Rethink, Reuse, act local: a research around Packaging

Application from January 27, 2025 to March 27, 2025
Summary :

Introduction
The various objectives of this residency
We are looking for artist designers, creators, and industrial design researchers with
Application

Introduction :

We are launching a call for applications for a one-month research residency as we need help thinking about packaging solutions.
The objective is to rethink protective packaging for ceramic and glass pieces, using recycled and sustainable materials, while taking into account environmental, social, and economic challenges.

We are looking for artist designers, creators, collectives and industrial design researchers to think about and develop protective solutions adapted to the specificities of our artisanal productions. Candidates will have the opportunity to collaborate with the workshop to design internal packaging (for protecting fragile pieces) and external packaging (for transport and presentation), while incorporating circular economy and sustainability principles.

The various objectives of this residency are :

1. Promote the local economy

How can we ensure the use of locally produced packaging materials rather than depending on large international suppliers ?

How do we create jobs while supporting local craftsmanship ?

2. Rethink material usage

The idea is to move away from single-use packaging. We want to use recycled or reusable materials to create packaging that is both functional and aesthetic.

How do we ensure durability while being eco-responsible ?

3. Sustainable and multifunctional packaging

Why use packaging that only serves during transport ?

How can we create solutions with multiple lives ?

We want to limit waste production while being creative and practical.
4. External packaging for transport (export standards)

Our pieces travel between Morocco and Europe. This means we need to comply with export standards: resistance, safety, labeling, etc.

How do we create packaging that is sturdy, aesthetic, and compliant with these requirements ?

5. Knowledge sharing (open source)

How do we share our ideas and solutions with other creators ?

We'd like an open and collaborative approach so that everyone can benefit from this research.

We are looking for artist designers, creators, and industrial design researchers :

Required Profile :

A passion for sustainable design and finding concrete solutions.
Experience in packaging design or protection of fragile products (not essential, but a plus!).
An interest in using recycled materials and an environmentally conscious approach.

An ability to work in teams with local stakeholders, share ideas, and adapt to a collaborative creative process.
Some knowledge of international export standards between Morocco and Europe (not essential, but a plus!).
A curious, open mind, ready to experiment and think outside the box.

Residency terms :

Duration: 1 month, between [May 2025] & [December 2025 ]
Location: Ateliers Beldine, Tamesloht, Morocco.
Food / transport / accommodation : 100% covered by Ateliers Beldine.
Funding: budget can be defined based on needs.
Groups of creators are possible
Conditions: The workshop provides a workspace and local resources to develop prototypes. Support will also be provided by local artisans and workshop members.

Budget target (expenses example) :

External craftsmen (welder, carpenter, electrician...) : 5000 MAD
Materials / consumables : 2500 MAD
Transport (truck...) : 500 MAD
Extra : 1500 MAD

Total : 9500 MAD

Location & context :

Our Ateliers are located 20 km south of Marrakech. In a town called Tamesloht at the foot of the High Atlas mountains, it is also famous for its weaving crafts and traditional ceramics. You'll find all the essentials shops you need here, but Marrakech is also a good place to start looking for suppliers, second-hand souks, recycling centres, etc. In town a lot of artisans have workshops and could follow you on your needs.

A driving licence will be a plus to facilitate journeys to the city as well as to the workshops. We will assure daily ride from the workshops to the house and for specific rides related to the residency. Finally, being a native Arabic or French speaker will simplify your exchanges and meetings.

Accomodation :

During your stay, you will be welcomed in a Beldi house alongside Ateliers beldine manager, in a traditional local house made of earth and lime.

Located within a 30-minute drive from the Ateliers, via a national road that becomes a off road, 10min away from the village of Lala Takerkoust where the house is located by the edges of the lake.

The different rooms in the house are separated by a magnificent garden, and are laid out in such a way as to allow people to get together for convivial moments as well as enjoying the peace and quiet.
There is also space for individual or group work.

The mild climate allows for outdoor living most of the year, but they are a few pointers on how to live here, and what you need to be aware of :

The house is connected to the water supply, but in general, water is scarce and therefore precious.
Electricity is available, but not in all rooms, we mostly use candles for lighting in the inside or headlamp for the outside.
There is a fireplace in each room to heat the house, when the night are cold.
For the bathroom, there's an outdoor shower perched at the top of the garden, with a breathtaking view.
At home, you may be lucky enough to be able to eat things from the garden, which means that you'll have to go picking vegetable from time to time.

This place is very confortable, and great to live in it, but it important to keep in mind that it’s not exactly like a modern house. It got character and need constant maintenance.

Workspaces :

You will be able to use the Ateliers Beldine's stock of MAKITA tools* and a technician will be present throughout the work for specific requests, to support your needs, both technically and in the day-to-day organisation of the research (references, addresses, operation in the ateliers, links with the craftsmens, etc.).

Individual or group office, workshop for more dirty work and storage space is also available, alongside the artisans.

*Jigsaw, Angle grinder, Plunge saw, Drill driver, Laminate trimmer, Shop vacuum.

Application :

To apply for this residency, please send your application to opencall.ateliersbeldine@gmail.com with the following elements:

Apply before the : 27-03-2025

A CV and a note describing your interest in the project (2 pages max).
A portfolio presenting your previous work related to sustainable design and/or packaging (PDF format).
Additionally: A preliminary statement of intent regarding your approach to the project (1 page max).
Please add : [Open call + your name] to the email subject.

If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact us :)