Cemeti’s artist-in-residence programme provides a platform for artists with post-studio-based practice, encouraging an open process of artistic research and knowledge exchange. The driving ambition of the residency is to encourage and support artists to connect directly with local communities, build meaningful relationships, and address key issues at stake in the local/regional context through their work. It is our hope that residents not only have the opportunity to develop their own practice but also create a meaningful exchange with local communities and the context of Yogyakarta. The residency team supports artists in developing critical perspectives on their own practice, connecting them with local artists, curators, art workers, researchers and academics, as well as with a diverse range of constituencies from across the city.

The residency programme takes place twice a year, in two three-month periods; March to May, and September to November. In each residency period, they host one Indonesian artist and one or two artists from other countries. The participation of each artist from outside Indonesia is in collaboration with a particular partner or funding body. Current partners include Mondriaan Fund, the Netherlands (supporting Netherlands-based artists), Goethe Institute Indonesia (supporting Germany-based artists) and the National Arts Council Singapore (supporting Singaporean artists). Below are full details about the programme model and focus.

During the residency, Cemeti’s team will act as a critical discussion partner throughout with a weekly Breakfast Club to discuss the artists’ interests, questions and experiences. During the course of their stay, the artist-in-residence will be asked to initiate several public events. This includes Kamar Tokek (“Lizard Room”); an open platform for residents to share anything from films, books, food and artworks to ideas, or to organise meetings or workshops in support of their artistic research.