Elevating Design One Member at a Time
The Philadelphia Design Center (PDC) is proud to introduce our new Residency and Design Angel programs!
The PDC Residency Program is a unique free opportunity for emerging designers to gain access to invaluable resources that will assist them in furthering their growing careers. Grounded in community support and funded by independent Design Angels, our interdisciplinary program is committed to increasing access to design technology, tools and space that are an essential part of the design process even though they are often too-expensive for hopeful designers to afford alone.
With our digital lab and textile studio at their fingertips, PDC Residents will have the freedom to produce self-directed work, explore our various resources and develop new skills in a communal creative environment. Residents will receive a 3 or 6 month long membership to PDC which includes 24/7 access to the shared workspace. They will also receive free access to our community programming and networking opportunities.
About The Programs
Launched in January 2019, the PDC Residency and Design Angel Sponsorship Programs were created to address two persistent problems our community repeatedly faces. First, no matter how talented and passionate some people are, they still have financial hurdles that stand between them and the resources they need to thrive as professional designers. Second, there are enthusiastic fans of design who believe in PDC’s mission but don’t currently need a membership for themselves.
Together, the PDC Residency and Design Angel Sponsorship Programs connect these two groups and help us continue to empower designers with the tools and space they need to create what’s next for our city.
Who is this for?
Apply for the PDC Residency Program if…
You are a designer who lives and/or works in the Greater Philadelphia Region and you need financial assistance to utilize the space and resources at The Philadelphia Design Center. That’s it! Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to join the PDC community and continue developing your career.
Our current resources are best fit for but not limited to those working in:
architecture
costume design
crafting/craft making
digital art
digital photography
dressmaking and tailoring
fashion design
graphic design
illustration
interior design
landscape design
lighting design
prop design and creation
scenic/set design
sound design
textile/fiber arts
video editing
website design
wig making
and more!
Check out more information about our amenities to see if we have tools that can help you!
Finally, please note that PDC is committed to facilitating the increase of diversity and inclusion throughout creative fields so that each one of us is better represented in the design process. This is why we specifically encourage self-identified people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and/or those who associate with underrepresented/marginalized identities to apply for the PDC Residency Program.
Become a Design Angel if…
You are an established designer and/or professional who values quality design and you want to support the next generation of designers in our community! This is your chance to directly lend a hand to a fellow creative when they are in need. Plus you will gain exclusive access to our designer showcases and community programming! Ultimately, your decision to sponsor a PDC Member may be the difference between a hopeful designer reaching the next step in their career and them giving up on their dreams due to financial hardship.
You can help secure a bright creative future by investing in Philadelphia’s emerging talent today!
Become a Design Angel Today!
We've set the ambitious goal of assisting at least 5 designers on their career journey during the first half of 2019, but we need your help to get there! Can you sponsor a PDC Resident today to support the future of design in Philadelphia?
When?
Our PDC Residency Program has rolling start dates while Design Angels can begin sponsoring members at any point throughout the year. The number of open spots for the Residency is based on how many Design Angels have committed to sponsoring memberships for that period.
Residency Program Schedule
Monday, January 14th - The next round of applications for the PDC Residency Program opens.
Sunday, February 17th - Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm to be considered in the upcoming cohort of residents. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance into the Residency program by Wednesday, February 20th.
Monday, March 4th - New Residents begin with an orientation scheduled during this first week.
The PDC Residency lasts for 3 months and all participants are expected to commit to proactively utilizing PDC’s resources throughout the duration of their Residency.
Costs?
The Residency Program is FREE for Residents! Their membership fees are generously donated by Design Angels who are committed to supporting PDC and want to help emerging designers.
The donation amount for Design Angels depends on what type of membership you would like to sponsor and which billing cycle you prefer. Donate a whole year of memberships; or spread out your financial commitment with reoccurring payments on a monthly, quarterly or biannual schedule.
More Information
Did you know that groups can be Design Angels too? Anyone can join together to co-sponsor a design Residency at PDC. This option is perfect for business associations, community organizations, and groups of friends. Please contact Loretta at lgary@phillydesigncenter.org for more information.
Related Links
Our Space and Resources: Detailed information about the specific technology, software, equipment, and resources we have available for Residents
Membership Plans: Learn more about our most popular membership options
Gift Membership: Do you have a special recipient in mind? Give a PDC Membership directly to support their work
Volunteer Opportunities: Explore other ways you can support the PDC mission
Please contact Loretta at lgary@phillydesigncenter.org or call 215. 888.6123 during regular business hours for more information on becoming a Design Angel Sponsorship Program and/or the PDC Residency Program.
