Dezeen promotion: the Design Trust is offering those living or working in Hong Kong and the Greater Pearl River Delta region the chance to receive funding for their design and research initiative projects.

The trust established in 2014 hopes to promote creativity in Hong Kong, but also extends to China's Guangdong province, providing financial support to design projects deemed exciting and worthwhile by a panel.

"Working across a multiplicity of design disciplines from graphics, media, and fashion to the built environment, Design Trust aims to actively accelerate creative design and development of meaningful projects," said members of the board.

Design Trust grants fall under two categories: the Cultural Project grant and the Research Fellowship, both of which are available on a quarterly basis.

The Cultural Project grant is available to both individuals and groups of designers, as well as registered non-profit organisations, working in cities including Hong Kong, Macau, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Zhuhai and Dongguan.

Anyone undertaking projects based on design, the built environment, or content-based cultural work can apply for the grant.

Starting at HK$10,000, equivalent to roughly £870, the grants can be used to fund projects such as talks, installations, overseas research and exhibitions.

"Design Trust was established as a response to feedback gathered over our interactions with the design community of a critical need for responsive funding to kick-start projects," said chairman Alan Lo. "We want to position ourselves and our network of trustees and patrons to provide support that is relevant to those who need it most."

The Research Fellowships work as collaborations between the Design Trust and institutional partners, such as the M+ Museum for visual culture in Kowloon.

Once partnered, each institution then makes a call for applications to its programme.

Applicants from around the globe can submit their Cultual Project grant proposal via the Design Trust website, with the successful projects being shortlisted on a quarterly basis.

The deadlines for applications are set for the 20th day of each quarter, beginning 20 April 2015.

Read on for more information from the organisers:

Design Trust – a new initiative that provides grants for projects that impact the Greater Pearl River Delta region

Alan Lo, chairman of the registered non-profit Hong Kong Ambassadors of Design (HKAoD) is pleased to announce the establishment of Design Trust, a new grant making entity to fund projects that advocate the positive value of design, debate and creative sharing.

Design Trust serves as a dynamic platform that promotes creativity, lying at the confluence of public education and the creative industries. It will do so by providing flexible and responsive funding for projects that stimulate design talent, research initiatives and content related to Hong Kong and the Greater Pearl River Delta Region (GPRD).

The launch of Design Trust marks the establishment of two grants: Cultural Project Grants and Research Fellowship Grants in partnership with established international institutions. Cultural Project Grants, seed grants starting at HK$10,000 (approximately US$1,300) will be available to individual designers, collectives and registered non-profit organisations engaged in the GPRD. The grant seeks to support projects and activities that are relevant to design, the built environment and content-based cultural work. These include but are not limited to talks, exhibitions, residencies, overseas research projects and creative installations.

Grant proposals are accepted from global applicants via the Design Trust website, with a panel of evaluators convened to review and shortlist successful proposals on a quarterly basis. Cultural Project Grant application deadlines are set for the 20th of each quarter, beginning April 2015. More information on Design Trust, its grants and the application process are available at www.designtrust.hk.

In its second category of grants, Research Fellowships will be disbursed in collaboration with institutional partners. Once these have been established, such as the innaugral M+ / Design Trust Fellowship 2014-2015, in partnership with the M+ museum for visual culture by Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, calls for applications will be made via the respective institution’s channels.

"Design Trust was established as a response to feedback gathered over our interactions with the design community of a critical need for responsive funding to kick-start projects. We want to position ourselves and our network of trustees and patrons to provide support that is relevant to those who need it most," says Lo.

Design Trust is supported by a Board of Trustees with an International Advisory Council and a Pearl River Delta Design Council. Both comprise of industry influencers and stakeholders. Overseeing governance of the Trust is its Board of Directors, Desiree Au, Jehan Chu, Joyce Tam, Lyndon Neri, Marisa Yiu and led by Chairman, Alan Lo. Design Trust seeks the on-going support and patronage of the public, via donation pledges.

About Design Trust

Design Trust was established in 2014 as a grant funding enity, aiming to support creative projects that promote design talent, research initiatives and content related to Hong Kong and the Greater Pearl River Delta Region. Working across a multiplicity of design disciplines from graphics, media, and fashion to the built environment, Design Trust aims to actively accelerate creative design and development of meaningful projects.

About Hong Kong Ambassadors of Design

In 2006, Hong Kong Ambassadors of Design was established as a non-profit and registered charity by a group of individuals from Hong Kong’ design community committed to capturing the creative imagination of the public. The Ambassadors work with its sister organisation, the Hong Kong Design Centre, towards the common goal of promoting design and culture and generating enthusiasm for creative ventures.

For enquiries, please contact Evelyn Yo

www.ambassadors.hk
www.detour.hk
www.designtrust.hk