SKLAD Artist in Residency program in Abkhazia

BMF

09/11/2016

Deadline: 4 December 2016

SKLAD’s AIR is currently the only residency program in Abkhazia.

SKLAD’s AIR program gives artists and researchers a unique opportunity to work in a region with a rich and diverse history. Organised by SKLAD cultural center, the program aims to provide a framework for cultural and artistic creation and dialogue. In the process, it hopes to contribute to debates about social issues as well as to the development of the artistic scene in Abkhazia, raise awareness about the region and foster international exchange.

The residency program is designed around a yearlong theme that residents are invited to explore. Submissions do not have to relate unquestionably to the theme, but proposals that react to it will be prioritised. For its first edition, the general theme is the Archive (see under “Theme ’17”). While all types of media and art forms are welcome, projects with a collaborative and research component will be favoured.

Every year, up to 6 artist/researchers working with non-academic formats will be selected for stays of minimum 2 weeks used for research and production. At the end of each stay, the artist /researcher is expected to present her or his work in the form of an exhibition, a presentation or a workshop. Residencies take place between February and May and between September and November. Open calls will be announced separately for each of these periods. Applicants not selected for the spring period can submit the same or another proposal for autumn. Submitting applications is free of charge and should be done online. They can be submitted in both English and Russian, individually as well as in groups. Preferred periods should be indicated; definite dates will be set in collaboration with SKLAD.

The applications will be reviewed by a jury consisting of local and international collaborators of SKLAD.

Each resident will be provided with

Assistance for the work prior and during the stay, including organising visits and trips
Accommodation
Transport to/from the border
Assistants/translators (if needed)
A 220 sqm. workshop/exhibition space
Publicising the artist’s event (workshop/exhibition/presentation)
Help with the visa process and regarding procedures concerning Abkhazia

A small budget for the purchase of material will be discussed individually.

Artists will be housed in apartments close to the city center; SKLAD’s space can serve both as a studio and an exhibition venue. The use of other locations can be discussed individually.

Relying on grants and run by volunteers as the first organisation of its kind in Abhazia, SKLAD is currently unable to cover any additional costs such as travelling and living cost. A total contribution of 200 euros is asked of each artist upon arrival in order to cover accommodation costs. SKLAD’s goal is nevertheless to collaborate with talented and curious practitioners; in case this cost presents difficulties, the issue can be discussed on a case by case basis. SKLAD can provide invitation letters for artists looking for additional funding.

Abkhazia can be accessed from both Georgia (via Zugdidi) and Russia (via Sochi). Please note that one needs a double-entry Russian visa when entering Abkhazia from Russia. Visas have to be requested online from the Foreign Ministry of Abkhazia and are purchased (10/20 USD) once in Sukhum. SKLAD will provide assistance during the whole process of obtaining visas.

Prior to submitting their proposal to SKLAD-AIR, artists are encouraged to address the organisers to learn more about the situation in Abkhazia and assess the feasibility of their projects. Given the difficulty of accessing information about Abkhazia from the exterior, proposals can take the form of drafts to be researched and elaborated during the stay.

Submissions should be se sent as pdfs to [email protected]. They should include the following information:

Personal/contact information
Short bio
Link to portfolio or website
Proposal description (~500 words/video link)
Topics you wish to explore while in Abkhazia
Ability or not to provide for the 200 euro accommodation cost
Ideal moment for stay in order of preference.

APPLICATIONS FOR THE SPRING (FEBRUARY-JUNE) SHOULD BE SENT BY DECEMBER 4 2016. Applicants will be informed of the jury’s decision in the two weeks following the deadline.

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