Start Scholarships Fashion

No, unfortunately, students cannot receive the Start Scholarship Fashion.

No, for each funding year, you can only apply for either AFA Support OR the Start Scholarship Fashion of the BMKÖS.

No, the Start Scholarship Fashion can only be awarded to each individual once.

No, according to the Art Promotion Act, the Start Scholarship Fashion is tax-free. (Federal Law of February 25, 1988 on the Promotion of Art from Federal Funds) § 3 (3) stipulates that only scholarships within the meaning of paragraph 1 Z 5 and prizes within the meaning of paragraph 1 Z 7 are exempt from income tax.

https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/GeltendeFassung.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=10009667

The Start Scholarships Fashion are awarded based on the recommendation of an independent expert jury. This jury changes annually and consists of representatives from various sectors of the fashion industry, including design, media, commerce, art, education, research, and promotion. The expert jury is appointed by the Austrian Fashion Association. To ensure the independence of the jury, the final confirmation of the jury is made by the Federal Ministry for Arts, Culture, Public Service, and Sport (BMKÖS).

The justifications for funding recommendations by the jury are recorded. In the event of an application being declined, the Austrian Fashion Association can, upon request, provide verbal feedback to the applicant regarding the jury’s decision. Due to the consistently large number of submissions, detailed feedback is not feasible. However, separate consultation appointments with the AFA team can be arranged throughout the year.

There are no specific guidelines regarding the size of the portfolio. However, it’s important to ensure that the maximum file size of 25 MB is not exceeded and that the portfolio provides a coherent and compelling impression of your previous work.

• Portfolio or collection of previous works
• Possibly, already partially completed application documents
• Specific questions (e.g., about the various funding programs, application and award processes, project planning, distribution and marketing measures, etc.)

The jury meeting typically takes place in the first week of July. The results will be announced directly by email no later than one week thereafter.

The duration of the Start Scholarship Fashion is 6 months each, starting in August.

A Societal Challenges project could include themes such as circular economy, sustainability (fabrics, materials, including packaging), upcycling and recycling, engagement with new production processes, etc.

1. Download Acrobat Reader – install Adobe Acrobat Reader (free) if you haven’t already.
2. Download the forms – save the required forms to your computer.
3. Open the forms – use Acrobat Reader to open the downloaded files.
4. Fill out the forms – enter the necessary information directly into the form fields.
5. Save your documents – ensure all changes are saved before closing the files.
6. Submit your application – follow the application instructions to upload the completed forms.