OCA International Residencies

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The Office for Contemporary Art Norway (OCA) offers multiple international artist and curator residency programs in Berlin, Brussels, Kyoto, Lusaka, and New York. These residencies provide work and living spaces, professional development opportunities, and financial support for Norwegian artists and curators, as well as international artists residing in Norway.

Eligibility:

  • Open to Norwegian artists and curators and international artists/curators residing in Norway.
  • Not available for BA or MA students.
  • Applications for some residencies are reviewed by both OCA and the host institution.

 

Theme:

No specific theme; open to artists and curators working in various disciplines.

 

Residency Programs:

Berlin – Künstlerhaus Bethanien

  • Duration: 11.5 months (December 1 – November 15)
  • Deadline: February 3
  • Benefits:
    • Individual work and living studio
    • Exhibition opportunity at Künstlerhaus Bethanien
    • Feature in the annual BE-Magazine
    • Grants: NOK 230,000 (living), NOK 17,500 (travel)

Brussels – WIELS Contemporary Art Centre

  • Duration: 6 months (January 1 – June 30)
  • Deadline: May 3
  • Benefits:
    • Individual studio, accommodation nearby
    • Weekly tutorials with professional artists
    • One field trip & final solo/group presentation
    • Grants: NOK 120,000 (living), NOK 4,000 (travel)

Kyoto – Kyoto Art Center & ANEWAL Gallery

  • Duration: 2 months (starting October 1)
  • Deadline: TBA
  • Benefits:
    • Work studio, accommodation
    • English-speaking assistant, interpreter for public events
    • Research support and networking with local artisans
    • Grants: NOK 20,000/month (living), NOK 20,000 (international travel), NOK 1,450/month (local travel)

Lusaka – Lusaka Contemporary Art Centre (LuCAC)

  • Duration: 2 months (March – July 2025)
  • Deadline: May 3
  • Benefits:
    • Work studio, accommodation
    • Studio visits by local professionals, cultural immersion
    • Online artist presentation, field trip
    • Grants: NOK 20,000/month (living), NOK 20,000 (travel)
  • Selection Process: OCA shortlists 5 artists, LuCAC makes the final selection.

New York – International Studio & Curatorial Program (ISCP)

  • Duration:
    • Artists: 12 months (September 1 – August 31)
    • Curators: 3 months (September 1 – November 30)
  • Deadline: October 3
  • Benefits:
    • Individual studio, networking with New York art community
    • Public talk opportunities, guest critic meetings, field trips
    • Grants:
      • Artists: NOK 20,000/month (living), NOK 25,000 (travel)
      • Curators: NOK 20,000/month (living), NOK 20,000 (travel)

 

How to Apply:

  • Applications are only accepted via stikk.no.
  • Read the guidelines thoroughly before applying.
  • For inquiries, contact OCA’s Grants Administrator, Eirik Zeiner-Henriksen.

 

Submission Requirements:

  • Application form (available on stikk.no)
  • Supporting materials (varies by residency)
  • Residency-specific proposals may be required

 

Selection Process:

  • Applications are reviewed by an international jury appointed by OCA.
  • Some residencies require additional selection by the host institution.

 

Contact & Resources:

 

Website Link:

https://oca.no/grants-residencies/residencies

Artist FeeExhibitionliving costsResidencyTravel costs