Open call 2027

A one-year programme for emerging fashion designers, textile artists, craftspeople, and textile designers.

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN! Apply no later than December 31 2026.

Are you ready to take your creative practice to the next level? Applications are now open for The Textile Movement Talent Programme – a tailored, one-year journey designed for emerging fashion designers, textile artists, craftspeople, and textile designers connected to Västra Götaland Region.

This hands-on programme bridges the gap between creative practice, craft, and industry. We combine access to advanced textile facilities and studio environments, continuous mentorship, and a strong peer network with practical tools to build a sustainable, long-term business or artistic practice.

Run by Lindholmen Science Park alongside HDK-Valand (University of Gothenburg) and the Swedish School of Textiles (University of Borås), the programme leverages contributions from key regional partners, including Textile Movement, Röhsska Museum of Design and Craft, Business Region Göteborg, and GU Ventures, co-funded by Västra Götalandsregionen.

WHAT WE OFFER

Our programme combines creative execution, material exploration, mentorship, and networking with targeted business development. Activities include physical workshops, digital sessions, group discussions, individual mentorship, and independent work. Sessions are mandatory and conducted in English and Swedish.

The programme focuses on four areas:

Business Development & Entrepreneurship

Strategic guidance on business development, brand building, legal aspects, and business models tailored specifically for the creative sector.

Network & Mentorship

Join a collaborative group of people from across fashion, textile art, craft, and design. Throughout the year, you will receive tailored coaching and mentorship from relevant professionals across industry, academia, and the art world – connecting you with professionals alongside opportunities to engage in regional events and public activations.

Lab Access & Creative Innovation

Explore materials, techniques, and ideas using specialized facilities and equipment across HDK-Valand and The Swedish School of Textiles, supporting both advanced textile development and small-scale studio work.

sustainability

Builds knowledge in sustainable material choices, sourcing strategies, local production, and re-design, while supporting the growth of sustainable businesses and long-term creative practices.

Who can apply

We welcome emerging fashion designers, textile artists, craftspeople, and textile designers connected to Region Västra Götaland who demonstrate a strong conceptual vision and a dedication to sustainable practices.

APPLICATION CRITERIA

• Business setup: You must have a registered company in Sweden and be approved for F-tax.
• Regional connection: You must have a connection to Västra Götaland and an ambition to work and develop your practice within the region.
• Experience: You must have relevant artistic or design education, or equivalent professional experience in fashion, textiles, art, or craft.

What we expect

• Commitment: Availability for daytime sessions, requiring roughly 12 hours per month (excluding your independent practice work), and active participation in all programme activities.
• Drive & Initiative: Motivation to receive coaching, work towards clear professional or artistic goals, and drive your own work forward.
• Collaborative Mindset: Generosity in sharing knowledge, openness to peer learning, and willingness to participate in programme evaluations.

We review submissions on a rolling basis, so don’t wait until the last minute. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interviews in January 2027.
The programme will start February 2027.

WANT TO KNOW MORE OR HAVE QUESTIONS? contact Project Manager: nana.sacko@lindholmen.se 

Not sure yet? Explore our previous talent programmes, meet our alumni and see what we’ve been up to.

Read HDK-Valand’s interview with Myrto and fellow alumna Maja Delborn about their experiences of the Textile Movement Talent Programme.

Read how talent programme alumna Matilda Sundkler worked with Swedish Stockings to turn discarded tights into a new collection.

Information about the Textile Movement Talent project

A big thanks to our partners for supporting this initiative.