Local Heroes open applications for PROCESS; a new professional development programme for independent designers based in Scotland.

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Local Heroes have launched a new pilot programme for independent designers based in Scotland. PROCESS is a practical and research-based career development programme aimed at enhancing skills and increasing knowledge to maximise opportunities for design businesses.

Participating designers will be supported through the research and development of a new product or range with a focus on accessing new markets, increasing confidence and skills, critical thinking, PR and presentation, and sustainable production. The programme will include mentoring, studio-style crits, and input from international experts.

A research and development bursary of up to £1500 will be paid to each participant with the pilot programme running between August 2023 and August 2024.

Eligibility:

• Applications are open to independent professional, practising designers who are living in Scotland and who have been in business for a total of 2–10 years.
• Applicants should be developing products for lifestyle, furniture, lighting or interior design, with a high level of distinctiveness and originality.
• Applicants should design and make objects or products with a high level of craft or manufacturing technique, and demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of design.
• Applicants must be committed to embedding best practice in terms of fair pay, equality, diversity and inclusion, and sustainability.
• Local Heroes are particularly interested in designers that would like to develop their practice and can demonstrate they have the potential, drive and ambition to do so.

Applications close Monday 24 July at 5pm.

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Local Heroes is a curatorial studio that connects audiences with contemporary Scottish design and craft. They use unconventional and inventive sites and spaces to bring the work of designers and makers to a wider public. Their mission is to sustain and catalyse opportunities for designers and put design from Scotland on an international stage.