OPEN CALL Earthrise Design Residency Turijn 2026
Circolo del Design in Turin and Designregio Kortrijk are set to launch a collaboration on their residency programmes from 2026.
We encourage Belgian designers to apply for this Call for Residency from Circolo del Design!
Collaboration between Circolo del Design and Designregio Kortrijk
In autumn 2026, selected projects from the Kortrijk residency ‘Metamorphosis’ by designers Lou Cruard, Kato Herbots and Uğis Albiņš will be presented alongside the results of the Circolo residency during the Turin Design Biennial and Contemporary Art Week (October 2026 – January 2027). Interested designers can now apply for the Turin residency.
In 2027, Circolo del Design and Designregio Kortrijk will then develop a joint residency programme, in which they will jointly determine the research theme, select designers together and host residents in both Kortrijk and Turin. The results will be presented during WONDER 2027 and at Circolo del Design during Contemporary Art Week 2027.
OPEN CALL
Earthrise Residency 2026
The 2026 edition explores clay-based materials as cultural, ecological and design-oriented raw materials for the present. Building on the Earthrise platform and Circolo del Design’s commitment to using design as a driver for ecological transition, the project aims to connect designers from Europe with local businesses, craftspeople, researchers and transdisciplinary experts from Turin and the Piedmont region.
With mentoring sessions led by Designregio Kortrijk, BASE Milano and other partners, the residency combines site visits, knowledge exchange and hands-on experimentation with materials.
Expected outcomes include prototypes, material testing, process documentation and a public exhibition bringing together professionals, students and a wider audience.
The project reflects Circolo del Design’s role as a platform that connects design, research, production and public engagement.
The residency
The selected designer will collaborate with local design and craft communities, businesses, researchers and transdisciplinary experts from Turin and the wider Piedmont region.
The residency combines company and site visits, knowledge exchange and practice-oriented material research. Both the final outcome and the designer’s logbook will be presented during the Earthrise 26 exhibition and showcased at international design events.
About Circolo del Design
Circolo del Design is a cultural production centre in Turin that, through a variety of activities, promotes design culture and interdisciplinary dialogue on current societal challenges where design methods and tools can play a significant role.
Eligibility criteria
- Under 35 years of age.
- Candidates must be able to demonstrate an international dimension within their practice through research, professional experience, collaborations, cultural exchange, mobility or involvement in transnational networks and European contexts.
- A well-developed project plan with clear objectives.
- Alignment of the project’s content with the objectives of Earthrise 2026.
- An experimental and/or innovative approach.
Apply by filling out this form by July 3rd!
A project by: Circolo del Design
Major supporter: Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo
With the contribution of: CRT Foundation and Piedmont Region
Partners: Designregio Kortrijk and BASE Milano
Lise Van Tendeloo
Every year, Lise invites promising international designers to Kortrijk for exciting residency projects. She is also responsible for the research and experimentation part of the organisation.
