Spatial Design Voucher Scheme Creative Industries Fund NL
The Creative Industries Fund NL launched the Spatial Design Voucher Scheme on 1 April 2021. With this scheme, governments and (semi) public organisations can commission design researchers to explore the spatial challenges of the National Environmental Vision (NOVI). The fund provides a total of approximately 200 innovation vouchers ranging from €10,000 - €30,000 to mobilise this extra design power.
The National Environmental Vision (NOVI) aims to properly shape and implement the major transition challenges we face as a country. Major ambitions have been formulated in various policy areas, all of which must be given space. In the Netherlands, however, that space is limited, which makes it important to think carefully about the design of our future living environment, to make smart combinations and clear choices and also to work together better.
That is why the Creative Industries Fund NL has launched the Spatial Design Voucher Scheme. This scheme offers space for approximately 200 innovation vouchers, with which governments and (semi) public organisations can call in extra design power to explore and strengthen their policy.
With the vouchers, they can commission designers for a design study into the local consequences of these major tasks and, together with interested parties, arrive at new insights. With the innovation vouchers, the fund offers financial support for projects of 1-3 months’ worth €10,000 - €30,000 incl. VAT.
Four open calls
In 2021, the Fund will issue two series of four open calls, which are substantively in line with the four theme lines of the NOVI:
- Vital cities and towns # 1 (April - June 2021)
- ‘Sustainable Economy and Space # 2’ (May - July 2021)
- ‘Space for climate and energy # 3’ (June - August 2021)
- ‘Future-proof rural area # 4’ (July - September 2021)
These four calls will be repeated in the autumn of 2021.
In addition to financial support, the fund also supports the projects in terms of content. For example, by stimulating knowledge exchange between the projects by means of various gatherings, in which progress is discussed and lessons are shared, and where in-depth lectures can be followed. This allows organisations that still have little experience with design research to get introduced in an easily accessible way. With this scheme, the Fund wants to connect spatial policy at all levels, strengthen the position of design within it and promote research by design.
Launch second call
The second Open Call for Sustainable Economy and Space will be launched on 30 April at 11 a.m. during a round table discussion broadcast from Pakhuis de Zwijger. Experts from academic research, the design world and municipalities will explore how we can design better for a sustainable economy. Look here for more information!
Visit the Creative Industries Fund website for more information about the Voucher Scheme