Deadline: 18-Mar-2026
The Emerging Design Practices ABCSSS 2026 is a professionalization grant for designers and makers in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Four selected applicants will each receive a €25,000 grant to develop their practice through mentoring, skill-building, and new work between September 2026 and November 2027. The program is specifically for practitioners in Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten with 1–4 years of professional experience.
The Creative Industries Fund NL has launched this open call to strengthen the creative economy in the Caribbean regions of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. By providing substantial financial support and a structured talent development program, the fund aims to elevate emerging designers into sustainable, professional practices.
Why It Matters: Professionalizing the Caribbean Design Sector
This grant goes beyond simple project funding by focusing on the holistic development of the designer.
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Economic Growth: Helps designers transition from “starting” to “professional,” contributing to local creative industries.
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Skill Acquisition: Enables specialized training and coaching that may not be locally accessible.
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Global Connection: Grant recipients participate in an orientation program in the Netherlands, fostering international networking.
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Narrative Empowerment: Specifically supports creators focusing on heritage, neglected stories, and climate issues.
Key Concepts and Definitions
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ABCSSS Islands: Refers to Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten.
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Development Question: A specific professional or artistic challenge the applicant intends to solve during the grant period (e.g., “How can I integrate sustainable bio-materials into my fashion line?”).
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Development Plan: A structured document created under the Fund’s supervision that outlines the goals, timeline, and strategy for the professionalization period.
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Talent Development Programme: A mandatory auxiliary program including orientation in the Netherlands and peer-to-peer online meetings.
Who is Eligible?
Applicants must meet specific age, residency, and professional experience requirements.
Eligible Applicants:
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Residency: Must be established in Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, or Sint Maarten.
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Age: 18 years or older.
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Experience: Active in the design or creative field for one to four years.
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Disciplines: Fashion designers, animators, cartoonists, architects, game designers, and entrepreneurs focusing on climate, nature, food, and heritage.
Ineligible Applicants:
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Visual artists, filmmakers, musicians, writers, journalists, or theatre makers.
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Designers who have previously received this specific development grant.
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Students currently registered for (or planning to register for) accredited education during the grant period.
Funding Details and Constraints
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Total Grant: €25,000 (4 grants available).
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Usage: Mentoring, coaching, workshops, skill-building, and creation/presentation of new work.
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Timeline: Grant activities run from 1 September 2026 to 1 November 2027.
Prohibited Expenses:
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Standard operating costs (rent, studio furnishings).
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Capital equipment with value outside the plan (e.g., laptops, property).
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Instructions
The application process involves a digital submission followed by a live pitch for selected finalists.
1. Create an Account: Register on the Fund’s application platform. Note: New accounts take one working day to activate. Do this at least 48 hours before the deadline.
2. Prepare Submission Materials:
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Motivation: A 3-page PDF or a 3-minute video explaining your work, themes, and development goals.
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CV: A 2-page PDF including education, work experience, and contact details.
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Portfolio: A 10-page PDF with images of work, titles, years, and materials.
3. Submit Digitally: Upload materials between 13 January 2026 (10:00 AST) and 18 March 2026 (11:00 AST). No email submissions are accepted.
4. The Pitch Day: If selected (notified by 27 March), you will participate in a live pitch day.
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Format: 3-minute presentation followed by a 5-minute Q&A with the jury.
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Focus: Clearly articulate your “Development Question.”
5. Finalize the Plan: If selected after the pitch, you must submit a final written development plan by 12 June 2026 to release the funds.
Common Mistakes and Tips
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Mistake: Late Account Registration. Many applicants miss the deadline because they try to create an account on the final day. Account activation is not instant.
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Mistake: Broad Motivation. Avoid being too general. The jury looks for a specific Development Question that shows you know exactly what you need to learn.
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Tip: Clear Roles in Portfolio. If you worked in a group, clearly state what you did. The jury is assessing your individual skill.
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Tip: Regional Context. Highlight how your work connects to the Caribbean context or addresses local issues like heritage or climate.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use the €25,000 to buy a new laptop or high-end camera? No. The grant cannot be used for equipment that retains value outside of your development plan. It is intended for “soft” professionalization like training and coaching.
2. I am a photographer; can I apply? No. Photographers, musicians, and visual artists are excluded from this specific call. It is strictly for designers and makers in fields like fashion, architecture, and gaming.
3. Is there a physical meeting I must attend? Yes. Finalists must attend a live pitch day, and winners must participate in a substantive orientation program in the Netherlands.
4. What if I am currently a part-time student? You are ineligible. Applicants cannot be registered for accredited education during the grant period (Sept 2026 – Nov 2027).
5. How is the grant paid out? The grant is released after your final written development plan is approved by the Fund in June 2026.
6. Can I submit my motivation via video instead of writing? Yes. A 3-minute video is an acceptable alternative to the 3-page motivation letter.
7. How does the jury decide if scores are tied? In the event of equal scores, priority is given to ensuring a diverse spread of disciplines, cultural backgrounds, and geographic representation across the islands.
Conclusion
The Emerging Design Practices ABCSSS grant is a transformative opportunity for Caribbean designers to scale their impact. By focusing on professional development and artistic reflection rather than just equipment, the Creative Industries Fund NL ensures that designers from the islands are equipped for long-term success. Ensure your application centers on a clear development question and is submitted before the March 18, 2026 deadline.
For more information, visit Creative Industries Fund NL.