Selection

DS Unika 2027 will bring together a curated selection of designers, with four participants selected through the Open Call.

Theme

The theme for this year’s project is the reuse of wool and textile surplus materials.

Workshop

The design process kicks off with a two-day workshop at Gudbrandsdalens Uldvarefabrik in Lillehammer on 5–6 November 2026. Participation in the workshop is a prerequisite for taking part in the project, and all applicants must therefore keep these dates available.

The factory has a long tradition of textile production, specialising in traditional Norwegian bunad fabrics and upholstery textiles. During the two days, participants will become familiar with the materials and production methods, work around a given theme, and conceptualise and explore the materials in collaboration with the factory’s skilled professionals.

Participants may work with materials including wool, yarn, woven upholstery and bunad textiles, as well as surplus materials such as seconds, selvedges, yarn spools and leftover fibres.

The process does not, as a starting point, include weaving or textile design/product development from scratch, except where a designer is able to develop a prototype that can readily be adapted for industrial production.

Who Can Apply?

Norway-based designers and craftspeople with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in design, art, architecture or a relevant craft discipline.

Terms & Conditions

• Materials (wool, textiles and surplus materials) for the prototype will be provided by Gudbrandsdalens Uldvarefabrik. Any costs related to additional materials and craftwork are the responsibility of the participant.
• Participants retain the rights to their designs and are free to further develop them after the exhibition has concluded.
• Participants must attend the workshop on 5–6 November 2026. Accommodation, workshop facilitation and meals will be covered. Participants are responsible for their own travel to and from the workshop. Further information regarding the meeting point will be provided.
• Participants must be available during the Designers’ Saturday exhibition in Oslo, 10–12 September 2027, and contribute to the installation and dismantling of the exhibition.

Documentation

Participants are expected to document their design process outside of the workshop. Designers’ Saturday will document the workshop and provide press images and press material ahead of Designers’ Saturday 2027.

We reserve the right to freely use photo and video material of the objects/products created during the process, as well as text about the product/designer, for the promotion of the exhibition.

Application Requirements

Please submit the following:

• A short presentation of yourself as a designer and your motivation for participating (maximum 500 words, PDF format).
• Portfolio (maximum 10 projects, PDF format, maximum 6 MB). Alternatively, you may provide a link to an online portfolio or website.

Applications should be sent to sec@designerssaturday.no with “APPLICATION UNIKA 2027” in the subject line.

Application deadline: 4 October 2026.
All applicants will be notified by 26 October 2026.