Organizer Information
MGLC Švicarija, a creative and residential centre located in Ljubljana’s Tivoli Park, Slovenia, operates as part of the MGLC – International Centre of Graphic Arts. The MGLC is a specialized museum dedicated to printmaking, contemporary art, and artist Residencies, with a legacy connected to the Ljubljana Biennale of Graphic Arts, the world’s oldest printmaking biennale established in 1955. Švicarija offers studio facilities, public programs, and residencies for international artists and art professionals. The program is in collaboration with the Igor Zabel Association for Culture and Theory, which promotes the legacy of influential Slovenian curator and art historian Igor Zabel (1958–2005), facilitating dialogue between historical and contemporary art,
curatorial, and cultural writing practices. The 2026 residency also partners with Moderna galerija Ljubljana (MG+MSUM), the national museum for modern and contemporary arts in Slovenia.
Title & Description
The program invites emerging and established art historians, cultural journalists, and
art writers to a fully funded, one-month residency in Ljubljana during October 2026. Participants are expected to research and produce at least one written piece (essay, column, or interview) in English, reflecting on contemporary visual arts, exhibition histories, and the role of art institutions under challenging socio-political conditions. The 2026 residency specifically encourages engagement with the 30th anniversary of two key Ljubljana cultural events: the “Museum of Contemporary Art Sarajevo 2000” project (1996) and the international symposium
Living with Genocide: Political Theory, Art and War in Bosnia (1996). Residents receive research support, editorial guidance, and publication opportunities through the organizers’ networks.
Categories
Art Writing, Curatorial, Research, Contemporary Art, Visual Arts, Residency, Writing, Journalism.
Eligibility
- Emerging or established art historians, researchers, art writers, or cultural journalists.
- Must have experience publishing in contemporary art, art theory, or curatorial studies.
- Excellent command of English (native not required).
- Preference for applicants with previous experience related to the residency topics and plans to publish the resulting text in additional outlets.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Fully funded Residency at MGLC Švicarija (1–31 October 2026).
- Free accommodation in a fully equipped studio apartment.
- Travel reimbursement: up to €500 for European participants; up to €900 for non-European participants.
- Stipend for living expenses (~€1,350/month gross).
- Research, editorial, and proofreading support.
- Publication of the residency text on MGLC and partner platforms.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Contact details (full name, address, email, phone, date of birth)
- Biography (max 500 words)
- Description of interests and proposed focus for the residency (max 500 words)
- Work plan for the residency
- Possible additional publication outlets
- Two examples of previously published writing in English
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 28 February 2026
- Residency Period: 1–31 October 2026
- Notification of Results: End of March 2026
- Final Text Submission: 1 December 2026
Location
Ljubljana, Slovenia (MGLC Švicarija)
Additional Details
- Residency period is fixed; no extensions available.
- Applicants should aim to integrate the historical events highlighted in the research themes.
- Priority given to candidates with pre-arranged publishing opportunities and relevant experience.
Website Link: https://www.iktsite.org/news/mglc-vicarija-critic-in-residence-programme-2026
