OPEN CALL: Designers in Residence Kortrijk 2025 – METAMORPHOSIS

Designregio Kortrijk invites three talented designers to work as Designers in Residence on the theme Metamorphosis. The residency runs from Friday, September 5 to Friday, December 5, 2025, immersing you in an intensive design research journey in Kortrijk, inspired by the region’s rich ceramics tradition and its transformative power. The results of the residency will be showcased at the Metamorphosisexhibition at Abby from April 3, 2026, to August 16, 2026.

Metamorphosis is at the heart of how we reinterpret and rediscover materials, concepts, and identities. Ceramics, as an ancient craft and art form, is a prime medium of transformation: from soft, malleable clay to a hard, durable material. This process mirrors profound social and ecological transformations. How can ceramics help us understand and express change? How can the medium reflect contemporary issues around identity, sustainability, and technology?

The Metamorphosis exhibition brings together pieces from Abby’s eclectic ceramics collection with contemporary ceramics in an enchanted forest of clay and porcelain. We step into a world filled with surreal forms, animistic influences, and fascinating colors, discovering how ceramics across all times and cultures express deep societal and inner transformations.

Abby is Kortrijk's new, playful and accessible visual arts museum. Housed in the historic Groeninge Abbey, Abby brings the urban collection into dialogue with contemporary art, heritage and the theme of identity. Together with artists, organizations and communities, Abby explores what connects us as people, across borders and generations.

Since 2014, Designers in Residence Kortrijk has been organized by Designregio Kortrijk, a platform for creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the Kortrijk region. This region is part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) and embodies design thinking, visible through its design education, creative manufacturing industry, international events, and inspiring public spaces.

The selected designers will participate in the LIVING SUMMERSCHOOL.
During WONDER Creativity Festival, the Designers in Residence Kortrijk will have the opportunity to present their (ongoing) research to a wider audience. From 16 October to 2 November 2025, WONDER brings together creative talent from across Belgium and beyond in a unique discovery trail through Kortrijk UNESCO City of Design.

• Travel reimbursement
• Accommodation
• Fee
• Access to Budalab Open Makerspace and workshop space
• Expert and practical support from Designregio Kortrijk & Abby Kortrijk

We are seeking young, driven designers and artists (national and international) who are open to collaboration, experimentation, and research. Experience with ceramics is a plus but not a requirement—affinity with the theme and an experimental design approach is key.

You are eligible if:

• You have recently graduated (minimum level: Master’s or equivalent experience)
• You are a team player
• You have manual skills (conceptual, craftsmanship, production, fabrication)

Submit your portfolio in PDF format (max. 6 MB and 10 pages) including a biography, a CV and a motivation related to the theme.

The application deadline is Friday, May 23, 2025. Participants will receive a response by June 14, 2024.

This is a project by Designregio Kortrijk and Abby Kortrijk.
Graphics by zeevaarder.com