Join the (S) Heroes design journey

Explore the Open Call

We are inviting curious individuals at the early stage of their careers* with advanced skills in fashion, costume, art installation, or other design approaches to submit groundbreaking proposals.

This is your chance to challenge traditional approaches, experiment with new mediums, and contribute to a more sustainable and immersive creative landscape.

*suggested level is an ongoing Bachelor's degree in respective studies or equal competencies and knowhow. No age restriction.

Themes

Sustainable Fashion, Digital Design, and interpreting Heroism.

Your Mission

The Open Call was announced 26.3.2026. Explore the Open Call below.

Participants will receive free learning materials and capacity-building support through our digital portal, including guidance on sustainability, installation art, and the integration of digital technology in fashion and costume design.

Explore the open call

Open Call: Core themes Open Call: Categories Open Call: Process Open Call: Evaluation

Intro Videos

Residencies in Finland and Spain

Kouvola, Finland

Nature-Oriented Innovation & Advanced Production at Ankkapurha

Experience a unique blend of historical atmosphere and cutting-edge technology at Xamk’s Kouvola campus and the Ankkapurha site. This nature-oriented residency supports material-driven processes, ecological thinking, and close collaboration with circular economy experts. You will have access to world-class facilities, including a virtual production studio, holographic projection, and 3D printing with ecological materials, designed to support slow and sustainable creative explorations.

Barcelona, Spain

Digital Innovation & Urban Creativity at Espronceda

The Espronceda Institute of Art & Culture provides a dynamic urban setting in Barcelona, serving as an international center for artistic research and digital innovation. This residency focuses on moving concepts to realization by utilizing advanced digital processes and immersive technologies. It is the ideal environment for teams looking to explore the intersection of digital art, creative storytelling, and new interpretations of heroism.

Free Opportunities

What you’ll gain

Collaboration with creatives from different disciplines.
Hands-on experience and knowledge in sustainable design, materials and upcycling.
Guidance on installation art, performative elements, and digital components in design.
Opportunity to enter the Incubation Program.
A chance to showcase your work at exhibitions across Europe.

Call for Participants

Who are you?

We are looking for:

Fashion designers, costume designers, fashion, fashion illustrators, stylists, textile and accessory designers, exhibition and display coordinators, creative directors, fashion business developers, brand managers, graphic designers, service designers, industrial designers etc.
Art installation and performing arts specialists, light and sound designers, visual artists, concept designers, contemporary artists, designers interested in experimental exhibitions and interaction design, new media graduates, game designers and programmers, performance artists with focus on installations, new media graduates, game designers and programmers.
Innovators who speak on sustainability issues or engage in the development of new materials.

You may have background or interested in one or several of these and other areas.

Zero waste and upcycling

Co-operation for recycled materials

At the creative residency in Finland, the participants have the opportunity to utilize local Ekomaa Recycling Store in gathering materials for their creations.

Ekomaa is run by Parik Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports social sustainability and enhances circular economy in Kouvola area.

Rethink the (S) Hero

This is where designers become sustainability heroes.

The Digital Portal and the Open Call are now open. Registered users can gain the following benefits through the Portal:

Access to the learning and inspirational materials from top teachers and industry representatives.
Getting mentorship from +20 experts by advancing in the Open Call.
Possibility to craft you exhibition idea at creative residencies in Finland or Spain.
Network and present your profile.

Get involved

For more information, download the Open Call Applicant Guide below.

Applicant Guide

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.