Young architects and students with a vision for a more sustainable future are encouraged to apply for a range of bursaries and mentorship opportunities thanks to the charity branch of Swarovski, the Austrian crystal glass company.
The Swarovski Foundation announced this month the launch of a new global grant program delivered with the United Nations Office for Partnerships, which will aim to “identify and accelerate the next generation of creative leaders in sustainability.”
The Swarovski Foundation Institute: Creatives for Our Future program will offer grants to people aged 18 to 25 across creative disciplines including architecture, design, engineering, fashion and art.
Applications for the grants opened on 9 March and will be accepted until 9 April.
According to the foundation, successful applicants will have a keen interest in, demonstration of, or exemplary potential to use the creative process to accelerate awareness, technologies or solutions for sustainable development.
Selected grantees will receive financial support to further their practice and “design new pathways for a better world.” They will also take part in an educational program in collaboration with a number of international institutions, and be given the opportunity to take part in tailored mentorship and industry networking programs.
Nadja Swarovski, chair of the Swarovski Foundation, said the program was part of the organization’s ongoing mission to foster education, creativity and a sustainable future.
“This ground-breaking program will empower the next generation of creative talent to unlock innovative new approaches to our global sustainability challenges and drive progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals,” she said.
Annemarie Hou, acting executive director of the United Nations Office for Partnerships noted the importance of the creative sector.
“In 2021, the International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development, we must work together to amplify the creativity and talent of young leaders,” she said. “The Creatives for Our Future program by the Swarovski Foundation Institute is a trailblazing initiative that is keeping the promise of the SDGs [sustainable development goals].”
