Bruno Mathsson Design Residency

In May 2024, the first Bruno Mathsson Design Residency will take place in Värnamo, Sweden. The purpose of the residency is to offer an internationally working designer time for research, development, networking, and focus in a stimulating architectural environment, within the context of Vandalorum Museum of Art and Design and the extensive manufacturing industry of the region.

All international designers, based outside of Sweden are welcome to apply. The resident is offered to stay for a month in a groundbreaking house designed by the influential architect and furniture designer Bruno Mathsson (1907–88). The house, from 1955, is located in Bruno Mathsson’s hometown of Värnamo in Småland, and was originally commissioned by Sven Lundh (founder of Källemo and initiator of Vandalorum).

The Bruno Mathsson Design Residency is run by the Region Jönköping County and Vandalorum. During the residence period, the designer is offered visits to the extensive furniture and manufacturing industry in the Jönköping region, based on the designer’s choice and interests. The designer is also offered a tour to Bruno Mathsson’s private home and the Mathsson Center, and is invited to give a public lecture at Vandalorum during the residence period.

The residency is located in Värnamo is a town situated in the middle of Småland, about 390 km from Stockholm and 230 km from Copenhagen. The region presents a mixture of forest and lakes.

The residency is 1 month. The dates for 2024 are May 15–June 15. All international designers based outside of Sweden can apply. You need to have finalized your studies and work professionally in the field of design. Included in the residency are travels to and from Värnamo, Sweden, a month stay at the Bruno Mathsson house (as the only occupant), and a stipend of 20 000 SEK to cover living expenses, additional travels, and other personal or professional expenditure.

Please send the following application documents to [email protected], with a deadline November 12, 2023:
Project outline specifying why you want to take part of the residency and what you hope to achieve during the residence period (300-500 words)
* Description of your practice (100-200 words)
* CV
* Portfolio (10-15 images