Introduction
The M+ / Design Trust Fellowship programme aims to support an original research project investigating issues relating to design and architecture in the Greater Pearl River Delta region. Apart from expanding the current body of knowledge in these areas, it is hoped that the findings from the fellowship will also inform future acquisitions and other programmes at M+.
Applicants should engage in advanced historical research on either a single discipline, such as architecture, graphic design, industrial design and urbanism, or cross-disciplinary developments, taking into consideration the region’s cultural, social, economic and political milieus as well as its international and cross-cultural networks. Although post-1949 topics are preferred, exceptional proposals focusing on issues related to the beginning of the twentieth century will also be considered.
The successful applicant will be attached to M+ for three to six months between September 2014 and September 2015, conducting independent research on a full-time basis. The fellow is encouraged to engage in intellectual exchanges with the museum’s curatorial staff and participate in its programmes. While outcomes may vary, the fellowship should at the minimum result in a paper (5,000 words or more) disseminated digitally or in print through Design Trust and M+’s platforms, as well as a talk as part of the museum’s public programme.
Eligibility
Applications are welcome from individuals of all nationalities whose areas of research are in design, architecture or a related field. If necessary, Design Trust will endeavour to aid the successful candidate in obtaining a visa. However, the provision of the fellowship will ultimately depend on the result of the visa application.
Applicants should either hold a post-graduate degree in a relevant discipline or an undergraduate degree with minimum 3 years relevant professional work or academic research experience. Proficiency in spoken and written English is also required.
Stipend
The M+ / Design Trust Fellow will be provided a monthly lump-sum stipend of $40,000 HKD (equivalent to around $5,150 USD) for three to six months to cover research-related and living costs. An overseas fellow may request a one-time travel subsidy of up to $10,000 HKD (equivalent to around $1,290 USD), covering the transportation to and from the place of origin and Hong Kong.
Assessment Criteria
The following criteria are taken into account when assessing each application:
- Originality in expanding and reinterpreting existing knowledge of design and architecture in the Greater Pearl River Delta region within a regional and global context
- Contribution to expanding the understanding and scope of the museum’s current and future collection
- Proven ability of the candidate in undertaking advanced research
Review Process
The fellowship will be awarded on a competitive basis by a committee comprising representatives from Design Trust and M+. After the initial screening process, shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview in person or remotely. The successful applicant will be notified by August 30 2014.
How to Apply
Applicants are required to provide:
- Completed application form
- Applicant’s full curriculum vitae of education, professional experience, honours, awards and publications
- 2 letters of recommendation (academic or professional), submitted directly from the references
- 3-5 pieces of relevant written work, published or unpublished
The deadline for submitting the application is June 30 2014.
Please send all application materials digitally and address enquiries to designfellow@wkcda.hk .
About M+
M+ is the new museum for visual culture in Hong Kong, as part of the West Kowloon Cultural District, encompassing 20th and 21st century art, design and architecture and the moving image from Hong Kong, China, Asia and beyond. From its vantage point in one of the world’s most dynamic regions, M+ seeks, through its exhibitions, programming and permanent collection, to document the past, inform the present and contribute to the future of visual culture within an ever more interconnected global landscape.
About Design Trust
Design Trust is a network of individuals passionate about design and its powerful role in societal’s transformation. The Trust supports creative projects that promote design talent, research initiatives and content related to Hong Kong and the Greater Pearl River Delta Region. Across a multiplicity of design disciplines from graphics, media, fashion to the built environment, the Trust aims to actively accelerate the creative design and development of meaningful projects.
http://www.westkowloon.hk/en/designfellow
