Bruno Mathsson Design Residency

The image shows the house at Backegårdsgatan in Värnamo, Sweden. Designed by Bruno Mathsson in 1955.

The Bruno Mathsson Design Residency offers an international 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.

During the period of stay, the designer is offered to stay for a month (May 15th-June 15th 2025) 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). 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 choices 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.

Application period

All international designers based outside of Sweden can apply. You need to have finalized your studies and work professionally in the field of design. The application deadline for Bruno Mathsson Design Residency was November 12th, 2024. The selected designer for the residency of 2025 will be informed within 8 weeks from the application deadline.

What is included?

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.

Jury

Dr. Mateo Kries, Director, Vitra Design Museum, Weil am Rhein
Jenny Nordberg, designer, Malmö
Magnus Jonsson, Culture Director, Region Jönköping County, Jönköping
Lennart Alves Gernes, Art and Design Developer, Region Jönköping County, Jönköping
Elna Svenle, Museum Director, Vandalorum, Värnamo

About Bruno Mathsson Design Residency

The Bruno Mathsson Design Residency is run by Region Jönköping County and Vandalorum Museum of Art and Design, with support by IASPIS/The Swedish Arts Grants Committee International Programme for Visual and Applied Art, Region Jönköping County and Värnamo Municipality, in collaboration with the entrepreneur and collector Johan Sjöberg, Bruno Mathsson International, and the Karin and Bruno Mathsson Foundation.

^{The house at Backegårdsgatan in Värnamo, Sweden. Designed by Bruno Mathsson in 1955, photo: Peo Olsson}