Organizer Information
The European Solidarity Residency (ESR) is a collaborative cultural initiative funded by the European Union under the Creative Europe framework. The program is coordinated by the Lidice Memorial (Czech Republic), in partnership with Pro Progressione (Hungary) and Art radionica Lazareti (Croatia).
These three organizations are active contributors to the European cultural and creative sectors (CCS), each bringing a distinct curatorial, social, and community-based approach to artistic practice. The ESR project is a 24-month cooperation platform designed to strengthen transnational collaboration, promote inclusive cultural participation, and foster environmentally conscious artistic practices.
Through its structure—combining knowledge exchange, residency programs, and dissemination—the initiative supports emerging cultural professionals while addressing broader European priorities such as diversity, sustainability, and social inclusion. ESR particularly emphasizes access for underrepresented voices and aims to build long-term professional networks across borders.
Title & Description
European Solidarity Residency (ESR) 2026
The European Solidarity Residency (ESR) 2026 is a fully funded, month-long residency program designed for emerging curators and cultural professionals (CPs) across Europe. The residency uses art as a tool for social transformation, encouraging participants to engage critically with themes such as solidarity, environmental responsibility, diversity, and inclusion.
Taking place across three cultural hubs—Budapest, Dubrovnik, and Lidice—the program offers participants a hybrid experience of research, collaboration, and community engagement. Residents will participate in workshops, mentoring sessions, site visits, and public programming, while also developing their own curatorial or artistic concepts.
The residency emphasizes hands-on learning and cross-border exchange. Participants are encouraged to explore new methodologies, collaborate with local communities, and present their ideas in public formats such as talks, workshops, or exhibitions. By fostering both individual development and collective dialogue, ESR aims to cultivate innovative practices within the European cultural landscape.
Categories
- Curatorial Practice
- Visual Arts
- Community-Based Art
- Socially Engaged Art
- Cultural Management
- Interdisciplinary Practices
Eligibility
- Open to emerging curators and cultural professionals (CPs)
- Applicants must be residents of a Creative Europe country
- Strongly encourages applicants from underprivileged or underrepresented backgrounds
- Open to individuals with diverse abilities, including those with disabilities
- Applicants with children and those affected by conflict or war are encouraged to apply
- Must demonstrate proficiency in English
- Must be available for the entire residency period (minimum 85% participation required)
Program Benefits & Awards
- Free accommodation for the full residency duration
- Covered travel costs within the EU
- A stipend/artist fee of €1,500 (paid in instalments)
- Access to coworking spaces with full office facilities
- Full research access to partner institutions and archives
- One-on-one and group mentoring sessions with experienced professionals
- Cross-border online mentoring with international experts
- Participation in workshops, talks, and collaborative activities
- Opportunities for public presentation (talks, exhibitions, discussions)
- Networking with local and international cultural practitioners
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Completed application form (via ESR Commons platform)
- CV/Resume outlining relevant experience
- Personal statement (max. 500 words) describing motivation and expected impact
- Proof of English proficiency (implicit through application materials)
Optional materials:
- Portfolio of past curatorial or artistic projects
Alternative submission formats (audio/video) are accepted as equivalents to written documents.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 13 May 2026
- Second Round Interview Notifications: 18 May 2026 (corrected logical timeline)
- Second Round Interviews: 15 – 19 June 2026
- Final Selection Announcement: 30 June 2026
- Residency Period: 14 September – 13 October 2026
Location
The residency will take place across three European cities:
- Budapest, Hungary
- Dubrovnik, Croatia
- Lidice, Czech Republic
Additional Details
- The program prioritizes inclusivity, diversity, and environmental awareness
- Activities include workshops, field trips, mentoring, and public engagement
- Each location offers site-specific programming, including institutional visits and community interaction
- Participants are expected to actively contribute to the residency’s collaborative environment
- The selection process is merit-based, with a strong emphasis on diversity and equal opportunity
- Funded by the European Union; however, the views expressed are those of the participants and organizers