Open Call: Residency at ARC Bucharest

The International Center for Contemporary Art MeetFactory together with the cultural association SOLITUDE PROJECT are opening a new call for applications for a three-month residency for an artist working in the Czech Republic at ARC Bucharest in Romania.

 

SOLITUDE PROJECT and ARC Bucharest

Solitude project is a non-profit organization that aims to support research and experiments in the field of contemporary art, to create an environment open to dialogue, reflection and positive debate, and to provide support to the local contemporary art scene. The association develops projects focused on performance art, as well as artist residencies, research projects in the field of contemporary art and the production of cultural events.

ARC  Bucharest supports international artists and cultural workers with residencies focused on research and creation. The program is open to experimental approaches across visual arts, performance, literature and filmmaking. ARC Bucharest strives to connect residents with the local art scene. It facilitates visits to art institutions, non-profit spaces, commercial galleries, and connects residents with curators and relevant colleagues, fostering the potential for collaborations that may materialize during the residency or beyond. The residency does not require the completion of new work or a formal public presentation; however, local community involvement in more flexible formats such as open studios, artist talks, or workshops is highly valued.

Residents are expected to spend the majority of their residency in Romania, except for occasional travel for other commitments. While the program encourages independence and self-direction, residents are expected to participate in meetings with curators and the residency coordinator. The studio apartment is fully furnished and is suitable for an individual or a couple, but is not currently suitable for families with children or pets. Please note that the studio apartment is intended solely for accommodation and office/digital work that will not damage the space.

 

The residency includes:

• accommodation in a 50 sqm living studio in a central location  in Bucharest;

• a separate 20 sqm work studio in Malmaison Studios arts hub (3.5km from the accommodation, 30 mins by bus)

• one time roundtrip transportation from the place of stay in the Czech Republic to Bucharest in economy class flight or first class by train;

• a monthly stipend of RON 3500 RON net (equivalent to €700) for expenses related to the residency, dispersed as per diem and artist fee;

• curatorial support and involvement of the resident in cultural activities in Bucharest, such as exhibitions, open studios, performances, studio visits, etc.
  
   

Residency dates:

The residency will take place from 1 June to 15 August 2025.

The residency cannot be completed in several parts. ARCBucharest hosts only one artist (or artist duo) at a time. If the applicant is an artist duo, the accommodation, working studio, allowance, and production budget will be shared by both members. The resident will agree to the house rules for the accommodation apartment.

 

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Demonstrate professional experience in the practical implementation of artistic strategies for a minimum of 2 years (including completed solo and/or group exhibitions, public presentations, concerts, performances, publications...)

• have completed their studies or not be studying during their stay;

• have a good level of English;

• be free from professional commitments for the duration of the stay.

There is no age limit for the call.
 

The application, written in English, must include:

• CV;

• a portfolio of no more than 10 pages;

• a motivation letter of no more than 1800 characters with a motivation for the residency, or a project proposal and an idea for its implementation, in particular with regard to how the residency can benefit the applicant's artistic practice.

 

Selection procedure:

The application will be reviewed by a committee composed of the curators of the MeetFactory residency program, and representatives of SOLITUDE PROJECT.

The committee reserves the right to reject any project without giving reasons for its decision. The decision of the committee is final and cannot be appealed. The partner institutions reserve the right to suspend, shorten, extend or postpone.

The deadline for applications is 28 February 2025 inclusive. Applications sent after this date will not be accepted for the selection procedure.

The results of the call will be published no later than 15 March 2025 on the MeetFactory website: www.meetfactory.cz

Applicants will not be contacted by telephone about the results of the procedure. Applications should be sent to the curators of the MeetFactory residency programme, Tereza Havelková and Kateřina Pencová, with a covering email in English to opencall@meetfactory.cz.

In the subject line please write "OPENCALL Bucharest 2025"