DING Innovation Fellows - Cash for Creative Pioneers

Applications are particularly welcome from those exploring ideas for future heritage, such as in craft, textiles, music and art, as well as in current and emerging sectors that could contribute to the future heritage of the region, such as digital, screen and media.

Dr Michael Pierre Johnson
[email protected]

What is DING? (Design Innovation for New Growth)

DING is an 18 month project follow-on-funding project from Design in Action, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, delivering design innovation as a strategy for growth in the Highlands and Islands creative economy. The discipline – Design Innovation – addresses complex challenges through new design practices and bespoke community engagement.

In October 2017 three DING Studios were delivered around innovation challenges co-developed with stakeholders in craft, Orkney festivals, and creative practice in Shetland. These creative workshops gathered practitioners and experts to collaborate on: collective challenges, innovation approaches, mapping the networks around key challenges and future trajectories for individual and collective growth.

What are the DING Innovation Fellows?

Following the DING Studio sessions, one of the strongest learnings was people lacking the time and resource to engage with the challenges they shared. As a result, DING are directing their remaining funding towards individuals in the Highlands and Islands to support innovative projects for creative growth.

The deadline for applications is January 31st 2018, when an expert panel will review and appoint fellows (without feedback) by Feb 14th 2018.

Please refer to the documents in the Downloads section of this web page for further information.