How to find the right curatorial residency for you

Not all curatorial residencies are the same. They differ in terms of available resources but also in terms of their focus and objectives. Thankfully, there is a multiplicity of options to suit everyone’s needs; those who are experienced in the field, who are just emerging, and who are affiliated with institutions or independent. Regardless of what historical period, research area or field you are in, a residency might turn out to be a crucial step in your development. If you are still unsure what a curating residency is and how it works, read this article we published. In this article, we are attempting to classify curatorial residencies into the most popular kinds.

 

Production-focused residencies

Arguably, the most common type is production-focused residencies which require the participant to present an “end result” after time spent at a host organisation. In this case, institutions invite curators to be in residence and eventually develop projects. For instance, for its 2022 edition, the basis e.v. residency programme in Frankfurt invited curators to “introduce new international perspectives to the local art community” and develop a programme and an exhibition to culminate the curating residency. Residencies such as SAC International Curatorial Residency Program invite international curators to produce exhibitions in the countries of their origin and promote catalan artists abroad, and foster future collaborations between local and foreign cultural actors.

 

Research residencies

Research residencies often have a specific thematic focus, as in the example of Network Archives Design and Digital Culture Research Residency 2022 which explored “the potential of networked infrastructures for archival practices in design and digital culture”. This kind of curating residency will outline the research that a curator is expected to undertake. They will also sometimes specify the resources which should use, be it archives or a collection. Invited curators are often required to present the outcome of their research in a form agreed on by all parties. Residencies such as the MMCA International Researcher Residency Program 2023 can also take research as their starting point to “facilitate collaborative programming among art professionals” while La Nueva Fábrica Residency in Guatemala promotes artistic and curatorial experimentation.

 

Interdisciplinary exchanges

Interdisciplinary residencies can lead you to meet new people, exchange skills and knowledge with specialists from other fields, and even visit exciting places, as does the annual Arctic Circle Residency. This unique opportunity “supports the creation and exhibition of new and pioneering work, and aims to empower the creative individual while fostering the collaborative”. Organisations that specialise in interdisciplinary approaches and creating bridges between disciplines, such as FACT Liverpool in the UK, often offer curator-in-residence programmes which will allow you to work beyond the boundaries of your specialism.

 

Creative retreats

There are also residencies without a specific focus, comparable to sabbaticals or creative retreats. These opportunities are often self-guided and can serve a purpose you define. A good example is Rupert Residency Programme in Vilnius, an initiative which every year invites local and international artists, writers, curators, researchers, managers and academics to live and work in Vilnius for 1-3 months, and develop new projects, reflections or research. In Rupert’s case, residents are not expected to engage or partake in their programme but exchanges are encouraged. Oftentimes, participants are invited back to contribute to Rupert’s programme.

 

Virtual and remote residencies

Curatorial residency programs often are inaccessible to people who cannot travel, however, there are many remote options which will provide equivalent resources, opportunities and experience. While remote or digital residencies existed for a long time, the recent pandemic made them more visible and facilitate the creation of new ones. Oftentimes they are flexible and are open to both artistic and curatorial projects. For instance, the artist-run Residency 11:11 programme offers online residencies that focus on “questions around the intersection of art, technology and accessibility”, and prioritises queer and women artists. Although not a curating residency per se, Skelf is a virtual project space accessible to everyone and everywhere. 

Rupert Residency Programme accommodation. Image: Rupert.

 

And many many more…

Each residency is unique and there are obviously some that defy classification. For instance, they might result from your long-standing relationship with an organisation. If you are lucky to receive an invitation, you will most probably play a key part in shaping the residency together with the host. 

 

In this article, we outlined the most common kinds of curatorial residencies, which you might come across. To stay up to date with residency open calls, check the Call For Curators website, we select quality opportunities and consider trying our members’ scheme for free for a week to see all the opportunities and receive a regular newsletter. 

 

 

References: 

Artlex.com. n.d. What is an Artist Residency and How Do They Work?  – Artlex. [online] Available at: <https://www.artlex.com/blog/what-is-an-artist-residency/> [Accessed 12 September 2022].

residencies, A., n.d. Artist residencies. [online] Artquest. Available at: <https://artquest.org.uk/how-to-articles/artist-residencies/> [Accessed 12 September 2022].

Rosa, M., 2015. A collaborative space of change: the artistic and curatorial residency. [online] Academia.edu. Available at: <https://www.academia.edu/16618238/A_collaborative_space_of_change_the_artistic_and_curatorial_residency> [Accessed 12 September 2022].

TransArtists. n.d. What are residencies ?. [online] Available at: <https://www.transartists.org/en/what-are-residencies> [Accessed 12 September 2022].

wendy.network. n.d. The role and benefits of an artist residency. [online] Available at: <https://wendy.network/artist-residencies/> [Accessed 12 September 2022].