Applications are now open to UK-based curators for a research residency during VIENNA DESIGN WEEK 2020. Curators are invited to explore ways in which design festivals can act as agents for positive change in an ever-changing world. 

The British Council, in collaboration with VIENNA DESIGN WEEK, calls UK-based curators to submit proposals for curatorial research focussing on VIENNA DESIGN WEEK in its international context.

Through a research residency and commissioning a report, the curator will have an opportunity to explore new formats and connections for the design week, as well as a vision for the UK as guest country for 2021. 

Background

VIENNA DESIGN WEEK is Austria’s largest and most international curated design festival. With its venue and guest country changing yearly, it is a platform for a wide range of design disciplines, including experimental, speculative, and digital positions.

In 2019, VIENNA DESIGN WEEK took part in British Council’s annual global design programme Design Connections, which brings festival and museum founders and directors from around the globe to the UK to create opportunities for collaboration. As a result, VIENNA DESIGN WEEK saw an opportunity to create stronger ties with the UK design sector and global design festivals.

The successful applicant will be offered

• Behind the scenes access to the team, planning process, resources, network, and programme of VIENNA DESIGN WEEK. 
• The chance to conduct a future-oriented research project in the framework of a renowned international design festival.
• Travel and accommodation for a scoping visit (approx. two days in July) and an extended residency during the festival (September 24 – October 4). Should travel not be possible due to the COVID-19 pandemic, VIENNA DESIGN WEEK is committed to offering remote opportunities for research and scoping with the aim to make the process as engaging as possible, given the circumstances, with virtual studio visits and meetings with key stakeholders.
• Opportunity to give a public lecture featured in the festival programme.
• A fee of GPB 3,000.

How to apply

Read more about how to apply here, where you'll find the full open call document, and send VIENNA DESIGN WEEK your application by Sunday 14 June 2020 23.59 GMT

Selection

The selection panel includes representatives from both the UK and Austria:

Lilli Hollein, Founder and Director, Vienna Design Week 
Parvinder Marwaha, Design Programme Manager, British Council
Jane Withers, Founder and Curator, Jane Withers Studio
Brendan Cormier, Senior Design Curator, V&A
Peter Umgeher, Designer and Curator, Vandasye

Successful applicants will be notified by the end of June 2020.

Live Web Q&A 2nd June

Join selection panel for a live Q&A session on Tuesday 2nd of June at 11 am (BST) to ask your questions about VIENNA DESIGN WEEK open call.

The hour-long session will be hosted on Zoom, please use this link to join VIENNA DESIGN WEEK team and selection panel https://zoom.us/j/96526504098

We look forward to hearing from you and please spread the word!