Looking Back on the Talent Development Theme Day in Arnhem

20 March 2025

The day began with a presentation by Gijs Schalkx. The designer from Arnhem, who was supported through the Talent Development Grant Scheme in 2023, focuses on energy, mobility, and vehicles. For instance, he presented a Volvo that runs on waste plastic at Dutch Design Week in 2023. During the theme day, Gijs shared how the grant influenced his working methods, speaking candidly about the setbacks and unexpected changes he experienced during his development year. Afterwards, the new cohort had the opportunity to ask him questions.

After this Q&A, the makers visited two cultural incubators, where the founders told them about their path to a professional practice. The established artist initiative Plaatsmaken was founded in Arnhem in 1984 by five young artists who united as a collective. On the other hand, 171 project space was set up by two individual makers, who began programming exhibitions and events for makers with multidisciplinary practices in 2020. This introduced the designers to different approaches for developing their own platform.

During the last part of the programme, the group participated in a Giving Time, Making Energy workshop by collective Z o m e r e n. The workshop focused on recognizing personal strengths and challenges in the creative process. Participants mapped out which activities they find difficult and where their strenghts lie. By connecting these personal inventories with each other, the makers discovered which skills are complementary and where potential collaborations could emerge. This exchange not only created insight into each other's expertise but also laid the foundation for future creative partnerships within the group.

In September this year, a new cohort will begin, for which emerging makers can submit applications starting March 31. Read more about the scheme.