Deadline: 15-Jun-2026
The Emerging Talents: Milano Design Week 2027 programme supports Swiss-connected emerging designers to present collaborative projects at Milan Design Week in April 2027. Selected studios receive CHF 1,500 for travel and accommodation, plus full coverage of exhibition, communication, and coaching costs.
Overview
This programme provides a prestigious international platform for emerging professional designers to showcase collaborative projects during Milan Design Week 2027. It is designed to strengthen professional development, foster industry connections, and highlight innovative design work on a global stage. By covering travel, exhibition, and communication expenses, the programme ensures that selected studios can focus on creativity and collaboration without financial barriers.
Key Objectives
- Present collaborative design projects internationally
- Support professional development and career growth
- Provide industry coaching and mentoring opportunities
- Offer communication support including PR and media training
- Encourage cross-sector collaboration and networking
Funding Details
- CHF 1,500 flat-rate contribution per studio for travel and accommodation (economy-class round trip included)
- Exhibition-related costs covered: venue rental, production, scenography, visual identity, transport, customs, insurance
- Communication support: media training, public relations, online promotion
- Industry coaching included
- Childcare support: up to CHF 250 per week for childcare expenses or travel costs for children and carers
Who Is Eligible?
- Professional designers qualifying as Emerging Talents:
- Training or registration as a designer/company less than seven years old
- Applicants must have participated in a Pro Helvetia Design division programme within the last seven years, such as:
- Work grants
- National or international platforms
- Matchmaking initiatives
- Coaching and mentoring formats
- Residencies and research trips
- Co-creation or transversal programmes
Connection to Switzerland
Projects must demonstrate a clear Swiss link, established when:
- Developed or implemented by Swiss citizens or permanent residents regularly active in Switzerland
- Created by independent groups or cultural institutions based and publicly active in Switzerland
Nationwide Relevance Criteria
- Regular involvement with nationally recognised institutions beyond one’s region or abroad
- Exceptional national or international career potential
- Significant contribution to Swiss artistic and cultural production and dissemination
- Promotion of exchange between Switzerland’s linguistic regions
Application Requirements
- Short CV
- Portfolio showcasing collaborative design work
- Proof of Emerging Talent status (diploma or registration document)
- Evidence of participation in a Pro Helvetia programme within the last seven years
- Description of collaborative project and objectives for Milan Design Week
- All materials submitted in English (German, French, or Italian accepted if English not possible)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting without proof of Emerging Talent status or prior Pro Helvetia programme participation
- Failing to demonstrate Swiss connection or nationwide relevance
- Providing vague project descriptions without clear collaborative objectives
- Ignoring fair working conditions or co-funding requirements
- Overlooking communication and industry coaching opportunities in the proposal
FAQ
- What is the funding amount?
- CHF 1,500 per studio for travel/accommodation, plus full coverage of exhibition costs
- Who qualifies as Emerging Talents?
- Designers with training or registration less than seven years old, and prior participation in a Pro Helvetia programme
- What costs are covered?
- Venue rental, exhibition production, scenography, visual identity, transport, customs, insurance, communication, and coaching
- Is childcare support available?
- Yes, up to CHF 250 per week for childcare or travel costs of children/carers
- What connection to Switzerland is required?
- Projects must be linked to Swiss citizens, residents, or institutions active in Switzerland
- What demonstrates nationwide relevance?
- Nationally recognised involvement, exceptional career potential, contributions to Swiss cultural production, or linguistic region exchange
- What languages are accepted for applications?
- English preferred, but German, French, and Italian are accepted if English is not possible
Conclusion
The Emerging Talents: Milano Design Week 2027 programme is a significant opportunity for Swiss-connected emerging designers to gain international recognition. By offering financial support, exhibition coverage, coaching, and communication training, it empowers designers to present collaborative projects at one of the world’s most influential design events. This initiative not only strengthens individual careers but also contributes to the visibility and impact of Swiss design on the global stage.
For more information, visit Pro Helvetia.