Designregio Kortrijk and NERDLAB are joining forces and invite designers to apply for Designers in Residence Kortrijk 2026, themed ‘MUTATION.’ A total of 3 designers/makers will be invited for an intensive residency from 7 September to 5 December 2026.
This residency starts from the shared ambition of both organisations: creating space for experimentation and critical design research while developing new formats that bring design and digital culture to a broad audience.
Residents will develop an experimental project situated at the intersection of design, technology, and society, with a public presentation during WONDER Festival and Mutation Festival 2026. The residency aims to foster new hybrid design and tech projects with social relevance.
Over the course of 3 months, the selected designers will work on prototypes, installations, performative formats, or interactive concepts. The work in process will be visible and interactive. Exchange with the community is an essential part of the residency. Projects will be presented as installations, performances, interactive prototypes, or artist talks. Both festivals serve as platforms for showcasing the work and as critical testing grounds during the development phase.
The residency is seeking young, driven designers and artists (national and international) who are open to collaboration, experimentation, and research. Affinity with the theme and an experimental design approach are strong assets.
The residency offers:
- Reimbursement of travel expenses
- Accommodation
- Fee
- Expertise and practical support from Designregio Kortrijk & NERDLAB
- Access to NERDLAB in Ghent
- Access to Budalab in the Kortrijk Deelfabriek + studio space
- Presentation opportunities during WONDER Creativity Festival (Kortrijk) & Mutation Festival (Ghent)
