Overview
Join the MGLC Švicarija and Igor Zabel Association collaboration for an art historian, critic, or journalist’s fully funded one-month residency in Ljubljana during October 2024. Dive into contemporary art and exhibition histories with us.
Application Deadline
- Deadline: 15 January 2024 (23.59 CET)
About Us
MGLC Švicarija
Nestled in Ljubljana’s central Tivoli Park, MGLC Švicarija serves as a cultural, educational, and social hub. It offers programs to the public, studio facilities for local artists, and residencies for international artists and art professionals. Švicarija is part of MGLC – International Centre of Graphic Arts, known for its rich legacy in printmaking and the Ljubljana Biennale of Graphic Arts, the world’s oldest printmaking biennale.
Igor Zabel Association for Culture and Theory
This association honors Igor Zabel, a prominent Slovenian curator, art writer, and historian. It brings his work into dialogue with contemporary art, art writing, and curatorial practices in Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe.
Our Mission
Our international residency program aims to support exploration and reflection on contemporary visual art and exhibition histories. Applicants can choose to focus on Ljubljana’s vibrant art scene or delve into the 70-year history of the Ljubljana Biennale of Graphic Arts, encouraging fresh and non-conventional approaches.
Who We Seek
We are seeking emerging or established art historians, critics, or cultural journalists with:
- Proven writing and publishing experience in modern or contemporary art.
- Proficiency in English (native speakers not required).
- A desire to explore new art scenes.
- The ability to produce at least one piece of writing during the residency.
- Priority given to those with confirmed publication agreements.
What We Offer
- Free accommodation in a fully equipped studio apartment at MGLC Švicarija.
- Reimbursement of travel expenses (up to €500 from European countries, up to €900 from non-European countries).
- Stipend for living expenses (approx. €1350 per month gross / €45 gross per day).
- Support in getting to know the local art scene and researching the Ljubljana Biennale of Graphic Arts.
How to Apply
Submit your application via the MGLC website or by email to submission@mglc-lj.si with the subject line: “open call – art critic 2024.” There is no fixed application form. Include:
- A work plan for the “critic-in-residency” program (max. 500 words).
- Biography (max. 500 words).
- Contact details (full name, address, email & telephone number, date of birth).
- Two examples of previously published pieces of writing (in English).
Evaluation
A jury of professionals representing MGLC – International Centre of Graphic Arts and the Igor Zabel Association for Culture and Theory will evaluate applications. The selected applicant will be notified by the end of February 2024. For inquiries, contact Dušan Dovč at dusan.dovc@mglc-lj.si.


