DesignMersive by Grohwie Program 2026

Applications are open for the DesignMersive by Grohwie Program 2026, an immersive workshop and collaborative lab designed for emerging and early stage graphic and motion designers in Nigeria. The programme is designed for creatives who want to expand their existing design skills, strengthen their approach to storytelling, and explore how design can be used to solve real world problems through augmented reality environments.

DesignMersive is organised by Grohwie, a motion design and creative technology company that works with purpose led startups and organisations through motion design, communications strategy, and creative direction. Grohwie also invests in emerging creative talent through its design fellowship, providing opportunities to work on real projects with senior mentorship, business training, and international exposure.

The DesignMersive programme provides a practical environment where participants can learn, experiment, collaborate, and connect with other designers. Rather than focusing only on theory, the one day in person workshop combines learning with practical activities and group based creative challenges. Participants will work together to develop responses to small design briefs during the workshop.

The 2026 programme is backed by the Mastercard Foundation and Anzisha through the Mastercard Foundation FAST Program, with Grohwie implementing the project. Twenty participants will be selected for each workshop location. The Calabar workshop will take place on October 17, 2026, while the Lagos workshop will take place on October 24, 2026. Applications close on October 8, 2026.

About the Programme

DesignMersive is a one day physical workshop built around practice, play, learning, collaboration, and professional connection. It is intended to help early stage designers move beyond conventional design approaches and understand how storytelling can make their work more effective.

Participants will explore storytelling for design and augmented reality environments while working on collaborative projects with other creatives. The programme provides an opportunity to experiment with new ideas, receive guidance, and develop practical skills that can be applied to future design projects.

The workshop is particularly relevant for graphic and motion designers who already have foundational design abilities and want to understand how emerging technologies and stronger storytelling techniques can expand their creative practice.

Programme Benefits

• Free participation for selected participants

• Certificate of participation

• Practical learning in storytelling for design

• Introduction to designing for augmented reality environments

• Collaborative group design project

• Opportunity to work on practical creative briefs

• Exposure to advice and guidance from other creatives

• Opportunity to connect with fellow emerging designers

• Membership in the Grohwie Network

Programme Areas

The DesignMersive workshop focuses on several interconnected areas of creative development.

• Design storytelling

• Graphic design

• Motion design

• Augmented reality design

• Creative problem solving

• Collaborative design

• Practical design briefs

• Emerging creative technology

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Be a graphic designer or motion designer

• Have between 1 and 4 years of experience in graphic or motion design

• Already possess foundational design skills

• Be interested in developing stronger storytelling skills

• Be interested in exploring design within augmented reality environments

• Live in Lagos or Calabar, Nigeria

• Be able to attend all parts of the in person workshop

Workshop Locations and Dates

The programme will be delivered through two physical workshops in Nigeria.

• Calabar workshop: October 17, 2026

• Lagos workshop: October 24, 2026

• Participants selected for each city: 20

Applicants should select or apply for the location they can attend and ensure that they are available for the complete workshop experience.

Required Application Information

Applicants should be prepared to provide the information requested through the official application form.

• Personal information

• Information about design experience

• Details of current graphic or motion design practice

• Information demonstrating existing design skills

• Interest in storytelling for design

• Interest in augmented reality environments

• Preferred workshop location

Applicants should ensure that all information submitted through the application form is accurate and complete.

How to Apply

1. Review the eligibility requirements for the DesignMersive by Grohwie Program 2026.
2. Confirm that you live in Lagos or Calabar and can attend the relevant in person workshop.
3. Prepare the information required for the application form.
4. Complete the official DesignMersive application form.
5. Submit your application before the October 8, 2026 deadline.
6. Selected participants should make arrangements to attend the full workshop in their chosen city.