Organizer Information
The IKOB – Museum für Zeitgenössische Kunst is a contemporary art museum located in Eupen, within the German-speaking community of Belgium. Positioned at a cultural crossroads near Germany and the Netherlands, IKOB plays a significant role in fostering dialogue between local and international artistic practices. The institution is committed to supporting both emerging and established artists through exhibitions, research-driven projects, and public programming that addresses political, social, and cultural developments.
This residency is organized in collaboration with Borderland Residencies, a transnational network of art institutions across the Rhine-Meuse region. The network promotes cross-border exchange through curated excursions, professional networking opportunities, and thematic programming focused on regional socio-economic and environmental issues.
Title & Description
IKOB Artist Residency 2026 – Theme: Periphery
This three-month residency invites one artist to develop a research-based or production-oriented project centered on the concept of “Periphery.” The program critically explores the perceived dichotomy between center and periphery, encouraging artists to reinterpret marginality as a productive artistic strategy rather than a limitation.
The selected artist will be based in Eupen, engaging with the local environment and surrounding rural contexts. The residency emphasizes site-responsive practices, inviting participants to reflect on overlooked geographies, border conditions, and socio-political dynamics shaping peripheral regions. Artists are encouraged to approach the theme conceptually, socially, or materially.
The program provides time, space, and institutional support to foster new work, while also integrating the artist into a broader regional network through excursions, talks, and collaborative exchange. The residency culminates in public engagement, including an artist talk at IKOB.
Categories
- Visual Arts
- Installation
- Sculpture
- Media Art
- Film / Video
- Performance
- Interdisciplinary Contemporary Art Practices
Eligibility
- Open to artists based in or with a strong connection to North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Germany
- Open to emerging and established artists
- All contemporary art disciplines are eligible
- Applicants must be available for the full residency duration (September–November 2026)
- Must be comfortable working in English or German
Program Benefits & Awards
- Artist Fee: €2,250 (total, including tax)
- Accommodation: Fully equipped apartment within walking distance of the museum
- Studio Space: 24/7 access to a dedicated studio inside the museum
- Professional Support: Mentorship and curatorial support from the IKOB team
- Networking Opportunities: Participation in the Borderland Residencies program
- Field Trips: Monthly multi-day excursions (costs fully covered)
- Public Engagement: Artist talk at IKOB
- Insurance Coverage: Provided for work conducted on museum premises
Note: Artists are encouraged to seek additional funding if needed.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following in a single PDF file (max. 10 MB):
- Short motivation letter/project proposal (max. 250 words)
- Curriculum Vitae (including contact details)
- Portfolio (maximum 20 pages of recent and relevant work)
How to Apply?
Applications must be submitted via email to: residency@ikob.be
Subject line: IKOB Residency Application – First and Last Name
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 19 April 2026
- Residency Period: September 1 – November 30, 2026
- Notification Date: Not specified
Location
Eupen, Belgium (East Belgium region)
Additional Details
- Participation in Borderland Residencies activities (including monthly excursions) is mandatory
- Travel and food expenses are not covered
- Artists may bring partners or children, subject to prior agreement
- Due to limited capacity, individual feedback on applications will not be provided
- The residency strongly encourages engagement with regional themes such as rural transformation, energy production, and demographic change