Applications open for TaDA Residency Programme

The TaDA Residency Programme offers artists, designers, architects, writers, performers, and transdisciplinary practitioners a three-month opportunity to develop innovative projects in collaboration with textile companies in Eastern Switzerland. The programme supports creative research, industry collaboration, and new approaches to art, design, architecture, literature, and performance through exchange with regional textile experts.

Each year, six national and international participants are selected through an open call and jury process. Selected residents receive accommodation, travel support, living cost assistance, studio access, technical support, and opportunities to present their work through public events and workshops.

What is the TaDA Residency Programme?

The TaDA Residency Programme (Textile and Design Alliance) is an international creative residency that connects artists and creative practitioners with textile companies in Eastern Switzerland.

The programme encourages collaboration between:

• Artists and designers
• Textile industries
• Researchers
• Creative practitioners
• Local experts

The residency provides participants with the opportunity to create new works inspired by Eastern Switzerland’s textile heritage while exploring innovative ideas through artistic and industrial collaboration.

Residency Duration and Location

The TaDA Residency Programme provides:

• Residency duration: 3 months
• Location: Arbon, Eastern Switzerland
• Workplace: Kreativzentrum ZIK (former textile and engine factory)

Residents receive a dedicated studio space where they can develop their projects while working closely with regional textile companies.

The location provides access to:

• Textile expertise
• Creative infrastructure
• Technical resources
• Industry networks
• Cultural exchange opportunities

Programme Objectives

The residency aims to strengthen connections between art, design, and textile innovation.

Key objectives include:

• Exploring Eastern Switzerland’s textile and design culture
• Supporting innovative creative projects
• Encouraging collaboration between artists and textile companies
• Developing new approaches in art and applied research
• Strengthening regional creative identity
• Promoting knowledge exchange between industry and creative practitioners

Who Can Apply?

The TaDA Residency Programme is open to applicants from:

• Switzerland
• International locations worldwide

Eligible applicants include:

• Artists
• Designers
• Architects
• Writers
• Performers
• Transdisciplinary practitioners

Applicants should have experience or interest in areas such as:

• Art and creative practice
• Textile innovation
• Design research
• Architecture
• Literature
• Performing arts
• Interdisciplinary projects

Applicant Requirements

Applicants should be able to:

• Develop a new project during the residency
• Collaborate with a local textile company
• Engage in creative exchange with industry partners
• Participate in public presentations
• Organise workshops during the residency period

The programme is designed for individuals interested in combining creative practice with textile knowledge and industrial collaboration.

Selection Process

Each year, the TaDA Residency Programme selects:

• Six participants

Selection takes place through:

1. Open Call for Projects
   • Applicants submit creative project proposals.
2. Jury Evaluation
   • A professional jury reviews applications.
3. Final Selection
   • Six residents are chosen based on the quality, originality, and feasibility of their proposed projects.

Residency Benefits and Support

Selected residents receive several forms of support.

Accommodation

The programme provides:

• Accommodation in Arbon
• Housing within walking distance of the workplace
• Easy access to Lake Constance (Bodensee)

Financial Support

Residents receive:

• Travel expense support
• Contribution towards living costs

Studio and Workplace Access

Participants receive:

• Dedicated studio space
• Workplace facilities at Kreativzentrum ZIK
• Access to creative infrastructure

Technical and Professional Support

Residents benefit from:

• Technical assistance
• Access to textile technologies
• Guidance from experts
• Collaboration opportunities with 13 partner companies

Project Development During the Residency

Residents are expected to create a new project in collaboration with a local textile company.

Projects may involve:

• Experimental textile practices
• Design innovation
• Artistic research
• Material exploration
• Creative technology
• Cross-disciplinary collaboration

The residency encourages projects that combine artistic vision with practical textile expertise.

Public Presentation and Community Engagement

Participants are required to share their work with the wider community.

Residents will:

Present Projects at TaDA Spinnerei Event

The annual TaDA Spinnerei event provides a platform for residents to:

• Present project outcomes
• Discuss creative processes
• Exchange ideas with experts
• Engage with international speakers

Organise Workshops

Residents are also expected to:

• Conduct workshops
• Share knowledge with local communities
• Encourage creative participation

Why It Matters

The TaDA Residency Programme creates opportunities for meaningful collaboration between creative fields and industry.

The programme helps participants:

• Develop innovative projects
• Expand professional networks
• Access specialised textile knowledge
• Connect with international creative communities
• Explore new forms of artistic research

For the textile sector, the residency supports innovation by introducing new perspectives and creative approaches.

How to Apply for the TaDA Residency Programme

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Develop a Project Proposal

Applicants should prepare a proposal explaining:

• Project concept
• Creative approach
• Connection to textile culture or industry
• Expected outcomes
• Collaboration possibilities

Step 2: Demonstrate Creative Experience

Applicants should provide:

• Portfolio or examples of previous work
• Professional background
• Relevant artistic or research experience

Step 3: Submit Application During the Open Call

Applications are submitted through the official call for projects.

Applicants should ensure their proposal demonstrates:

• Innovation
• Collaboration potential
• Feasibility within three months
• Interest in textile-based creative exchange

Step 4: Participate in Residency Activities

Selected residents must:

• Work with textile company partners
• Develop their project
• Participate in workshops
• Present outcomes publicly

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can strengthen their proposals by:

• Clearly connecting their project to textile innovation
• Showing interest in collaboration with industry partners
• Presenting a realistic three-month project plan
• Highlighting interdisciplinary approaches
• Explaining how the residency environment supports their creative goals

Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting projects unrelated to textile or design collaboration
• Providing unclear project ideas
• Ignoring the requirement for public engagement
• Proposing projects that cannot be completed within three months
• Failing to demonstrate creative experience

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the TaDA Residency Programme?

The TaDA Residency Programme is a three-month international creative residency connecting artists and designers with textile companies in Eastern Switzerland.

Who can apply?

Artists, designers, architects, writers, performers, and transdisciplinary practitioners from Switzerland and abroad can apply.

How many participants are selected each year?

The programme selects six participants annually through an open call and jury selection process.

How long is the residency?

The residency lasts three months.

What support do residents receive?

Residents receive accommodation, travel support, living cost assistance, studio access, technical support, and professional networking opportunities.

Do residents need to create a new project?

Yes. Residents are expected to develop a new project in collaboration with a local textile company.

Are participants required to present their work publicly?

Yes. Residents must present their outcomes at the annual TaDA Spinnerei event and organise workshops during the residency.

Conclusion

The TaDA Residency Programme provides a unique opportunity for creative practitioners to explore textile innovation through collaboration with Eastern Switzerland’s textile industry. By combining artistic research, design experimentation, and industrial expertise, the residency supports new ideas, international exchange, and the development of innovative creative projects.