Organizer Information
Camera Austria is a leading international platform dedicated to contemporary photography and lens-based media, based in Graz, Austria. Founded in 1980, it operates both as a publishing house for the influential journal Camera Austria International and as an exhibition space for cutting-edge photographic practices. The organization is widely recognized for its commitment to critical discourse, research, and the production of new photographic work within global contemporary art contexts.
In collaboration with Kulturvermittlung Steiermark, Camera Austria organizes the Graz Residency for International Photographers (GRIP), a program designed to foster artistic research, experimentation, and cross-cultural exchange. Kulturvermittlung Steiermark focuses on promoting access to culture and supporting emerging artists through public engagement and international collaboration.
Title & Description
5th Graz Residency for International Photographers (GRIP) 2026
The Graz Residency for International Photographers (GRIP) is an established international residency program dedicated to supporting artists working in photography and other lens-based media. Entering its fifth edition in Autumn 2026, the program offers a one-month fully funded residency in Graz, Austria, providing artists with the time and space for concentrated artistic production and research.
The residency is designed for artists who wish to further develop an existing project or initiate new work within a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment. Participants are encouraged to engage with the local cultural scene while benefiting from access to Camera Austria’s extensive research resources, including a specialized library dedicated to photography and visual culture.
The program culminates in a public presentation, allowing the selected artist to share their work with audiences and professionals, thereby enhancing visibility and critical dialogue around their practice.
Categories
- Photography
- Visual Arts
- Video / Film
- Multimedia
- Installation
- New Media
- Lens-Based Practices
Eligibility
- Open to international artists
- Targeted primarily at emerging artists or those at an early stage of their career
- Applicants must work with photography or lens-based media (including video and experimental formats)
- Applicants should demonstrate a strong artistic practice and interest in research-based work
- No strict age limit stated, but the program historically prioritizes early-career practitioners
Program Benefits & Awards
- A fully equipped apartment in the Graz city center
- A grant of €1,000 to support living expenses during the residency
- Travel cost reimbursement to and from Graz
- Access to Camera Austria’s specialized research library and institutional resources
- Opportunity to develop or expand an artistic project in a focused environment
- A public presentation of the artist’s work at the end of the residency
- Professional exposure within an international photography network
This structure allows artists to fully dedicate their time to production, research, and engagement with the local art scene.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Statement of purpose (informal project proposal or motivation)
- Portfolio (PDF, max. 15 MB) including selected works
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Contact details
How to Apply?
Submit your application via email to: magazine@camera-austria.at
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 30 April 2026
- Residency Period: Autumn 2026 (approx. one month, typically mid-September to mid-October based on previous editions)
- Notification: Typically, within one month after the deadline
Location
Graz, Austria
Additional Details
- The residency emphasizes independent artistic research and production
- Artists are encouraged to engage with Graz’s local cultural and artistic environment
- The program supports experimentation and interdisciplinary approaches within lens-based media
- Access to a specialized photography library significantly enhances research potential
- The residency is highly competitive and aims to support artists with a strong conceptual and visual approach