Focus: Design and Inclusion

Have you been working as a designer for several years and wish to develop and realise an innovative project at the intersection of design and inclusion, guided by a clear creative vision? Then we encourage you to apply!

What does the scholarship offer?

The Peter Jacobi Foundation for Art & Design offers a scholarship for the academic year 2027/28 with a focus on Design and Inclusion. Awarded on a two-year rotating basis, the scholarship supports artists and designers who have already established a compelling body of work and require financial support to realize a new project.

The scholarship is €30,000.

The selection is based on the quality of the applicant’s previous work as well as the conceptual and creative merit of the proposed project. The award is decided by an independent expert jury composed of designers, artists, professors, and representatives of the foundation.

Thematic Focus: Design and Inclusion

The focus is on the social and political dimensions of design. It builds on an expanded understanding of design as articulated in contemporary design research: Design significantly shapes what is considered “normal” or “deviant” and thus contributes to the construction of mechanisms of inclusion and exclusion.

Key questions:

• How can design make difference productive?

• How can alternative forms of participation be created?

• And how can design contribute to rethinking social norms?

We are looking for projects that:

• understand design as an active practice of participation and open up new forms for social, cultural, or technological engagement

• critically examine and transform existing norms, standards, and forms of exclusion

• integrate inclusive, diversity-sensitive, or disability-informed perspectives into the design process

• employ participatory, collaborative, or co-design methods

• highlight design as a medium for social innovation and social responsibility.

With this fellowship, the Peter Jacobi Foundation aims to support designers who understand design as a cultural and socially impactful practice and who actively contribute to shaping an inclusive future.

Approaches that regard design not merely as problem-solving but as a critical, exploratory, and speculative practice that develops alternative models of participation are particularly welcome.

Applications may be submitted in German or English.

General Conditions

• Funding period: March 1, 2027 – February 28, 2028

• In addition to the grant:

  • The School of Design at Pforzheim University will fund a teaching assignment, workshop, or lecture in the fellow’s area of expertise

  • The City of Pforzheim funds a public presentation or exhibition, including a catalogue

Eligibility

Designers from all disciplines are invited to apply who:

• have been professionally active for several years

• have developed an independent creative profile

• can demonstrate a compelling portfolio and a clear conceptual approach

• are based in Germany or Romania

Application Materials

Applications must be submitted exclusively in digital form and include:

• Curriculum vitae

• Portfolio of previous work (documentation, publications, projects)

• Project proposal on the topic Design and Inclusion

  • Description (concept, objectives, relevance, approach)

  • Visual material (e.g. sketches, references, etc.)

Application Procedures

• Submit application via this link.

• All documents must be combined into a single PDF file (max. file size: 50 MB)

• Application deadline: October 15, 2026

Late applications cannot be considered.

For inquiries, please contact: stipendium-design@hs-pforzheim.de