Participants selection

The Dutch Design Workspace is open for small and medium sized Dutch design companies. These companies could either be entering the Chinese market for the first time or aiming for further development of their (international) business after working in China before. At least one of the key designers of this company will move to China to live in Shanghai and work within the incubator location together with the rest of the (local) team.

The incubator is also open as a workspace to individual Dutch designers, who have a strong design talent and sufficient skills to work in a flexible environment. For these participants the incubator offers a flexible solution; they can start with workspace on an individual basis that can be extended once their activities grow. Other possible participants are local designers and companies who have a strong relationship with one of the Dutch partners or Dutch design in general. The incubator programme allows all participants to develop individually, while enabling collaboration and benefiting from joint expertise.

The selection committee consists of members of creative business organizations, Dutch- long time China based- creative entrepreneurs and representatives of a current incubator participant. The committee meets on a monthly basis to review new applications (see website www.dutchdesignworkspace.com for application deadlines and meeting schedule).

At this moment the selection committee consists of:

Mrs. Rita van Hattum, (Association of Dutch Designers) BNO

Mrs. Inge Pit, (Royal Institute of Dutch Architects) BNA

Mr. Matthijs Borghgraef, (Association of Dutch Interior Architects) BNI

Mrs. Corien Beks, (trade association for fashion, interior design, carpets and textiles) MODINT

Mrs. Christine de Baan, DutchDFA

Mr. Giel Groothuis, Dutch Design Workspace

Mr. Marc van der Chijs, Spil games

Designers who wish to participate can submit their application, which will be reviewed by the selection committee. Factors that will be considered for acceptance to the programme are: design track record, suitable portfolio for China and sufficient financial planning for at least 3 years. Motivation, ambition and commitment are also important factors for selection of participants. The application procedure and form are available for download from the Dutch Design WorkSpace website.