Call for Residencies 2023 (Digital)

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Deadline: March 1, 2022

Pro Helvetia has launched a call for applications for residencies aimed at cultural practitioners (e.g. artists, curators, cultural intermediaries) from Switzerland and from China.

As international travel restrictions due to the pandemic have not improved as expected and many of the previously recruited artists-in-residence are still waiting to travel, after careful consideration, Pro Helvetia Shanghai has decided to change the offline studio residency programme for 2023 to an online residency, the “Home Not Alone” format. We hope to maintain communication via digital means and look forward to the day when international travel resumes.

Any questions about your application?

FAQs

Residencies serve to gain inspiration, to establish networks and to start thinking about projects. Pro Helvetia provides daily allowances, professional supervision, a contribution towards production and material costs (on request), and a mentor from the destination country.

Information for cultural practitioners regarding residencies

We are aware that the global COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to great uncertainty. Nevertheless, we would like to encourage you to apply. We will do our utmost to create suitable framework conditions and to support you in your activities and your process.

Applications can be submitted until March 1, 2022 via www.myprohelvetia.ch and must be written in English. The residencies last for three months at most. A list of possible residency partners can be found in the next tab.

Selection criteria

Convincing track record: artistic activity with a national/cross-regional reach
Context-related motivation
Sufficient knowledge of the respective foreign language(s)
Concrete exchange project with a lasting impact
Eligible are artists and cultural practitioners from the following disciplines: visual arts, design and interactive media, music, literature and performing arts, as well as arts practitioners with a transdisciplinary focus

Residency Partners

In China

1a Space, Hong Kong (Visual Arts)

1a space, founded in 1998, is an independent, non-profit making contemporary visual art organization and art venue founded by a collective of Hong Kong artworkers. Currently located at Cattle Depot, 1a space aims to promote the making, experimentation, exchange and dissemination of contemporary art both in Hong Kong and in the international arena. Over two decades, 1a space has developed into one of Hong Kong’s leading contemporary art organizations. It has produced more than 160 exhibitions and activities, and has been active in international exchanges, cultural festivals, participatory community art, as well as art education and publication. The operation funding of 1a space has been supported by grants and donations, while its administration cost is partially supported by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council.

A4 Art Museum, Chengdu (Visual Arts)

Founded in March 2008 and has held 37 contemporary art exhibitions and over 500 educational events since. Located in Chengdu’s Luxelakes Eco-City in a structure designed by architect Antoine Predock. Works to promote outstanding artists and the pioneering development of contemporary art.

Click for a detailed list of Q&A by A4 ARIE program.

Chronus Art Center, Shanghai (Visual Arts esp. with new media focus)

China’s first nonprofit art organization dedicated to the presentation, research, creation and scholarship of media art. CAC with its exhibitions, residency-oriented fellowships, lectures and workshop programs and through its archiving and publishing initiatives, creates a multifaceted and vibrant platform for the discourse, production and dissemination of media art in a global context.

Chinese European Art Center, Xiamen (Visual Arts)

For more than twelve years, the Chinese European Art Center has hosted and premiered international artists from all over the world. With studios, exhibitions, contemporary film festivals, concerts, lectures, workshops and an artists-in-residence program, the CEAC plays a central role in southeast China’s cultural landscape.

Inside-Out Art Museum, Beijing (Visual Arts, Performance)

Located in the Xishan Cultural and Creative Boulevard in Beijing. With a focus on the critical viewpoint born out of cultural, historical and political relatedness instead of exclusiveness, they look within ourselves and promote dialogue with the cutting-edge art practices worldwide.

Making Space, Guangzhou (Visual Arts)

Founded in 2017, Making Space is located in Panyu, Guangzhou, near a neighborhood that has been going through a major transformation. Making Space opens to all who have the desire to express in an honest and concrete way, and wants to extend the boundaries of perception and knowledge via conversation and collaboration.

Ming Contemporary Art Museum, Shanghai (Visual Arts, Performance)

A private, non-profit contemporary art centre transformed from Shanghai Paper Machine Factory. The Museum presents the production requirements of various experimental theatres, featured contemporary art exhibitions and performances. McaM distinguishes itself through its promotion of contemporary art activities based on visual performance.

OCT Contemporary Art Terminal (OCAT) Shenzhen, Shenzhen (Visual Arts)

Founded in 2005, one of the seven headquarters of the OCAT museums. OCAT Shenzhen has a long-term commitment to the practice and research in the field of contemporary art and theory inside of China and in the international arena. Its programs focus on in-depth surveys, research, publication, and presentation of exhibitions. Residency space hosts artists from September to November each year.

Organhaus, Chongqing (Visual Arts, Performance)

An independent art organization made of artists and curators in cooperation. Started in 2007 and located within 501 Art Warehouse in Chongqing, with nearly 200 sqm studio residency and exhibition space. Organhaus is dedicated to the exploration of experimental and multi-media art focused on the progress of urbanization and globalization.

Po Leung Kuk, Hong Kong (Visual Arts, Music)

Provides short-term residential services to local and overseas young artists, offering them a space for exchange, to inspire each other and explore the realms of creativity. Studio is located at a French-style historic building in Happy Valley, Hong Kong.

Shanghai Museum of Glass, Shanghai (Visual Arts)

Hosts studios of leading artists in China practicing with video, installation, etc. Opened in 2011, the Shanghai Museum of Glass is listed as one of the three must-visit museums in China. This museum has presented impressive exhibitions over the past several years, from the academic glass art exhibition by domestic and international artists, the ancient glass themed exhibition, to Keep It Glassy series exhibition, and the cross-border “Annealing” series exhibition, started in 2015, fusing glass and contemporary art together mutually. In this museum, glass art and design crosses the border between time, space, culture and language, and is presented to the public audience in different cross-type forms.

Studio Gallery, Shanghai (Visual Arts)

The studio gallery takes the artists’ actual work experience and real thoughts as its core value, supports the artist residence projects and topical exhibition programs. By means of long-term exchanges and dialogue with international artists and curators, studio gallery continues to initiate various topical exhibitions, research-based educational programs and publications.

Three Shadows Photography Art Centre, Beijing/ Xiamen (Visual Arts)

Situated in Beijing’s Caochangdi Art District, Three Shadows Photography Art Centre was China’s first independent organization specializing in contemporary art photography upon its founding. It was jointly founded by the influential Chinese contemporary photographer RongRong and his wife, the celebrated Japanese photographer Inri. Since June 2007, Three Shadows has become the country’s premiere platform for the presentation, promotion, discovery and international exchange of high-caliber photography. Three Shadows Photography Art Centre is comprised of two spaces, north and south: one is situated in Beijing’s Caochangdi Art District, while the other is located in Xinlinwan, Jimei District in the city of Xiamen in southern China. The Beijing location includes 4600 square meters of space and 2600 square meters of landscape architecture. The Xiamen location includes more than 3600 square meters of space. Aside from its exhibition spaces, Three Shadows Photography Art Centre also includes +3 Gallery, image production facilities (Xiamen location), a vast library (Xiamen location), a book store, and a cafe.