From selection to experience – the Mobility Scheme over the years
Three iterations of the Distributed Design Mobility Scheme took place since the start of the funding cycle in April 2022. From September to April, a rolling open call ran for member-sponsored and international Creative Talents. Member-sponsored talents were nominated by member organisations, with final selection from the coordinating team at Fab Lab Barcelona at IAAC, while international talents were selected from an open call. While some Talents– whether individuals or collectives– received the grant already knowing how they would like to use the Mobility Scheme, others applied with the overall goal to deepen their design journey and without a specific event in mind. The global coordination team, in collaboration with local members, suggested Distributed Design sponsored events or opportunities in addition to other international activities of interest. Upon completion of the Mobility Scheme, participants shared experience reports that captured a qualitative understanding of their experience.
A value-based approach
Selection was based on an applicant’s relationship to the Distributed Design values and the Mobility Scheme Principles. The coordination team selecting applicants looked for profiles that embodied at least two of the four Distributed Design values (open, collaborative, regenerative, and ecosystemic). Meanwhile, applicants’ work was also assessed based on their capacity to be distributable, reproducible, valuable, and design sensitive (the Mobility Scheme principles). Representation and inclusivity were also drivers of the selection process. Lastly, consideration was given to profiles that demonstrated a regard for the environmental impact of travel.
In the second iteration, we added an important component to the application form: a self-evaluation which asked applicants to assess how relevant each of the DD values were at the moment of application. The purpose of this was to understand the consideration that the applicants might already give the values, but also the potential room for growth in those areas.
Local activities with international impact
In two iterations, the Mobility Scheme has dedicated 15,500 euros to 31 member and international creatives and collectives to advance their project development and dissemination and travel to 30 different activities, conferences, workshops beyond their typical geographical contexts.
Some of those activities included events such as Vienna, Milan, and Dutch Design Weeks; Gentler Futures Festival (Lisbon); FemFabrik events (Barcelona); and Inclusive Club’s workshop at Pakhuis de Zwijger (Amsterdam).
These activities provided the opportunity to first attend exhibition, conference, workshop and talks, while also inviting them to actively participate in or host those activities themselves. This approach was able to create a safe space for diversity and growth which then led to the exchange of knowledge around the topics that most interested the Creative Talents taking part in the Mobility Scheme. Reflecting on those encounters was essential in allowing them to further develop each one of their projects.
Creative Talents supported internationally
Each year, whether local or international, talents were sponsored by members of the Distributed Design platform.
For each iteration, each of the Platform members were asked to nominate three Creative Talents to receive the Mobility Scheme grant. Suggested Creative Talents filled out an online form. The coordination team at Fab Lab Barcelona at IAAC then selected an average of one participant per Platform member.
International talents were selected to complement the member-sponsored talents. International talents were invited through an open call, filling out the same online form as member-sponsored talents. Most had participated in a Distributed Design event at one point, while others were new to the network, providing an opportunity for new Creative Talents to get to know the Distributed Design community. The coordination team at Fab Lab Barcelona at IAAC then selected grant recipients.
