SBYD Residency
Opportunity type: Residency
For: Ghanaian artists & designers
Deadline: 06/04/26
Rewards: €3,000 scholarship + €1,500 materials budget + presentation at Dutch Design Week 2026
Location Eligibility: Ghana
About this opportunity
In collaboration with the Goethe-Institut Ghana, Folkwang University of the Arts is offering two three-month Artist / Designer-in-Residence scholarships for Ghanaian creatives. The 2026 residency focuses on the themes “Narratives” and “Tech” within the framework of sustainability and design. Residents will develop self-initiated projects at Folkwang’s Design Department in Essen, Germany, as part of the Space for Sustainability by Design (SBYD) programme. The works produced will be presented at Dutch Design Week 2026, with an additional follow-up presentation in Ghana in collaboration with the Goethe-Institut. The programme encourages projects exploring sustainability, climate-neutral futures, craft, technology, and biodesign.
Rewards
- €3,000 scholarship (€1,000 per month for three months)
- €1,500 materials budget
- Free accommodation (private room in shared furnished apartment)
- Travel costs covered (economy class, Ghana–Essen return)
- Studio space at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Zollverein in Essen
- Presentation at Dutch Design Week 2026 (artist talk, workshop, or suitable format)
- Follow-up presentation in Ghana with Goethe-Institut Ghana
- Networking opportunities with sustainability research institutes, museums, craftspeople, and collaborators
- Access to extensive university facilities including:
- Wood, metal, ceramics, plastics workshops (CNC milling, laser cutting, ceramic 3D printing)
- Bio Lab / Experimental kitchen (fermentation equipment, autoclave, incubator, etc.)
- Textile workshop (digital knitting, CNC embroidery, sewing machines)
- Digital design labs (additive manufacturing, XR, electronics, physical computing)
- Photo studios and fine art printing facilities
Eligibility
- Applicants must have lived and produced most of their work in Ghana for at least five years
- Must submit a project proposal addressing one of the two themes: “Narratives” or “Tech”
- Demonstrated experience with self-initiated art and/or design projects
- Basic command of English or German (no translator provided)
- Willingness to carry out the residency work in Essen and engage in ongoing project reflection with the SBYD team
- Valid travel documents and visa for Germany
Entry Fee
Free
How to Apply
Apply using the link: sbyd Residency
All questions regarding this award should be sent to sbyd@folkwang-uni.de
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