Helsinki Design Museum: Nordic Digital Craft Fellowship
Six-month paid fellowship exploring intersections of traditional Nordic craft techniques with digital fabrication and virtual reality
The Helsinki Design Museum announces its inaugural Nordic Digital Craft Fellowship, a groundbreaking program investigating how traditional craft practices can be reimagined through digital technologies. Two fellows will receive €25,000 stipends for six-month residencies, along with housing, studio space, and access to the museum's digital fabrication lab. The fellowship emphasizes projects merging heritage craft techniques (woodworking, textiles, ceramics, etc.) with technologies like 3D scanning, virtual reality, parametric design, or robotic fabrication. Fellows will collaborate with local artisans and digital specialists while developing new works for the museum's permanent collection. The program includes monthly public workshops sharing research with the creative community and a culminating exhibition. Candidates should demonstrate both hands-on craft expertise and digital fluency. The fellowship particularly welcomes proposals exploring sustainability, cultural preservation, or expanding access to craft knowledge through digital platforms. Applications require a project proposal, portfolio, and letters of support from both craft and technology mentors.
How to Apply
Submission Guidelines
Applications must include: a detailed project proposal (max 3 pages) outlining how you plan to combine traditional Nordic craft with digital technologies; portfolio of 10-15 images of recent work; CV/resume (max 2 pages); artist statement (max 1 page); budget outline for the residency period; and two professional references. Applicants must be practicing artists, designers, or craftspeople with demonstrated experience in traditional craft techniques. The fellowship provides €2,000 monthly stipend, studio space, and access to digital fabrication equipment. Work must be completed during the 6-month residency period with a final exhibition component.
Actionable Steps
1. Visit the Design Museum Helsinki website and review current open calls and residency opportunities
2. Prepare your project proposal focusing on the intersection of Nordic craft traditions with digital fabrication or VR technologies
3. Compile your portfolio with high-quality images of relevant work, ensuring it demonstrates both traditional craft skills and interest in digital innovation
4. Complete your application package including CV, artist statement, budget, and reference contacts
5. Submit your application through their online portal or email system according to their specified deadline and format requirements
6. Follow up with the museum's residency coordinator to confirm receipt of your application
Application & Contact
Application URL: https://designmuseum.fi/en/open-calls/
Contact: Email: info@designmuseum.fi, Phone: +358 9 622 0540, Address: Korkeavuorenkatu 23, 00130 Helsinki, Finland