Artist Residency in Bulgaria

ARVInternational is an artist residency located in Vishovgrad, a rural village in the central part of northern Bulgaria. It is a place for Bulgarian and international artists to find inspiration, focus on their work, and produce solo exhibitions. ARVI hosts a maximum of three artists each month from May to October every year. The artists-in-residence conclude their monthly stay with a solo exhibition at gallery Heerz Tooya.

Open Call – We accept applications on a rolling basis.

The ARV.I artist residency program in 2024 provides a stimulating and flexible environment for international contemporary artists to experiment, do new works, and extend their exhibition experience. ARV.I is also a place for artists to clear out from their usual habitat, meet other international artists, and engage with and experience the village life in Vishovgrad and the culture and landscape of Veliko Turnovo. During the period at ARV.I, artists can develop their work and follow up with their projects on their terms. The 2024 artist residency program accepts a maximum of three artists each month. One may apply for one or several months. Selected artists-in-resident receive accommodation, shared studio space, a solo exhibition at Gallery Heerz Tooya in Veliko Turnovo, and assistance with his or her art project. We encourage all accepted applicants to apply for external funding for the residency fee and other expenses, including solo exhibition expenses, travel, and transport. ARV.I will provide accepted applicants a letter of agreement regarding the residency program and a letter of intent regarding the solo exhibition, including other documents to help the process of external funding. We remind all applicants that the Artist Residency is in a rural village. It is essential to have an open mindset for different cultures and be an independent person who takes cognizance of living with others and can cope with the explorative prospects of living a rustic village life.

Application

Availability in 2024

• May: 1 Small Room / 2 Big Rooms
• June: 2 Big Rooms
• July: 1 Big Room
• August: 2 Big Room
• September: 1 Small Room

We have waiting lists. We encourage everyone to apply regardless of the month being full.

1-month costs

• Small room: 650 Euro,- (incl. small exhibition space at Heerz Tooya / flexible)
• Big room: 800 Euro, (incl. big exhibition space at Heerz Tooya / flexible)

ARV. I Offers

• 96m2 shared studio space.
• Private bedrooms w/single beds, shared kitchen, bathroom, and garden (incl. wifi).
• Solo exhibition in Veliko Turnovo at the end of the residency period. Including curatorial assistance and promotion materials. Exhibition venues in the old capital include Gallery Heerz Tooya.
• Assistance by the ARV.I internship including local guidance, networking, and logistics regarding individual art projects and exhibitions.
• Letter of agreement and documents for external fundings.

ARV.I Conditions

• The program can accommodate a maximum of three residents at a time.
• Accepted applicants must deposit 50% of the Residency fee four months before arrival. If canceled, the deposit will not be refunded. This condition is strictly due to respect for other applications and planning of the exhibition program throughout the year 2024.
• ARV.I do not cover travel and costs of living.
• Spoken language is primarily English and Bulgarian.
• ARV.I do not cover production materials, insurance, or any transport of materials, artworks, or objects produced or collected during the residency period.

How to apply

Compose an email with the following information:

• Full name:
• Date of birth:
• Current city of residence:
• Nationality:
• Preferred gender pronoun:
• E-mail:
• Website:
• I am applying for the month:
• Big room or small room:
• How I found the ARV.I Open Call:
• My solo exhibition will include:

In the E-mail, please attach one PDF document (max 10mb) including your CV, artist statement, and photo documentation of your recent artworks and exhibitions.

Send the email to post@arv.international with the subject ARV.I 2024 Artist Residency / your name Make sure you send the application minimum four months in advance before planned arrival – according to the 50% prepayment. You will recieve shortly a reply regarding your application, if accepted or not.

Website link: ARV.I – Application & Guide (heerztooya.com)