Short Description

CAS – Contemporary Art Stavanger and Kiellandsenteret (Stavanger Library and Culture Centre) are thrilled to announce Itchy Fingers – A Writing Residency on Art Books, taking place 8-21 September, 2025.

Inspired by Stavanger writer Alexander Kielland’s evocative phrase about ‘itchy fingers’, this unique residency invites a writer to explore the tactility of art books – their delicate presence, the challenges of delivering them to eager hands, and their power to metaphorically or literally move the world.

Over the course of two weeks, the selected writer will immerse themselves in the Stavanger Library and Culture Centre’s rich collection of art books, responding through critique, essay, or experimental forms. The residency will culminate in one or two texts (see terms below) published by CAS – Contemporary Art Stavanger and in the channels of Stavanger Library and Culture Centre.

 

Eligibility

The open call is open to anyone with an interest in artist books. International applicants are welcome, but please note that the travel cost contribution above is final. The resident is responsible for any relevant travel visas to Norway.

 

Submission Requirements

  • Your CV
  • A maximum 500-word motivational text. Please outline briefly what kinds of text(s) and topics you would like to focus on for the residency.
  • An example of your writing. The piece should be a maximum of 1500 words and may have been previously published.

 

How to Apply

Send the submission documents as one pdf to: info@contemporaryartstavanger.no

 

Program Benefits & Awards:

  • 20,000 NOK honorarium
  • Up to 5,000 NOK in travel costs
  • Free accommodation
  • Per diem (105 NOK per day)
  • Free use of Stavanger Library and Culture Centre’s writing room (Skrivestuen) for the duration of the stay
  • Festival pass for the Kapittel, Stavanger International Festival of Literature and Freedom of Speech
  • Introductions to local art institutions and individuals

 

Entry Fee:

None

 

Location:

Stavanger, Norway

 

Timeline:

  • Application Dedline: 11 April 2025

 

Website Link: https://contemporaryartstavanger.no/archive/open-call-itchy-fingers-a-writing-residency-on-art-books

AccommodationArtist FeeAward/PrizeCollaboration ProjectResidencyTravel costs