Organizer Information
The Cáceres European Capital of Culture 2031 Consortium is the driving force behind this initiative. As part of its cultural strategy to secure the European Capital of Culture title, the consortium focuses on decentralizing culture, activating European connections, and fostering dialogue between contemporary creation and the unique territory of Extremadura, Spain.
Title & Description
Rural Labs 2026: International Call for Artistic Residencies in Rural Extremadura.
This pilot program connects European and international artists with rural communities and peripheral cultural spaces. The residency focuses on "situated" artistic practices—projects that are sensitive to the local landscape, historical memory, and contemporary rural life. Rather than finished products, the program prioritizes research, creation, and mediation processes that grow through interaction with the territory.
The Venues:
- Ras de Terra (La Vera): A center at the intersection of art and sustainability, part of the New European Bauhaus movement.
- Mudarte (Aldea Moret, Cáceres): A socio-cultural space focused on performing arts, music, and the neighborhood’s mining and working-class history.
- La Sindicalista Estudio Cáceres: A critical space dedicated to contemporary visual arts and artistic research.
Categories
Visual Arts, Performance, Sound Art, Research, Cultural Mediation, and Interdisciplinary Practices.
Eligibility
- Scope: Open to European and international professional artists and mediators.
- Interest: Must demonstrate an interest in cultural exchange, rural areas, and sustainability.
- Requirement: Artists must be willing to conduct at least one free public activity (workshop, presentation, or demonstration) during their stay.
Program Benefits and Awards
- Stipend: 800 euros per residency.
- Travel: Funding provided for international travel.
- Full Support: Accommodation, meals, and dedicated workspace provided.
- Guidance: Curatorial and community mediation support from the host venues.
Fees
- Application Fee: None (Free to enter).
Application Requirements
- Proposals must be submitted via the official online form.
- The call values projects that are open to dialogue rather than those already finalized.
How to Apply?
Submit your application via the official Rural Labs portal. Apply to Rural Labs 2026. For detailed information, visit the official info link.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: May 31, 2026 (23:59 CEST).
- Residency Period: Between July and November 2026.
Location
Spain, Extremadura region (various rural and peripheral locations in the province of Cáceres).
Additional Details
Rural Labs is part of the Transcultura framework, aiming to generate learning that can be applied to other rural territories across Europe. For inquiries, artists can contact the team at hello@caceres2031.org.