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Four people in the process of mixing and sifting crumbled ceramic tiles.
Image by Kenta Hasegawa

Design

Emerging Talents: Design with Japan

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Target group
Practitioner with connection to Switzerland
Submission deadline
26 June, 23:59 (CEST)

What

Two Swiss designers collaborate with the ceramics brand Tajimi Custom Tiles and local manufacturers from the Japanese prefecture of Tajimi, under the guidance of David Glättli, creative director of the brand.

The collaboration involves the development of prototypes, an exhibition about the project, and media presence. Design concepts are to be developed for one of the following three product categories:

  • a set of ceramic tableware
  • a series of planters and basins
  • ceramic tiles

For Whom

Emerging Talents’ are professional designers whose design-relevant training or registration (self-employed, sole proprietorship, company) dates back less than seven years.

Selection Criteria

  • High degree of innovation, marketability and demonstrable sustainability concept in practice
  • Keen interest in ceramics, connection with the material, local industry, intercultural exchange, Japanese culture, and artisanal crafts
  • International experience (work abroad, internships, research trips, etc.)
  • Experience with ceramics is advantageous but not essential

In addition to these specific criteria, the apply.

Financial Contribution

Flat rate of CHF 6,000 per studio for travel costs and accommodation (round trip, economy).

There is a suggested accommodation option for the immersion and design phase in Tajimi (see schedule and details below).

Participation in the programme also includes:

  • workshop and workspace (on site) and development of the prototype
  • mediation and translation
  • mentoring
  • communications activities (PR and online promotion)
  • exhibition costs: rent, exhibition production (scenography, visual identity, etc.), transport, customs and insurance

In addition, designers with childcare responsibilities can apply for financial support of up to CHF 250 per week as a contribution to childcare or for the travel expenses of their children and, if necessary, a carer. This also applies if the child/children stay at home and are cared for. Applicants must present a budget of all expenses in advance.

Content Of Application

  • Statement of motivation for participating in the programme, desired impact on one’s working practice and selected object category from the three suggestions (ceramic tableware set; series of planters and basins; ceramic tiles)
  • CV and portfolio
  • Proof of status as an Emerging Talent: diploma or proof of registration (as self-employed, a sole proprietorship, or a company)

All documents are to be submitted in English.

Format-specific Exclusion Criteria

The following are excluded:

  • commissioned work and projects that are part of an advertising campaign
  • one-off items, craft projects, new editions, gallery projects
  • promotional platforms or publications

Application Deadlines and Decision Timelines

Applications can be submitted from25 May
Submission deadline26 June, 23:59 (CEST)
Notification of decisionMid-August

Additional Information

In cooperation with the Swiss Embassy in Japan

Schedule:

  • September 2025: official start – the selected designers will begin the programme with an online session to introduce them to the various parties involved in the programme.
  • 9–10 October 2025: opening of the first ‘Design with Japan’ exhibition in Tokyo. Kick-off and knowledge transfer with the designers from 2024/2025.
  • 13–25 October 2025: immersion and design phase – two weeks in Tajimi in the workshop of Tajimi Custom Tiles and the collaborating manufacturers to research and study materials and production processes, develop coherent design concepts for the chosen product category and create corresponding samples and models.
  • November 2025–May 2026: prototyping phase – prototypes will be produced by the manufacturer based on the selected designs developed in Tajimi.
  • June 2026 or tbc: exhibition phase – the designers will return to Japan to present their objects in a special exhibition in Tokyo (tbc).
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Image by Kenta Hasegawa

General Requirements

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Introduction

Pro Helvetia promotes the professional contemporary Swiss art and cultural production (without film) with a view to diversity as well as national and international reach. It supports the creation of new artistic works and productions, the exchange between Switzerland’s various linguistic regions, the dissemination of Swiss art and culture outside Switzerland and international cultural exchange. As a national foundation, Pro Helvetia supplements the promotional activities of Swiss cantons and municipalities and only supports projects that are cross-regionally or internationally recognised.

Pro Helvetia will only consider funding applications if they are complete and have been submitted on time.

To be eligible for support, projects must

  • have a clear connection to Switzerland
  • be of nationwide importance
  • be adequately co-funded by other public or private means
  • respects/guarantee fair working conditions

Connection to Switzerland

A connection to Switzerland is given, if one of the following conditions is met:

  • The production or project in question is developed or implemented by artists and cultural practitioners, who verifiably hold Swiss citizenship or are permanent residents of Switzerland and who are regularly artistically involved in relevant events in Switzerland.
  • The project is created, developed, or implemented by an independent group or cultural institution whose place of production is in Switzerland and who is regularly and publicly active in Switzerland.

Nationwide relevance

Nationwide relevance is given, if one of the following conditions is met:

  • The art and cultural practitioners participating in the project are regularly involved in programmes of nationally recognised art and cultural institutions in Swiss regions other than their own or abroad, and the project in question has a transregional appeal.
  • The artistic potential of an emerging art practitioner involved is exceptional in terms of a national or international career.
  • The project makes a significant contribution to the development of Swiss artistic and cultural production and its dissemination.
  • The project is of significant importance for the exchange between Switzerland’s various linguistic regions.

Assessment of content and quality

Within the framework of the available funds, Pro Helvetia prioritises projects that most comprehensively meet the funding criteria. The Foundation assesses whether

  • the project demonstrates high degree of independence and professional competence as well as social and thematic relevance
  • the project is implemented according to professional standards
  • the costs are commensurate with the expected impact
  • a lasting impact can be expected

Furthermore, the Foundation attaches great importance to the following aspects:

  • The project has an appropriate commitment to diversity.
  • Resources are used in an ecologically responsible manner and work and production are planned sustainably.

Restrictions

Pro Helvetia is unable to consider funding requests if

  • the same part of the submitted project is already received funding from other federal bodies (e.g. Federal Office of Culture, Presence Switzerland, Swiss National Science Foundation, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation)
  • the project is part of a school or university curriculum/basic training or continuing education programme (including dissertations, diploma projects, university scholarships, etc.)
  • funding is intended to cover infrastructure and equipment costs, as well as the costs of operating cultural facilities, archives and collections
  • the project does not depend on funding from Pro Helvetia

Status: January 2024