Organizer Information
ARTWORKS is a Greece-based contemporary arts organization dedicated to supporting artists and curators through fellowships, residencies, research initiatives, and international exchange programs. Established with the support of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), ARTWORKS has become an important platform for strengthening Greece’s contemporary art ecosystem and fostering international collaboration.
SAHA Association is one of Türkiye’s leading independent contemporary art organizations. Based in Istanbul, SAHA supports artists, curators, writers, and cultural practitioners through grants, commissions, exhibitions, publications, and international partnerships. The organization plays a key role in connecting the Turkish contemporary art scene with global cultural networks.
The Curatorial Residency Exchange Program is a collaborative initiative between ARTWORKS and SAHA that promotes professional mobility, research, and cross-cultural dialogue between Greece and Türkiye. Following a successful first edition, the program returns in 2026 with a renewed commitment to fostering long-term relationships between curators and contemporary art professionals in both countries.
Title & Description
Curatorial Residency Exchange Program 2026
ARTWORKS and SAHA invite applications for the 2026 Curatorial Residency Exchange Program, a fully supported six-week residency designed for experienced contemporary art curators based in Greece and Türkiye.
The program offers one curator from Türkiye the opportunity to undertake a residency in Athens and one curator from Greece the opportunity to spend six weeks in Istanbul. Through immersion in a new cultural environment, participants will conduct independent research, engage with local artistic communities, and expand their professional networks.
Rooted in the interconnected histories and cultural relationships between Greece and Türkiye, the residency seeks to encourage meaningful dialogue through contemporary art. Participants will have access to museums, galleries, archives, artist studios, and cultural institutions while exploring themes and research interests relevant to their curatorial practice.
Rather than focusing on the production of a specific exhibition, the residency prioritizes research, exchange, professional development, and relationship-building. The program aims to create lasting connections between art professionals and contribute to a broader understanding of contemporary artistic practices across neighboring cultural contexts.
Through public engagement activities and written reflections, participants will share the outcomes of their residency while contributing to ongoing conversations about curatorial practice, mobility, and international collaboration.
Categories
- Curatorial Practice
- Contemporary Art
- Visual Arts
- Arts Administration
- Cultural Research
- Art Writing
- Exhibition Making
- Museum Studies
- Interdisciplinary Arts
- Cultural Management
- International Cultural Exchange
Eligibility
- Be professionally based in Greece or Türkiye.
- Be actively engaged in contemporary art and curatorial practice.
- Have a minimum of seven years of professional curatorial experience.
- Demonstrate a strong interest in international collaboration and cross-cultural exchange.
- Be available to participate in the full six-week residency period.
Eligible Participants
Athens Residency
- Curators based in Türkiye.
Istanbul Residency
- Curators based in Greece.
Opportunity Scope
This is a binational residency exchange program and is not an open international call. Eligibility is restricted to curators currently based in Greece or Türkiye.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Fully funded six-week residency.
- Accommodation throughout the residency period.
- Travel support between the home and host countries.
- Stipend to cover daily living expenses.
- Access to museums, galleries, archives, libraries, and cultural institutions.
- Studio visits and professional meetings.
- Networking opportunities with artists, curators, and cultural practitioners.
- Participation in roundtable discussions and public events.
- Mentorship and guidance from the ARTWORKS and SAHA teams.
- Increased international visibility and professional development opportunities.
- Access to new research resources and curatorial networks.
- Potential for long-term collaborations and future international partnerships.
The residency is co-funded by ARTWORKS and SAHA. ARTWORKS’ participation is supported by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF).
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit all materials in English as a single PDF file.
Required materials include:
1. Curatorial Statement
- Maximum 500 words.
- Description of curatorial practice.
- Previous professional experience.
- Motivation for applying to the residency exchange.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Professional background.
- Educational history.
- Relevant exhibitions, projects, publications, and achievements.
3. Portfolio
Documentation of previous curatorial work, including:
- Exhibitions.
- Research projects.
- Essays.
- Publications.
- Other relevant curatorial activities.
All documents should be combined into one PDF before submission.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Open Call Launch: 3 June 2026
- Application Deadline: 30 June 2026 (23:59 GMT+3)
- Selection Announcement: 24 July 2026
- Residency Period: October–November 2026
- Exact Residency Dates: To be announced in Late Summer 2026
Location
- Athens, Greece
- Istanbul, Turkey
Additional Details
The Curatorial Residency Exchange Program forms part of ARTWORKS’ broader strategy to expand international curatorial exchange and mobility. The initiative aims to strengthen professional relationships between neighboring cultural communities while encouraging critical engagement with contemporary social and artistic issues.
Participants are expected to contribute actively to the host country’s art ecosystem through research, dialogue, and public engagement. As part of the residency requirements, each curator must deliver a public presentation of their research and submit a written curatorial text, either in the form of an essay or report, documenting their experience and findings.
The program builds upon the success of previous exchanges and contributes to a growing international network of curators, researchers, and cultural institutions. ARTWORKS has also expanded its exchange activities through partnerships with organizations such as FRAC Corsica (France) and BIENALSUR (Argentina), reinforcing its commitment to fostering international collaboration across contemporary art communities.
For curators interested in deepening their research, expanding their professional networks, and engaging with a neighboring cultural context, this residency offers a valuable opportunity for focused exploration and long-term exchange.