
New Experiment Grant Scheme
On 1 February, the Creative Industries Fund NL will open a new grant scheme, focussing on small-scale experiment-driven research within the creative industry: the Experiment Grant Scheme.
We spoke to Gabriella Fiorentini, coordinator of the new Experiment Grant Scheme.
The Creative Industries Fund NL's mission is to continue and renew the rich design tradition in the Netherlands, from a cultural perspective, mainly by stimulating the process of experimentation, research and creation.
With this new grant scheme we are specifically seeking to stimulate small-scale experiment-driven research in the design practice of designers and makers within the Dutch creative industry.
Wasn't a similar type of application already possible within the Fund's regular grant schemes?
Yes there was, but with the Experiment Grant Scheme we are offering a fast and accessible procedure that will take no more than six weeks, so that we can give an extra boost to innovations in the short term. Also, co-financing is not compulsory. Within this grant scheme, you can receive a contribution of as much as € 10,000. Besides, you can submit an application at any time, so whenever it suits you.
How does an application to the Experiment Grant Scheme differ from a starting grant?
Starting grants can be applied for under the Grant Schemes for Design, Architecture, Digital Culture and Internationalization. This form of subsidy makes it explicitly possible to investigate the design of a proposed project, involve content-specific expertise and look for financial support. The purpose of a starting grant is therefore to achieve a meaningful follow-up project. This is not the case with the Experiment Grant Scheme, which is aimed at small-scale, experiment-driven research projects to be completed within one year.
How does it work exactly?
From 1 February, you can apply whenever you want through the online application environment. Grant applications will be processed in the order of submission within a period. The first period closes on 15 June 2021 at the latest, unless the grant ceiling of € 250,000 is exceeded before that date. In that case, the grant scheme will close immediately.
In what other ways is this grant scheme different?
The Experiment Grant Scheme has a fast procedure in place, so you receive a decision within around 6 weeks after you submit your application. After you have submitted your application, we check if it complies with the scheme's formal requirements. If your application is satisfactory, your project application will be processed and assessed in accordance with verifiable criteria by at least two Fund employees who are not involved in the formalities check. So, as a coordinator and contact person, I will not be assessing any submissions.
What are the most important criteria?
There are three criteria, which are all of equal importance:
the artistic value of the project;
the expected significance of the experiment for the personal practice or the area of expertise;
the degree to which the project is effective in its setup, methods and any expertise involved.
Who can submit an application to this grant scheme?
The grant scheme is open to professional designers, design agencies or design collectives from all the creative industry's disciplines. Interdisciplinary cooperative ventures and crossovers with partners from other disciplines are also possible, provided that this knowledge contributes to the experimental research. As an applicant you do need to be registered in the Dutch Chamber of Commerce.
Can you give some examples of the type of project applications the Fund is looking for with this new grant scheme?
That is tricky to put into words, because we work on a demand-driven basis. This means that your grant application and need for a grant is assessed based on the objectives and conditions of the Experiment Grant Scheme. But, as a generalization you could say that within this new experimental scheme we are offering scope for refreshing alternative mindsets. It is all about what you want to research and/or create and the significance of the results going beyond your personal practice. So, almost anything goes. I am really looking forward to proposals that surprise us.