Organizer Information
medienfrische is a contemporary art festival and artist-in-residency program based in the Bschlabertal valley in Tyrol, Austria. The organization operates as a non-profit initiative dedicated to bridging the gap between cutting-edge contemporary art and secluded village life. By transforming remote Alpine regions into "laboratories for the future," medienfrische addresses socio-economic challenges such as rural exodus and an aging population. Their work focuses on exploring new media, digital art, and experimental research within traditional rural contexts, fostering a unique exchange between international artists and the local population.
Title & Description
Open Call: medienfrische 2026 – "GEHEN UM ZU BLEIBEN" (Going to Stay)
The 2026 edition of medienfrische invites artists to a 21-day residency in the remote high valley of Bschlabertal (specifically the village of Boden), located at 1,400 meters above sea level. The program serves as a field of experimentation where participants engage with the unique landscape, traditional lifestyle, and local inhabitants. The theme "GEHEN UM ZU BLEIBEN" encourages a questioning of conventional work and lifestyles, using the valley’s "empty time" as a creative resource. Artists are expected to experiment with unconventional ideas and potentially leave an "artifact" or trace of their work with the village for safekeeping at the end of their stay.
Categories
- Media & Digital Art (AI, digital media, video art)
- Visual & Fine Arts (Painting, sculpture, woodcuts, photography)
- Performing Arts & Music (Sound art, composition, performance)
- Architecture & Land Art
- Literature & Writing
- Science & Craft (Artisans and researchers are also encouraged to apply)
Eligibility
- International: Open to individuals of all nationalities and genders.
- Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Requirement: Applicants must be able to participate for the entire 21-day duration.
- Special Note: Two residency spots are specifically reserved for artists who were born in Tyrol or have lived/worked there for more than three years.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Accommodation: Provided free of charge for the full 3-week duration (single, double, or shared rooms).
- Catering: Meals and daily per diems/provisions are covered.
- Travel Grant: Reimbursement of travel costs up to €100 per participant.
- On-site Logistics: Pick-up service from the nearest train stations (Imst or Reutte) and a "Lechtal Card" for free local public transport.
- Professional Support: Access to workspaces (hay barns, churches, public squares), mentoring, and exhibition venues.
- Publicity: Participation in a festival program featuring concerts, lectures, and film screenings.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
Submissions must be sent as a PDF (max 15MB) and include:
- Application Form: Completed one-page form (available on the website).
- CV: A short artistic curriculum vitae.
- Project Proposal/Motivation: A description of the project or research you wish to conduct (max. 3,000 characters).
- Portfolio: Three samples of previous work (images, links, or texts).
How to Apply?
Submissions by Application Form exclusively via email to: residency@medienfrische.com
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 22 February 2026
- Notification Date: Selected artists will be notified shortly after the jury session in early 2026
- Residency/Event Period: June 1, 2026 – June 21, 2026
- Arrival Date: June 1, 2026 (Mandatory)
Location
Bschlabertal (Village of Boden), Tyrol, Austria
Additional Details
The Bschlaber Valley serves as both a workshop and a laboratory. Participants should be prepared for a secluded environment with limited infrastructure, where nature and social interaction with the small community (approx. 20 inhabitants) play a central role. The organizers emphasize that "empty time"—time without productivity optimization—is a core value of the residency.
I found this residency program really fascinating, especially how it blends digital art with traditional rural settings. As someone interested in experimental media, I’m curious – has anyone here participated in similar programs that incorporate pharmaceutical or bio-art elements? I recently came across an interesting resource about Spanish NIE numbers at https://nienumberspain.com that might be helpful for international artists applying to EU residencies. Does anyone know if medienfrische provides additional support for visa/NIE documentation, or would artists need to handle that independently?