Design center sees record number of applicants

The Macau Design Centre (MDC) has announced that its application call for studio residency last month received a significant increase in the number of candidates, compared to the previous application period back when the facility opened in 2014.
The application period between April 2 and 25 had received 13 formal applications for just one vacant studio. In total, the organization has 17 independent studios, however most of them are currently being utilized by local entities.
The studios aim to provide a fully serviced and comfortable working environment for companies and design professionals at below-market prices. MDC endeavors to support the growth of the design industry by sparing start-up organizations the burden of high rent and building maintenance costs.
According to the organization, “the result shows that MDC has earned recognition for its outstanding work performance in past years.”
MDC stated that the applicants covered a range of design backgrounds, including graphic design, multimedia production, product design, 2D and 3D animation and special effects, photography, interior design, fashion design and craft design.
MDC and the Cultural Industries Fund jointly-selected a panel and judge to review the applications. The process involved analyzing their portfolio and proposal.
The final decision saw the vacant studio awarded to Cliffs Studio Company. The company will be able to rent the space for three years, though the agreement will need to be renewed each year based on the company’s development and achievements.