Design
The scope of the field of design is broad. Besides established disciplines such as product design, graphic design and fashion, other disciplines, including jewellery design, illustration, graphic novel, exhibition design, glass design and newer disciplines such as food and bio design are also considered part of the field. Many of these disciplines have their basis in a craft. The makers work in both practice-based and conceptual ways. Interventions are also designed for our living environment from a systemic perspective.
development of the field
The design field is largely composed of small practices and collectives who use experimentation and research as the starting point of a project. For example, they conduct material research, develop new applications of technology or explore new forms of collaboration. In addition, many designers are increasingly working in collectives and between networks and disciplines, using different media, forms and styles, and this creates new hybrid practices. In this dynamic field, cultural institutions such as museums and other presentation institutions, design platforms and networking organisations play an important role. They provide makers with a stage and make connections with peers and audiences at regional, national and international levels.
Through one grant scheme and various thematic open calls, the Fund offers makers and cultural institutions in the design field the opportunity to develop their individual practices and professional field. The Design Grant Scheme is aimed at projects that contribute to the quality, development or deepening of the field of design. For instance, artistic research, product development and reflection and debate. To strengthen design and artisanship, there is the Open Call Contemporary use of crafts. With the Open Call Fresh Perspectives and the Artistic and Design Research grant scheme, part of the Research & Creative Practice Programme, we encourage collaboration between designers and parties outside the creative industry to work towards solutions to societal challenges.
Learning together in coalitions
Societal challenges such as climate change and social inequality require a combination of diverse knowledge, experiences and expertise. The Research & Creative Practice Programme brings together researchers, designers and makers to work on these challenges in equal coalitions. By learning and experimenting together, they develop collaborative approaches and research methods that are applicable in their practice. The aim of the pilot programme is to strengthen collaborations between universities of applied sciences and the cultural and creative sector in the field of research into societal challenges, and to make their importance more visible. Regieorgaan SIA, the Cultural Participation Fund and the Fund are jointly implementing the programme.
collaboration with the field
The Fund is committed to long-term collaboration and mutual knowledge exchange between the design field and relevant partners in other domains, such as the cultural, scientific and economic domain. We do this by connecting makers with policymakers, scientists and other experts, for example concerning themes such as circular design and artificial intelligence.
CLICKNL – With CLICKNL, we are strategically working together to give the power of design an even more central place in society. This knowledge partnership of the Top Sector Creative Industry aims to increase the knowledge base of creative professionals and drive innovation. CLICKNL supports various programmes in which the Fund is involved, such as CIIIC (2024-2029), the Research & Creative Practice Programme (2025-2027) and Innovationlabs (2021-2025).
Regieorgaan SIA – As part of the Dutch Research Council (NWO), Regieorgaan SIA funds practice-based research at universities of applied sciences. In the Research & Creative Practice Programme, we explore jointly with the Cultural Participation Fund how to strengthen the cultural and creative sector’s development and exchange of knowledge by means of practice-based research.
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