NYCxDESIGN has announced its inaugural Breakout Grant, created to support independent design entrepreneurs with significant funding and visibility. The not-for-profit organization invites local independent talent and businesses across the five boroughs of New York City to submit proposals around a promising new product or project that's in late-stage development and ready for market.
A jury of distinguished design leaders has been appointed to evaluate ideas across a range of design disciplines; Architecture, Graphics & Branding, Urban Design, Interior Design, Product Design, Digital & Technology.
"More than ever, New York City's creative community is in need of support and the city is in need of its inventive, entrepreneurial spirit. This new initiative will have a lasting impact on an independent designer or business by giving them the resources and tools to pursue their next great idea," stated Justin Garrett Moore, NYCxDESIGN jury member, transdisciplinary designer, and Program Officer for the Humanities in Place program at the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, AICP, NOMA. "It is paramount that any candidate's work demonstrates a foundational commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and sustainability - three integral pillars to designing a greater NYC."
One $15,000 grant will be awarded to support a career-making moment and two additional $5,000 grants will be given to back continued project growth. Finalists and grant recipients will be notified in late April and will be featured in an online gallery to showcase their proposed projects.
The deadline for sending proposals is March 26, 2021.