La Storta Residency Open Call

Name: La Storta Residency Open Call
Start: 2026/07/06
End: 2026/07/06
Location: Italy

Organizer Information

La Storta Residency is an artist residency program operated by Venezia Contemporanea, an independent cultural platform based in Venice, Italy, dedicated to supporting contemporary artistic practice and fostering international cultural exchange. Located within the historic Jewish Ghetto—the world's first Jewish Ghetto, established in 1516—the residency offers artists an opportunity to immerse themselves in Venice's unique artistic, historical, and social environment. Through residency programs, exhibitions, and community engagement, Venezia Contemporanea encourages interdisciplinary dialogue between local culture and global contemporary art. La Storta Residency combines a centuries-old Renaissance building with a contemporary creative workspace, providing artists with an inspiring setting to develop independent projects while engaging with Venice's renowned museums, artisan workshops, architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.

Title & Description

La Storta Residency – Venice Artist Residency Program

La Storta Residency invites visual artists, writers, and researchers from around the world to live and work in the heart of Venice's historic Jewish Ghetto. Designed as a flexible and self-directed residency, the program allows participants to pursue independent artistic or research projects while becoming part of Venice's unique cultural landscape.

Housed inside a beautifully preserved 500-year-old Renaissance bottega, the residency integrates living quarters, studio facilities, and an exhibition space into one environment. Residents are encouraged to engage with Venice's internationally celebrated art ecosystem, including museums, galleries, artisan workshops, local communities, and the Venice Biennale.

Unlike theme-based residency programs, La Storta welcomes projects from all disciplines and subject areas. Applicants are selected based on the quality of their work and the suitability of their proposed practice within the residency environment rather than adherence to a predetermined theme.

Residents also have the opportunity to present their work in the residency's street-facing exhibition space at no additional cost. While Venezia Contemporanea does not curate exhibitions, it provides local contacts and practical assistance for organizing presentations, including support in finding exhibition assistants and attendants.

Applications are accepted year-round, allowing artists flexibility in planning residencies ranging from two weeks to several months.

Eligibility

Applicants from around the world are welcome. Eligible applicants include:

International artists
Visual artists working in any medium
Contemporary artists
Writers
Researchers
Independent creatives
Emerging artists
Mid-career artists
Established artists
Individuals
Couples
Families

There are no stated age restrictions or nationality requirements.

Projects from all themes and disciplines are eligible. Final selection is based on artistic quality and the project's suitability for the residency.

Program Benefits & Awards

Partial residency sponsorship from Venezia Contemporanea
Accommodation in a historic Renaissance residency space
Integrated studio and exhibition space
Opportunity to exhibit work during the residency
No commission charged on artwork sales
Official invitation letters to support external grant applications
Access to Venice's internationally renowned cultural institutions
Proximity to museums, galleries, artisan workshops, and the Venice Biennale
Assistance with local contacts for exhibitions
Help locating exhibition assistants and attendants
Utilities included
Essential household amenities included
Basic art supplies and tools
Projector
Exhibition lighting
Hanging system
Washing machine
Dishwasher
Internal courtyard terrace
Flexible residency durations
Discounts available for longer residencies

Application Fee

There is no application or registration fee.

Residency costs:

Standard residency fee: €2,400 per week
€1,200 per week paid by the artist
€1,200 per week sponsored by Venezia Contemporanea
Additional guest: €20 per night
Cleaning fee: €70 (covers one cleaning during the residency and one at departure)

Application Requirements

Link to portfolio or personal website
Link to previous work or artistic practice
Preferred residency dates

Following initial review, shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in a short video interview.

How to Apply?

Applicants should submit their materials by email to: Info@veneziacontemporanea.com

Key Dates

Application Deadline: Rolling applications (open year-round)
Selection Process: Shortlisted applicants invited to a video interview
Residency Duration: Recommended stay of 2 weeks to 3 months
Extended or split residencies: Available subject to availability

Location

Venice, Italy

Additional Details

The residency combines living, working, and exhibiting within the same historic building.
Residents have access to a large street-facing exhibition window (vitrine) that connects directly with the public space of the Jewish Ghetto.
The accommodation includes one double bed and two additional loft mattresses, making it suitable for solo artists, couples, or families.
Essential facilities include a washing machine, dishwasher, kitchen, utilities, projector, lighting equipment, hanging systems, tools, and basic art materials.
Residents are encouraged to independently explore Venice's artistic community and develop self-directed projects.
Venezia Contemporanea provides official invitation letters that may assist artists applying for external grants or funding.
The organization does not curate or manage exhibitions but offers guidance, local contacts, and practical support to facilitate presentations.
The residency space is regularly visited by Campari, a resident cat. Applicants with cat allergies should take this into consideration before applying.