Organizer Information

The residency is organized by the project "Kooperativ Ternitz", a collaboration between the Caritas Stadtteilarbeit (Urban Community Work) and the municipality of Ternitz, Lower Austria. The project focuses on the "Dreiersiedlung"—a historic former workers’ settlement built in the 1940s. The mission of this residency is to support the socio-ecological and urban transformation of the settlement through artistic impulses, fostering cooperative models for sustainable living, climate resilience, and community revitalization.

Title & Description

Kooperative Dreiersiedlung: Artists-in-Residence 2026
Under the theme "Cooperative Dreiersiedlung," this program invites artists to live and work in the settlement for 10 weeks. The residency is designed for artists interested in social engagement and urban transformation. Participants are expected to use local narratives and the ongoing revitalization process as a starting point for their work, opening their artistic practice to the residents and neighbors of the settlement. The goal is to make cooperative potential visible and accessible through contemporary art.

Categories

The call is Interdisciplinary and open to:

  • Visual Arts & Installation
  • Performing Arts & Sound
  • Social Practice & Community Art
  • Architecture & Urban Research
  • Literature & Digital Media

Eligibility

  • Who Can Apply: Professional artists and cultural workers of all disciplines.
  • Requirements: Artists must be willing to work on-site and interact with the local community.
  • Special Features: The residency is family-friendly; one of the provided flats is specifically suitable for artists traveling with children.

Program Benefits & Awards

  • Artist Grant: A net stipend of €2,300 for the 10-week duration.
  • Project Budget: An additional €1,000 for the implementation of the project and materials.
  • Accommodation: Rent-free living in the Dreiersiedlung settlement.
  • Workspace: Access to local infrastructure, including a work or rehearsal space and the "Volkshaus" community center.
  • Travel Expenses: Reimbursed up to €700 (sustainable travel by train/public transport is preferred).
  • Support: Curatorial and organizational accompaniment by the project team.

Application Fee

None

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit a single PDF (per email) containing:

  • CV/Resume: Maximum 3 pages.
  • Letter of Motivation & Project Outline: Maximum 3 pages, detailing the creative ideas for the residency and how to involve the local community.
  • Portfolio: Maximum 7 pages of selected previous works.

How to Apply?

To apply, please send the following documents per email to: dreiersiedlung@caritas-wien.at

Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: 12 January 2026
  • Residency Period: 10 weeks, from mid-April to the end of June 2026.

Location

Ternitz (Lower Austria), Austria

Additional Details

The program emphasizes the "transformation process" of the neighborhood. Artists are encouraged to collaborate with local initiatives, associations, and cultural workers. The final results are intended to contribute to the long-term sustainable development of the settlement's community spaces.Website Link: https://www.dreiersiedlung.at/artists-in-residence/