Organizer Information
Gate 44 is an artist-run printmaking studio and production atelier based in Milan, Italy. Founded by artists with a strong background in graphic arts and printmaking, Gate 44 seeks to revive and reimagine traditional printmaking practices (etching, relief, lithography, screen-printing, letterpress, metalwork) in a contemporary context. The studio combines historic craftsmanship with experimental and multimedia approaches, offering both a technical workshop and a creative hub for international artists. Gate 44 aims to foster artistic exchange, technical exploration, and interdisciplinary work — inviting creators to engage with printmaking in new and ambitious ways.
Title & Description
Gate 44 Open Call — Printmaking / Art Residency, Milan (2026)
Gate 44 announces an open call for a production-based printmaking residency in its well-equipped Milan workshop. This residency offers artists the opportunity to work intensively on printmaking and mixed-media projects, with access to professional print presses, metalwork facilities, and technical support. The program welcomes experimentation: whether traditional etching, relief printing, lithography, screen printing, letterpress, or combining print with other media. Residents have the chance to develop new bodies of work, experiment with techniques, and deepen their practice within a vibrant international and collaborative environment in one of Europe’s art capitals.
Categories
- Visual Art
- Printmaking / Graphic Arts
- Mixed-Media / Experimental Art
- Installation / Contemporary Art
- Bookmaking / Editioned Work
Eligibility
- Open to artists, designers, or creatives from any background or nationality — Gate 44 has a history of hosting international artists.
- While prior experience in printmaking is preferable (or a willingness to learn), Gate 44 accepts a broad range of expertise levels — from emerging practitioners to more experienced ones.
- Applicants must be able to travel to Milan and commit to the residency period if selected (i.e. in-person presence).
Program Benefits & Awards
- 2 weeks funded production residency at our Milan facility within the period between April 2026 and April 2027 (specific dates to be determined in collaboration with the selected participant).
- Technical assistance. A dedicated and skilled technical team providing guidance and hands-on support for the production of one or more editions.
- A budget of 1000 € spendable in materials.
- Private on-site apartment equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, and courtyard, adjacent to the print studio, for the full duration of the residency.
- 24/7 access to a state-of-the-art production space equipped for: relief printing, intaglio techniques, photo‑lithography, photo‑polymer, screen printing, letterpress, digital fine art. Detailed list of equipment.
- Basic print-shop materials and tools included (cleaning agents, solvents, rags, spatulas, squeegees, rollers, etc.)
- Social media coverage and a feature on Gate44’s website
Application Fee
The application fee is 30€.
Residencies without Accommodations Participation fee:
800 € / week (+ VAT)
Half-day (4 hours) assistance by a Gate 44 technician between the hours of 9:30 am - 5.30 pm daily. Residencies without Accommodations
1.600 € / week (+ VAT)
Full-day assistance. Use of space between the hours of 9:30 am - 5.30 pm daily. Residencies without Accommodations
Residencies with Accommodations Participation fee:
1.100 € /week (+ VAT)
On-site stay in our studio apartment with half-day assistance (4 hours) and 24-hour access to the print shop
1750 € /week (+ VAT)
On-site stay in our studio apartment with full-day assistance and 24-hour access to the print shop.
Application Requirements
- Proof of payment of the application fee (receipt)
- A project proposal (PDF, ≤ 12 MB) describing the intended work during residency: technique(s), format(s), editioning information if relevant, mockups or sketches, overall plan
- A portfolio (PDF, ≤ 12 MB) of recent print-related or relevant works, artist statement, bio, contact info/website / social media
- Personal data: full name, nationality, country of residence, date of birth, preferred residency period (within April 2026–April 2027)
Complete submissions only will be considered.
How to Apply?
The payment link can be found on the Open Call page: https://www.gate44.eu/open-call/
After completing the payment, send an email to submit.gate44@gmail.com with the subject line: Open Call | Name Surname.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 22 February 2026
- Residency Period: Possible anytime between April 2026 and April 2027, depending on agreement with Gate 44.
Location
Milan, Italy
Additional Details
- Before being allowed to work independently, all residents must undergo an introduction/orientation to the studio machinery and safety protocols.
- Basic print-shop consumables (rollers, solvents, cleaning materials) are included — but paper, inks, metal plates, wood, and other material costs are borne by the artist (purchasable on-site).
- Residents are responsible for packing and shipping their artworks upon leaving. Gate 44 does not handle shipments. Artists should plan packaging accordingly.
- The residency does not guarantee an exhibition or presentation, but Gate 44 has previously hosted exhibitions of residents’ works (e.g., end-of-residency showings), so a presentation may be possible depending on the artist’s interest.
