Open Call for Participation – Milano Design Week 2023

Any questions?

Please don’t hesitate to contact Marie Mayoly (Pro Helvetia) or Alexandre Edelmann (Presence Switzerland).

Location

House of Switzerland
c/o Casa degli Artisti
Corso Garibaldi 89 A, via Tommaso da Cazzaniga,
Milano-Brera

URGENT LEGACY. Tomorrow’s solutions need today’s actions.

The success of this year’s edition at Milano Design Week 2022 has marked its path for the House of Switzerland; The Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia and Presence Switzerland have therefore decided to join forces on a long-term basis. By reiterating their collaboration and giving a platform to Switzerland’s most promising designers during the world’s biggest design fair, the House of Switzerland Milano aims to become the epicenter for Swiss Design and to strengthen international visibility.

For the Milano Design Week 2023, taking place from 17 to 23 April, the House of Switzerland will once again set up its quarters in the iconic Casa Degli Artisti – a three-storey building composed of inside and outside spaces, with a total surface of 1250 m2, located in the heart of Brera district. A dedicated scenography and a strong visual identity will be developed, to strengthen the continuity and understanding of the House.

For the next edition, the House will explore the overarching theme of: URGENT LEGACY.

The design industry is part of a global community, sharing responsibility to design for the better. In a fast-changing and unstable world, this responsibility becomes more urgent than ever. How is Swiss design contributing and bringing relevant solutions to our common legacy?

Producing with less, rethinking the local production, gaining autonomy in the supply chain or the production process, enhancing co-creation with partners, lowering impact… the House will collect propositions coming from the Swiss design scene, embodying the essential qualities of functional esthetics while contributing to shaping a more resilient and sustainable world, for the benefit of all.

Open Call for Participation for the Swiss design scene

The House is giving space to the Swiss design industry to present its propositions, by answering, exploring and challenging the overarching theme. Applicants can formalise their proposals as exhibitions, events, workshops, etc.

The initiative aims to present the thriving and diverse Swiss design landscape presenting emerging design studios, independent designers, institutions, galleries and established brands.

Application open until 11 November 2022 (midnight).

Application Categories and Conditions

Emerging Talents

Target group: Emergent studios and designers (up to seven years after completing their studies or founding their studio)

Format: Group exhibition presented by the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia

Pro Helvetia enables emerging Swiss designers to gain visibility, build professional networks and reach their commercial goals. In addition to the exhibition, the designers will benefit from networking activities and national as well as international PR.

Participation fee: supported by Pro Helvetia

Conditions:

The project has a clear link to the topic
The project must be a working prototype or manufactured series
The design studio’s practices should have commercial reach
The applicants may submit a project up to seven years after completing their studies or founding their studio
The applicants must be Swiss citizens or permanently reside in Switzerland

To be delivered for application:

Project description: in text and pictures
Studio biography
Goals for attending the Milano Design Week 23

Non-Commercial partners

Target group: institutions, associations

Format: Exhibition, Event – the partner presents a self-managed and produced exhibition or event.

Participation fee:

for an exhibition: between CHF 250-350.- / m2, depending on location in the house. This price includes rent and infrastructure, communication and the opening.
for an event: the price depends on the scope of the proposal. The price will include rent and infrastructure, communication and the opening.

Conditions:

Only proposals with a clear link to the topic will be considered
Multi-partners proposals are accepted
The organisation must have its head office in Switzerland

To be delivered for application:

Proposal concept: in text and key visuals (inc. ideal size needed– upon availability)
Short organisation presentation
Goals for attending the Milano Design Week 23

Commercial partners

Target group: established brands

Format: Exhibition, Event – the partner presents a self-managed and produced exhibition or event.

Participation fee:

for an exhibition: between CHF400-500.- / m2, depending on location in the house. This price includes rent and infrastructure, communication and the opening
for an event: the price depends on the scope of the proposal. The price will include rent and infrastructure, communication and the opening

Conditions:

Only proposals with a clear link to the topic will be considered
Multi-partners proposals are accepted
The organisation must have its head office in Switzerland

To be delivered for application:

Proposal concept: in text and key visuals (inc. ideal size needed – upon availability)
Short organisation presentation
Goals for attending the Milano Design Week 23

Calendar

11.11.2022: Application Deadline
28.11.-30.11.2022: Selection process with an international jury, as well as representatives from PRS and PH
5.12.-8.12.2022: Jury selection communicated to the partners
23.01.-25.01.2023: Public announcement of the selected participants

Impressions of Milano Design Week 2022