"Ecosystems as Living Communities" vol. III UniCredit Group UNIDEE Connective Residencies 2026-27

Fondazione Pistoletto Cittadellarte and UNIDEE Residency Programs, in collaboration with UniCredit Group, announce the third edition of the open call “Ecosystems as Living Communities”, supporting two production residencies for emerging international artists working with socially engaged artistic practices that address contemporary ecological issues.

The two selected artists, one Italian and one international artist residing in Europe, will take part in a residency dedicated to the creation and production of new artworks, which will become part of the UniCredit Art Collection.

In 2026, UniCredit Group renews its collaboration with Fondazione Pistoletto Cittadellarte and UNIDEE Residency Programs, launching the third edition of the project dedicated to supporting artistic research and production in response to contemporary ecological challenges. Building on the success of the previous editions, the initiative continues to promote interdisciplinary collaboration across scientific, technological, and humanistic fields, contributing actively to society’s sustainable transformation.

In continuity with the mission of Fondazione Pistoletto Cittadellarte, the vision and work of Michelangelo Pistoletto, and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the project reaffirms its commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. It encourages emerging artists to take on a pivotal role in the process of social and ecological transformation, engaging with the urgent challenges posed by climate change and the environmental and social crisis.

The third edition, continuing under the theme “Ecosystems as Living Communities”, invites artists to further explore global, contemporary, and future ecological challenges, fostering positive and regenerative visions of desirable futures. Artists are encouraged to propose projects that investigate ecosystems as interconnected communities of humans and non-humans, challenging anthropocentric perspectives and promoting an ecocentric mindset.

The residencies will take place between December 2026 and April 2027.

Two selected artists will engage in a shared research phase, including meetings with tutors, researchers, and experts, as well as field visits. The residency structure and schedule will be tailored to each project and defined collaboratively with the artists.

A collaborative attitude and flexibility in developing and implementing the projects—consistent with the evolving research process—are therefore essential.

The resulting works will be publicly presented at Cittadellarte in Biella and will become part of the UniCredit Art Collection. Moreover, the outcomes of the residencies will be disseminated online, contributing to broader public awareness and promoting responsible engagement with ecological and social transformation.

The residency covers:

- A gross artist fee of €6,500, payable in accordance with applicable local and international regulations.
- A production budget of up to €2,500 to cover all costs directly related to the production of the final artwork, including installation supports, equipment rental, materials, and other necessary production expenses.
- Round-trip travel and research trips, with a combined budget of up to €1,000-1,500 per artist (depending on travel distance).
- Accommodation in a single room with shared facilities at Cittadellarte, along with a per diem of €25 per day (for up to 60 days) to cover meals and daily expenses.
- A research budget of up to €500 to cover fees for experts whose contribution supports the development of the artist's research during the residency.

Cittadellarte will separately cover technical support for the exhibition installation, the communication of the project and the production of a publication accompanying the residency and the final exhibition.

The final artwork produced during the residency will become part of the UniCredit Art Collection.

The deadline for submissions is Sunday, September 6, 2026. To apply for selection, please complete the online form and submit the required documents, all in English.