ARE 2025, Netherlands

ARE’s artist-in-residence program brings together professional artists from diverse cultures and societies, where artists work for three months in relation to the local community and environment. Through dialogue and creative interaction with different cultures and perspectives, we provide space for new sources of inspiration and the opportunity to think beyond the frameworks of one’s own culture and society. ARE views this as a significant asset for the development of artists’ work and the growth of tolerance within society.

ARE collaborates with the cultural sector in and around Enschede, actively involving local artists and art organizations and organize encounters between international artists and local communities. Their goal is to create a vibrant artistic community that enriches the cultural identity of Enschede and connects it with the international visual arts discourse.

ARE strives to create an inclusive and diverse environment where everyone feels welcome, regardless of background, partner preference, gender identity, or expression. They prioritize a safe working environment and value transparency and humanity.

Artist Residencies Enschede (ARE) has an artist-in-residence program with 6 international artists each year. Each residency period lasts 3 months, during which artists can focus on their work and process, as well as collaborate on projects with cultural organizations, local artists, and/or communities in and around Enschede. At the end of the residency, the artists present their work and process to the public.

ARE is a funded residency that provides free housing and studio space, access to a variety of tools and media equipment, and a work budget. Travel expenses and living costs not included.

During the residency, each guest artist has access to a private studio with their own sleeping area, kitchen, living, and working space. Within the building, artists also have access to a washing machine and dryer, and the studios are equipped with basic utensils, cooking equipment, linens, and other essentials for comfortable living. Additionally, artists are provided with a bicycle for the duration of their residency.

As the building is standalone, guest artists can work day and night. Artists have access to basic tools, power tools, and media equipment during the residency, including a jigsaw, drill, sewing machine, projectors, and photo and video cameras. Additionally, there is a work budget available for each artist of €750 for materials or project related costs.

They welcome applications from visual artists in any discipline who can communicate in English and are open to collaborative projects with other artists, cultural institutions, or local communities. Applicants should explain why they wish to undertake the residency in Enschede, the importance of this location, and how they will engage with the local environment or communities in their work. They offer 6 residency spots across 3 periods, artists may indicate their first and second period preferences:

• January-March
• May-July
• September-November.

The residency spans 3 months and includes free housing, studio space, basic tools, wifi, a bicycle, and a material budget. Each artist will have the opportunity for a solo exhibition/ presentation in the end of the residency. ARE provides the resident artists with a material budget, depending on individual projects, but advises artists to secure additional funding from elsewhere.

The application is online with a deadline 15 October 2024, 11pm CET (UTC/GMT +2).