reflection and debate
One of the general objectives of the Fund, with which the Design Grant Scheme aligns, is supporting reflection and debate. The Atelier Feldwerk project by Jongeriuslab is a striking example of this theme. With a starting grant, Jongeriuslab is exploring the possibilities for greater room for reflection and deepening the practice of designers. Based on the research results, Jongeriuslab will look into the possibilities of a residency model that would provide guidance and networking opportunities. Valiz's project The Auto-Ethnographic Turn in Design also stands out in terms of reflection and debate. Observers Louise Schouwenberg and Michael Kaethler express criticism of design as a problem-solving medium. They argue that designers must take responsibility for what they do, which means they must be able to thoroughly relate to the world, and know their own world in order to relate it to larger-scale issues. In a publication released by Valiz, Schouwenberg and Kaethler provide both a theoretical and a practical basis for a new approach to design practice, one that encompasses a more personal and therefore more original connection with the world, and means that the designer works from their own personal knowledge. The publication includes a wide range of contributions by many designers.
diversity and inclusion
Because the Fund attaches value to the development of diversity and inclusion within the field of design, as of this year applications are also actively assessed on this aspect. For each application, the advisory committee examines whether opportunities in this area are being utilized or are being missed. Het oranje kind (The Orange Child) by Fleur van der Weel is a striking project in this respect. Illustrator Van der Weel takes the iconic image of the orange-coloured child created by Dick Bruna as a starting point for an investigation into how far the palette can be used to draw diversity without stigmatizing. Tailors and Wearers by Ella Broek stood out as well. With the help of a starting grant, researcher and designer Broek previously conducted research into the technique and experience of Surinamese Creole traditional costume from the perspective of crafts, fashion design and heritage studies. These results are now being released as a publication. In addition to the publication and a symposium, a knowledge working group will be set up as part of the Tailors and Wearers project, so that a broader group of interested parties can be involved in the longer term in this form of material and immaterial Surinamese-Creole heritage, through an artistic making process.
