Apply now to become Young V&A's Designer in The Shed 2026 • V&A Blog V&A Blog Are you ready to bring your creativity to one of the most exciting design spaces in the UK? Young V&A is inviting early to mid‑career designers, studios, and collectives to apply for a six‑month public‑facing design placement within The Shed , our unique residency studio in the heart of the Design Gallery. This is a rare chance to embed your practice inside a national museum, engage directly with children and young people, and develop an exciting project inspired by incredible objects across our three permanent galleries, Play, Imagine and Design. Applicants have until 5pm on Monday 27th April to register their interest . The form can be found at the bottom of this page. Young V&A opened in 2023 as a new museum of creativity for children from birth to 14. It has been designed with and for young people, placing accessibility to design and real-world practice at the centre. This is underpinned by our vision: to build creative confidence in young people, empower educators, connect audiences with contemporary designers, and influence the cultural sector by championing inclusive and child‑centred practice. Meet the Designer Event ©SANDRA_EBERT Located within the Design Gallery, The Shed is a working studio built into the gallery itself, a highly visible space that doubles as a living exhibit where visitors can watch designers develop and test ideas, It’s a space where works‑in‑progress take centre stage and families can step inside and experience the creative process to see how designers think and make. Designer in The Shed, Amanda Vesthardt, Textiles 2025-2026, ©SANDRA_EBERT Family ‘SEND Play’ weaving workshop in Open Studio ©SANDRA_EBERT Every year, Young V&A hosts a six‑month placement for a designer whose practice resonates with young audiences. We have welcomed designers with playful and tactile approaches to designing and making, with each designer bringing The Shed to life transforming it and making it their own. Past designers have included disciplines that have spanned fashion, textiles, jewellery, set and costume, product, furniture and more. We are thrilled to share that the next 6-Month Placement will be taking place at Young V&A from July – December 2026 We are looking for a designer who will work from The Shed, dedicating two days a week to develop an exciting project inspired by Young V&A’s incredible collections, igniting our visitors’ imaginations and bringing your design process to life. The Shed Open Call 2026 design residency programme 7 comments so far, view or add yours Comments I would love to take part in this event. I have been working closely with young children and have truly been enjoying the experience. As a self-taught creative, I bring a fresh and different approach that I would be delighted to share with you. You can view my work at Very exciting opportunity! I would be very interested to join. I’m experienced with art and design thinking and making. Major in design and currently working with children and younger kids. Hello! My name is Kelis and I’d be thrilled to take part in this project. As an artist and textile designer, I feel that I would bring a multitude of skills with a fresh perspective. It would be a privilege to do this alongside young people. I am very interested in participating in this project. I have experience in painting and design, and I like children very much and I am very patient. I am now a graduate student, and my major is design. My undergraduate degree is also majoring in design, so I am very experienced in this field and very suitable for this position. Hi, I am interested in this opportunity. Please let me know how to proceed. Looking forward to hearing from you. Hello! I’m a local parent and artist/designer. My passionate interest is in researching and designing objects, bespoke creative hacks in spaces, and fun, inclusive, socially connecting plans and ideas… I want to create opportunities for youngsters with SEND to develop their independence and to nurture and practice their friendship skills. I would LOVE to do this at (and radiating out from) the Young V&A! Hello! I’m Mayaluisa, and I really enjoy painting, art, design and I am always looking for new ways to bring my ideas to life!! Being 17, I am able to understand the way younger people think and what interests them which helps me create work that’s fun and relatable. During summer 2025, I had the opportunity to volunteer at Art-k art school, helping young children with painting and projects, which not only built my confidence but also made me realise how much I love inspiring others. I would love to bring my creative energy and experience to the table at the V&A young creatives program and be a part of something amazing. I know I am young, but my age doesn’t define my creativity since I am DRIVEN by genuine passion to create something meaningful!! Add a comment Please read our to understand what we do with your data. More on Young V&A Winter at Young V&A Autumn at Young V&A Design Club launches new product range for Young V&A shop inspired by Making Egypt exhibition View more More from around the blog Our News See more V&A Dundee See more V&A East See more Young V&A See more V&A Wedgwood Collection See more V&A Shop See more Museum life See more Caring for our Collections See more Design and society See more Digital See more Our Projects See more Show more MEMBERSHIP Join today and enjoy unlimited free entry to all V&A exhibitions, Members-only previews and more Find out more SHOP Explore our range of exclusive jewellery, books, gifts and more. 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