OPEN CALL | MAD RESIDENTS 2022

CALL FOR NEW RESIDENCY PROGRAM!

MAD Brussels gives wings to young designers. In addition to promoting and highlighting the Brussels fashion and design ecosystem, the Fashion and Design Centre wants to stimulate, support and encourage creative initiatives. Innovative, sustainable and inclusive entrepreneurship plays a very important role at MAD. Designers can get help to develop their own brand and label. Together with many Brussels talents, MAD Brussels strengthens the creative character of the capital.

The MAD incubator is the pioneering fashion and design program in Brussels. It aims to support creators and designers who wish to address the current challenges of the fashion and design sector and of society in general.

We offer a 2-year residency at MAD in 2 formulas adapted to the development of your entrepreneurial project:

Option 1: A programme for designers starting out in entrepreneurship who wish to build a solid foundation (BMC/Financial plan/Suppliers/Prototyping etc...) and develop their project through first prototypes.
Option 2: A programme for start-ups and professionals who want to launch their fashion or design project on the market (strategy, communication, sales platforms, production, marketing etc.).

During the pre-selection process we will analyse the profile of the candidates and the most suitable formula for them.

PARTICIPATION CRITERIA

ELIGIBLE FIELDS

Furniture, products, services, graphics, innovative materials designs
Fashion, textile and innovative materials designs

WHO CAN APPLY?

Applications are open to Brussels based entrepreneurs, start-ups, professionals, researchers and designers active in the cultural and creative industries of fashion and design.

STATUS

Companies: VSBs / SMEs
Start-up
Self-employed and individuals registered in an activity cooperative, employment cooperative or shared enterprise

FOR WHICH PROJECTS?

Creation of a creative structure
Development of fashion and design projects (products, furniture, materials, fashion collection, accessories etc.)
Fashion and design related services
Development of innovative materials

WHEN?

To apply, please fill in the following form, including a portfolio, CV, and motivation letter with a description of the project to be developed during the residency (free forms & mediums: paper, PDF, video, recording etc...), by May 20th at the latest.

After a first selection, we will contact you for the jury which will take place at MAD on June 16th and 17th.

HOW TO APPLY?

The procedure will take place in 3 steps:

Submission of the application file, including the elements necessary for the analysis of the project and the profiles.
Analysis of the applications & pre-selection
MAD jury (MAD team & fashion, design and business experts) with the pre-selected candidates & announcement of the new residents.

A JURY OF EXPERTS

Amaryllis Jacobs – Founder Gallery MANIERA
Gaetan Danneels – Economic Transition Advisor Cabinet Barbara Trachte
Elizabeth Djam – Event manager Design September
Cédric Van Hoeck – Co-Founder Resortecs
Jean Paternotte – Industrial Designer & TRIAXES manager
Dieter Van Den Storm – Creative Director MAD Brussels
Peggy Acke – Business Advisor MAD Brussels
Adeline Faveau – Incubator Officer MAD Brussels

SELECTION CRITERIA

Economic potential of the project - During the pre-selection and the jury we will analyse the economic potential of the project:

Feasibility & resource requirements
Response to a need/desire
Project development & duration
Target & clientele
Reach in the Brussels area & internationally
Innovative, sustainable and inclusive character

Creative richness, originality & innovation - Applicants must demonstrate the added value of their project in terms of innovation, sustainability and/or inclusiveness. We will pay attention to :

innovative and/or sustainable materials
production processes (short, circular, sustainable...)
identity, personality & uniqueness of the project

WHAT WE OFFER TO THE SELECTED CREATIVES

A furnished workshop/studio from August 2022 [with participation fee]
Shared prototyping fashion & design workshop
Hours of coaching by fashion & design experts
Professional support with actors from the Brussels Capital Region and the city of Brussels
Meetings with designers, professionals & companies
Digital tools to support entrepreneurship
Visibility of the MAD, network
Local & international visits

SUMMERSCHOOL AT BOIS BUCHET

In order for the designers to become familiar with each other, we will offer, to the 10 selected designer for a 2-year residency at MAD Brussels, a summerschool in France at Domaine de bois buchet. This week is an inherent part of the entry process to the MAD residency [as far as possible].

"Repair, Recharge, Reset" is the motto that will accompany and fuel the 2022 workshop season at Bois Buchet. We have selected two workshops from the programme led by brilliant designers and internationally known artists : Nicole McLaughlin and Faye Toogood.

These workshops are an invitation to seek alternatives to the consumerist attitudes in our social and economic behaviour, by looking at different subjects such as crafts, material research, clothing etc. These are two weeks of inspiration in line with the philosophy supported by MAD, sustainability, innovation and inclusiveness at the heart of creation.

For fashion designers : 1 week workshops with Nicole McLaughlin from July 10th to July 16th.
For product designers : 1 week workshop with Faye Toogood from July 31st to August 9th