Starting now is the final round of the Distributed Design Platform Mentor Scheme—a dedicated initiative, conducted entirely online, fostering one-on-one mentorship between emerging talents and experts from the extensive network of the Distributed Design Platform. 

This program allows selected creative talents to join the Mentor Scheme through a rolling open call that will close on October 30th.

This year, a carefully chosen panel of 30 mentors included Distributed Design Platform members, affiliated organizations, and experts associated with the Distributed Design Award. Additionally, the panel also featured alumni from previous programs such as the Circular Cities Challenge, the Master in Design for Emergent Futures and Fabricademy. Each mentor brought a unique profile, specializing in the Distributed Design principles, circular and regenerative design approaches, community engagement, and alternative business models. This pool of mentors presented the mentees with a rich array of choices, allowing them to find the perfect match for their design strategies and project development.

So, what exactly is the Mentor Scheme? 

The Mentor Scheme is a unique and invaluable opportunity for emerging creative talents to connect directly with professionals. Through personalized synchronous and asynchronous sessions, participants engage in knowledge exchange, gaining insights and tools that are crucial for thriving in the world of distributed design. Moreover, the program facilitates networking opportunities, creating a supporting community within the Distributed Design Platform.

The Mentor Scheme aims to guide aspiring designers, makers, and creatives on a tailored journey of capacity building, focusing on empowering each mentees’ professional growth in their respective fields.

See what the mentees had to say about their experience

“Felipe introduced me to his very interesting way of thinking, which was very enriching for me. I discovered difficulties in integrating open approaches into closed settings, and learned from Felipe strategies to overcome them, such as the concept of “Boundary objects”.” 

Mentee’s Name: Alina A. Karl

Mentor: Felipe Schmidt Fonseca

“I’m immensely grateful for the invaluable guidance and expertise provided during the business plan mentorship runned by Alex Kimber. His clear explanations made complex business concepts accessible, even to someone like me with no prior experience. The structured approach and hands-on activities fostered a deep understanding and confidence in tackling business challenges.” 

Mentee’s Name: Foteini (Fania) Kolaiti

Mentor: Alex Kimber

Are you ready to become our next mentee?

Don’t miss the chance to join the upcoming call for the second edition of the Distributed Design Platform Mentor Scheme! Start your professional creative journey today by connecting with experts dedicated to unlock your potential!

The open call is running from September to October 30, 2024!

Apply now!