minutes. The jury will then ask questions and select four makers. The pitch day will be in English.

Selected makers write a development plan under guidance of the Fund. Upon approval, you receive a grant of € 25,000 to implement this plan over one year.

open call emerging design practices abcsss

The Open Call Emerging Design Practices ABCSSS contains detailed information about conditions, application process and assessment criteria.

consultation hours

On Tuesday 17 February 11:00 - 12:00 AST & Thursday 5 March 10:00 - 11:00 AST, we organise (English-language) consultation hours for makers considering applying. During these sessions, more information will be provided about the open call, application procedure and selection process. There will also be time for questions.

During the pitch day, applicants will be assessed based on their pitch (three minutes), answers to jury questions (five minutes) and submitted documents. The jury looks at:

• The applicant's artistic and reflective capacity
• The intended development direction of the applicant
• How new connections are made and outcomes are shared

The criteria are further explained in the Open Call Emerging Design Practices ABCSSS.

You can use the grant to deepen and professionalise your emerging design practice. This could include mentoring and coaching, workshops to learn or deepen skills, and creating and presenting new work.

You cannot use the grant for regular business costs or items that have value outside the development plan, such as equipment purchases.

do I need a Chamber of Commerce registration?

No, this is not required when applying. Only if you are selected must you provide a Chamber of Commerce extract with your development plan.

i do not live on Sint Maarten, will I get travel expenses reimbursed?

Yes, if you are invited to the pitch day and do not live on Sint Maarten, you will receive compensation for travel and accommodation costs. If you are ultimately selected, the Fund also contributes to travel and accommodation costs for mandatory programme components in the Netherlands.

can I combine the grant with studies?

No, you cannot receive a grant if you are enrolled in an official education programme during the grant period.

Open Call Emerging Design Practices ABCSSS
Open Call Grant Scheme