The state competition "Design Talents Crafts NRW" has started

The state-wide competition "Design Talents Crafts NRW" has entered a new round. Awards will be given to outstanding design achievements by young craftspeople from North Rhine-Westphalia.

The North Rhine-Westphalia state competition "Design Talents Crafts NRW" is entering a new round. The competition focuses on craftsmanship and creative passion. Craftspeople from North Rhine-Westphalia can apply now. The competition seeks self-designed and executed design solutions that demonstrate the diversity and sophistication of craftsmanship.

Submissions can be made in five subject areas:

• Image and print media,
• Furniture & Exterior Elements,
• Object & Sculpture
• Jewelry & Fashion,
• Home & Interior Design Culture.

Conditions of participation and registration. Terms and conditions of participation and the possibility to register.The application period runs until May 26, 2026. Eligible applicants are designers up to and including 30 years of age with residence or place of work in North Rhine-Westphalia who can demonstrate completed training in a craft sector by the application deadline – regardless of their current professional or academic activity.

The competition is aimed at journeymen and master craftsmen, as well as students and graduates of design academies, universities of applied sciences, technical colleges, and universities, provided they have previously passed a journeyman's examination in a craft trade. Self-employed craftspeople registered in the trade register are also eligible to participate.

Exhibition in Cologne in October 2026

Each applicant may submit a maximum of three works, regardless of the subject matter. The objects do not need to be newly created specifically for the competition. Journeyman's or master's pieces, commissioned works, and other independently created works are also eligible. It is important that the works can be made available for the exhibition in Cologne in October 2026 should the applicant be selected.

Applications are submitted online at designtalente-handwerk-nrw.de/anmeldungInformation about the object and informative photographs that clearly show its design, materials, and craftsmanship are required. Participation is free of charge. A jury will decide on admission to the exhibition and the awarding of prizes based on the submitted photographs and descriptions.

All participants accepted into the exhibition will receive a place in the two-week exhibition in Cologne, which will be accompanied by an exhibition catalog. In addition, all exhibitors will receive a certificate presented by Minister Mona Neubaur. Furthermore, there is a chance to win a prize of €3.000 in each thematic area.

DHB now also digital!Simply click here and register for the digital German Crafts Journal (DHB)!