Z33

1. Is FORMAT only for Flemish designers, architects and writers?
No. We do ask for a link with Flanders (including Brussels) or the Meuse-Rhine Euregion (Eindhoven and Maastricht, Heerlen, Liège, Aachen, Eupen…). This link may mean that you were born here, or have lived, studied or worked there. We also consider a long-term residency trajectory (> 1 month) in the region as a form of work.

2. What is the Euregio Meuse-Rhine?
The Euregio Meuse-Rhine (EMR), with approximately 3.9 million inhabitants, is one of the many Euregios, international cooperative associations of all kinds of areas belonging to the European Union. What is special in this case is that it is a cooperation of a number of provinces and other administrative units spread over three countries. These areas are located around the river Meuse and west of the river Rhine, around the hexagon Hasselt-Maastricht-Liège-Aachen-Heerlen-Eupen. (Source: Wikipedia)
Officially, Eindhoven is not part of the Euregion Meuse-Rhine, but because of the proximity and relevance of the Design Academy Eindhoven and the Dutch Design Week, we include that region in the Euregion Meuse-Rhine.

3. I live and work in Brussels, can I also participate?
Yes, you can. Brussels is part of the Flemish Community.

4. Can I also register as a duo?
Yes, you can, also for the extra calls/assignments (graphic design, scenography, writing). We do ask that each duo submits one application via the registration form. One of the members of the collective will thus act as contact person. The CV (education, work experience), motivation, portfolio and project proposal must then be made on behalf of the collective.

5. I already have a diploma but I am still studying (teacher training, an additional master…). Can I already apply now?
Yes, you can. If you graduated after 1st of January 2018, you can apply for FORMAT 2023.

6. I was not selected for FORMAT 2020 last time. Can I apply for FORMAT 2023?
Yes, you can if you graduated after 1ste of January 2018.

7. For FORMAT, do I need to continue working on my final project?
For your selection for FORMAT, the jury will take into account your personal profile and portfolio (including your graduation project), but also the project you want to work on within the open call ‘Living with water’.
We expect you to develop new work that you will show for the first time at the exhibition in Z33. This work can build on your graduation project (deepening, reacting to, relating to …) but it can also be completely separate from it. The goal is to further develop your own vision as a designer or architect.

8. What exactly do you expect from the ‘project proposal’?
See also question 7. We expect you to be able to describe the project you want to develop for FORMAT 2023 in a maximum of 2500 characters (including spaces).
You are free to present this in visual terms as well. This can be done via an attachment of maximum 1 A4 in PDF format and with a maximum of 2 MB.

9. When is the exact deadline for the FORMAT call?
You have to submit your online dossier via the particular form BEFORE Thursday 31 March 2022 at 23h59. Late submissions will not be accepted.

10. What exactly does the mentoring process look like?
From May 2022 to January 2023, we meet with the group of laureates every month. This is either online or physically in Z33 (Hasselt). Each meeting takes up a half to full weekday. During that day, we catch up and invite coaches for feedback and/or a master class or workshop.
In addition, a trajectory with your personal coach or mentor starts simultaneously at your own rhythm and demand.

11. How is the personal coach chosen?
We expect you to look for a personal coach or mentor yourself, because it is very important that there is a mutual click. Aim high. Try to have an introductory meeting with several people before deciding with whom you want to proceed. It may also be possible for you to be coached by several people. You don’t have to limit yourself to one person. Everything depends on what you feel comfortable with.
Z33 can help introduce you to people. A coach who comes from a different discipline can work very well. How, where and when you meet with your coach is up to you. Z33 provides a fixed fee per coach of 500 euros excluding VAT.
It is not important to already have a commitment from a coach when you apply, but it can be interesting to mention who you are thinking of in your project proposal.

12. Can I combine my selection for FORMAT with a job or additional training?
See also question 10. It’s certainly possible to combine FORMAT with a job, additional training or a busy schedule, as long as you can come to Hasselt once a month or have online meetings during the week and can make the necessary time for the development of your personal project and trajectory.

13. Can I combine my selection for FORMAT with a course abroad?
See also question 10. Do not underestimate the time investment and physical travel required for FORMAT. We expect you to come to Hasselt (or have online meetings) every month for half to full weekdays from May 2022 to February 2023 for feedback meetings, workshop, exhibition set-up, etc.
You may miss one of these meetings, but try to be present for 80% of the time. Furthermore, the development of the personal project requires a certain investment of time (like any artistic project of course). Whether this can be combined with a (full-time) study abroad is a decision you have to make yourself. It is best to motivate this in your project proposal.

14. Do I already need to make a concept or project proposal if I want to apply for the assignment of graphic design, scenography or writing texts?
No. If you want to apply for call 2 (graphic design), 3 (scenography) or 4 (writing texts) you only have to write a motivation why you want to do this assignment and what you hope to learn.

15. Is it possible to apply for both the coaching program and for one of the assignments such as graphic design, scenography or writing of texts?
No. We think this is a difficult combination.

16. What does the fee consist of?
For each laureate selected, we provide an honorarium of 3000 euros and a production budget of 1500 euros. Both amounts are exclusive of VAT.

In consultation, we also provide a reimbursement of travel and accommodation expenses. During meetings and construction days in Z33 that last a whole day, we provide lunch.

17. How is the compensation paid to the laureates?
The compensation can be paid on the basis of an invoice established in accordance with the regulations.

For those who live in Belgium and do not have a VAT number, this can be done through a Social Bureau for Artists or a third party payer such as SMart.

18. Which language can I use for the application?

You may choose between Dutch and English, whichever is best for you. You can select the language of this website at the top left.