World of Co

World of Co Sofia Art Residency

World of Co Artist Residency (WoC) is the first all-year round international artist residency program in Bulgaria. The initiative started in 2017 with the mission to create space for artistic exploration and to introduce international artists to the cultural life of Sofia. So far they welcomed more than 95 artists from all around the world, working in art, film, literature, fashion and other creative disciplines.
Living and working in the AiR apartment in the city center of Sofia, participating artists dive into friendly, comfortable but experimental atmosphere. By bringing together different areas of practice, WoC generates new artistic processes and fosters creative energy. The Residency is designed for artists at all stages of their careers interested in experimenting with new techniques, developing new work, or focusing on research. The end of the residency will be celebrated by showcasing the projects in a group exhibition.

World of Co is open to artists of all ages, at any point in their career. Like visual artists, textile artists, media artists, multidisciplinary artists, photographers, graphic designers, illustrators, animators, fashion designers, jewellery designers, educators, video / film makers, from all around the world. Both new projects and projects that are in development but are not yet completed are eligible. Candidates will be selected based on the strength of their project as well as their ability to deliver, and a demonstration that the residency will be beneficial.

World of Co activities and services:

• Private room and desk in shared studio space in the AiR apartment, in the hearth of Sofia
• Providing individual discussion about your artistic work with established artist
• Providing technical and research support in the implementation of the artists’ projects
• Connecting with the local artists through organized studio visits
• Curated open studio or group exhibition at the end of the stay
• Presenting and promoting the artists and their projects produced during the residency through World of Co network, website and social media
• Group meetings throughout the residency:
• First group meeting: Artist talks and goals for residence
• Group sharing discussions on progress/issues/problem solving
• Gallery show organization, artist statements, bios, invites, set up
• Building an effective online presence for artists - tips and advises
• Learning the basics of Bulgarian language with World of Co team
• Welcome pack and Q&A onboarding session - practical information about your life in Sofia
• Selected list with independent art spaces, institutional art galleries and museums, art supply stores, print shops, hardware shops, bars, restaurants in Sofia
• Curated list of art and culture events happening in Sofia during your stay
• Bulgarian SIM card
• Cleaning service

⚠️COVID-19 Update: World of Co now offers [email protected], a virtual program that is a way to re-connect within the art community, to provoke the creative exchange between international artists and to form another dimension of social interaction. The focus is on connecting artists and building new networks between them, through dialogue and experimentation. Check their website for guidelines and updates.

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The artists have the freedom to organize their time, focus on a personal project, as well as collaborate with other residency artists from different artistic backgrounds.

World of Co AiR apartment and studio ‘’Concept’’ is situated in a 1895-residential building, at a lively main street in the city center of Sofia. Within walking distance are numerous art spaces, galleries, museums, cafes, restaurants, bars, grocery and hardware stores. “Concept” is 140m² apartment with three fully furnished individual bedrooms with bathroom, fully-equipped kitchen with utensils, oven, microwave, coffee machine, toster, fridge, laundry machine. The apartment is also equipped with iron, hairdryers and laundry hangers.

The shared studio space is bright shared open space, part of the same apartment, equipped with working tables, chairs, lamps, including Wi-Fi and all utilities (water, heating, electricity).