Design Link, a regional initiative by Mikser, implemented in partnership with the Arts Thread platform from London and supported by the British Council, is calling young Balkan creatives to join a hybrid educational program to enhance their skills and effectively position themselves in today’s digital and international environment. Based on extensive focus group research with young professionals, the program directly addresses their real-world needs, practical challenges, and professional ambitions.
// WHY DESIGN LINK CAMP?
Design Link Camp is more than just an educational program; it is an opportunity for networking, redefining professional identity, and strategic positioning on a global scale. Through the program, you will enhance your portfolio, gain a clearer understanding of the global design market, develop a more sustainable professional model, and establish direct contact with international mentors and experts. The modules cover a wide range of key areas—from practical work focused on social and environmental responsibility to a digital segment dedicated to online visibility, portfolio development, the application of AI, entrepreneurship, and client communication models.
// APPLICATION DEADLINE
Applications are open until March 23rd at midnight!
// WHO CAN APPLY?
The call is open to designers and creatives under the age of 35 who were born, are studying, or are working in the Western Balkans. We welcome applicants active in fields such as: architecture, product and furniture design, graphic design, fashion design, digital design, applied arts, and related disciplines.
// PARTICIPATION MODALITIES
The program offers two ways to participate:
- FOR CANDIDATES FROM SERBIA – RESIDENCY PROGRAM: Workshop (Mentors: Mikser team) + ONLINE LECTURES (Arts Thread team, UK) In-person participation for 15 selected candidates who will attend a three-day program from April 17–19, 2026, at Zornića Kuća in Barajevo. Costs for the program, travel, accommodation, and meals are fully covered.
- FOR CANDIDATES FROM THE BALKAN REGION – EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM: ONLINE LECTURES (Arts Thread, UK) Online participation for 45 selected candidates from the region who will follow the Design Link educational sessions free of charge during a two-day program from April 18–19, 2026.
// WORKING LANGUAGES
- Residential program (for participants from Serbia): Serbian + English.
- Online lectures by UK educators (for regional participants): English.
// SELECTION CRITERIA
Participation in the program is free of charge. Due to limited capacity, the selection will be conducted by an expert team from Mikser (Serbia) and Arts Thread (UK) based on the following criteria:
- Creative potential and quality of the submitted portfolios / Authenticity of expression and understanding of the chosen discipline.
- Ability to follow lectures in English
- Readiness to participate in the final presentation at the Mikser Festival 2026 in Novi Pazar.
// HOW TO APPLY?
Candidates can apply by filling out the online form and uploading a portfolio as a PDF file. The file should not exceed 10 MB and must be named using the Latin alphabet as follows: firstname_lastname.pdf
The PDF file should consist of 20 pages featuring projects / drawings / photographs / visuals (A4 format, landscape orientation, with little to no additional text explanation) that best showcase your creative work and potential.
// PARTICIPANT OBLIGATIONS
By applying, candidates commit to presenting their portfolios—refined through the knowledge gained during the Design Link program—at the Mikser Festival (either online or in person), which will take place from June 5–7 in Novi Pazar. The presentation will be held before experts from Mikser and Arts Thread. Participants will receive feedback and priority to feature their projects within the new Balkan section on the Arts Thread and Mikser web platforms.
Note: Travel and accommodation costs for the festival in June are to be covered by the participants themselves.
// IMPORTANT DATES
- 3 March, 2026: Open Call Launch / Applications open
- 23 March, 2026: Application deadline
- 26 March, 2026: Announcement of selected candidates
- 28 March, 2026: Preparatory online meeting for the participants
- 17–19 April , 2026: Design Link Residency (In-person, Zornića Kuća, Barajevo)
- 18–19 April , 2026: Design Link Educational Sessions (Online)
- 5–7June, 2026: Mikser Festival, Novi Pazar
APPLY HERE by 23 March!