Organizer Information
Contemporary Art Stavanger (CAS) is an online art magazine providing weekly insights into the art scene of Stavanger and Rogaland, Norway. Since its founding in 2016, CAS has focused on connecting the local art landscape with national and international contexts, fostering dialogue between regional and global perspectives. CAS also organizes writing residencies to support writers in the visual arts. Kiellandsenteret, located at the Stavanger Library and Culture Centre, is dedicated to the legacy of Alexander Kielland (1849–1906), one of Norway’s most important authors. The center promotes literature, reading, and writing, serving as a hub for debate and the exchange of ideas.Title & Description
SUBMERGE: Itchy Fingers – A Writing Residency on Art Books, 2026
CAS – Contemporary Art Stavanger, in partnership with Kiellandsenteret, invites applications for the 2026 edition of Itchy Fingers, a two-week writing residency focused on artist books. The program takes place from 7–20 September 2026 in Stavanger, Norway, and encourages writers to engage deeply with the public art book collection at Sølvberget Library and Culture Centre. Participants will respond through critique, essay, or experimental writing, producing one long text (3000 words) or two shorter pieces (1500 words each). The residency emphasizes free expression, social critique, and the role of independent writers in society. Selected residents will also participate in a panel discussion during Kapittel, Stavanger’s International Festival of Literature and Freedom of Speech, fostering dialogue on art books, censorship, and cultural engagement.Categories
- Writing
- Literature
- Visual Arts (Artist Books)
- Experimental / Interdisciplinary Practices
Eligibility
- International applicants welcome.
- Writers with an interest in artist books.
- Emerging, mid-career, or professional writers.
- Applicants must be able to travel to Stavanger and participate in the full residency period.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Honorarium: 20,000 NOK
- Travel Costs: Up to 5,000 NOK contribution
- Accommodation: Free for the residency duration
- Per Diem: 107 NOK per day
- Workspace: Free use of Sølvberget’s writing room (Skrivestuen)
- Festival Access: Pass for Kapittel Festival, including participation in panel discussions
- Professional Network: Introductions to local art institutions and cultural professionals
- Publication: Text(s) published by CAS and in Stavanger Library channels
Application Fee
NoneApplication Requirements
Applicants must submit a single PDF including:- CV or biography
- Motivational text (maximum 500 words) describing focus and proposed texts
- Sample of writing (maximum 1500 words, previously published allowed)
How to Apply?
Submit all materials via email to: residency@contemporaryartstavanger.noKey Dates
- Application Deadline: 4 March 2026
- Residency Period: 7–20 September 2026
- Panel/Discussion Participation: During Kapittel Festival (dates aligned with residency)
Location
Stavanger, NorwayAdditional Details
- The residency supports independent writing on artist books and critical engagement with visual culture.
- International writers are responsible for travel visas beyond the travel contribution.
- The jury consists of Sofie B. Ringstad and Heather Jones (CAS) and Ruth Stokke Haaland (Kiellandsenteret).
- Supported financially by Norsk tidsskriftforening.
