Organizer Information
The Olympic Heritage | Artists in Residence 2026 program is a collaboration between the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum in Doha, Qatar, and the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland. The 3-2-1 Museum is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history and culture of sport in the region, while the Olympic Museum, based in Lausanne, serves as the official institution for the International Olympic Committee, showcasing the heritage and values of the Olympic Games. Together, they aim to foster innovative artistic engagement with sports culture and Olympic history, providing international artists with professional development opportunities, mentorship, and access to world-class collections.
Title & Description
Olympic Heritage | Artists in Residence 2026 – Digital Art Residency in Qatar & Switzerland
The Olympic Heritage | Artists in Residence 2026 program invites international digital artists aged 18–35 to explore the intersection of art, technology, and the Olympic Games’ historic and cultural significance. Two artists will be selected for a three-month residency: one at the 3-2-1 Museum in Doha, Qatar, and one at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Participants will create boundary-pushing, original artworks that provide immersive experiences, enhance the understanding of sports culture, and reflect on the Olympic journey. Selected artists will have access to the museum’s collections—including artefacts, archives, photographs, films, and sound—and may incorporate these into their work. This residency emphasizes experimentation with digital media, augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), data-driven projects, and interactive installations.
Artists will also document their residency in a short ‘digital diary’ film (3–5 minutes) that will join the museums’ collections and may be featured in Cultural Olympiad platforms. Optional opportunities include open studio events, talks, pop-up displays, or panel discussions during the residency.
Categories
- Digital Art
- New Media
- Interactive Art
- Immersive Experiences
- Installation Art
- Interdisciplinary Arts
Eligibility
- International digital artists aged 18–35 as of 31 December 2026
- Applicants must integrate digital media as a significant component in their projects
- Other media can be included, but digital is required
- Open to emerging and mid-career artists with a proven portfolio
- Projects must respect legal, ethical, and copyright guidelines
- AI may be used only with prior approval and not for facial recognition
Program Benefits & Awards
- Three-month residency (1 September – 1 December 2026) in Doha or Lausanne
- Access to museum collections and archives for creative inspiration
- Accommodation: Doha – self-contained hotel apartment; Lausanne – individual room with private bathroom and shared kitchen
- Round-trip flight tickets (economy class)
- Monthly stipend: CHF 2,000 in Switzerland; 9,000 QAR in Qatar
- Mentorship from the international jury during the residency
- Participation in international exhibitions as part of the Cultural Olympiad
- Creation of a digital diary film to be accessioned in museum collections
- Support with studio space, materials, and project planning
- Opportunity for optional public engagement: open studios, talks, or panel discussions
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- CV (max 3 A4 pages, .pdf or .docx)
- Passport copy
- Short bio (max 150 words) and photograph (≤1MB)
- Digital portfolio (up to 6 images ≤2MB each; optional 2 short films ≤1 min each, max 20MB)
- Project proposal (max 500 words) explaining the creative use of digital media for Olympic-themed artwork
- Feasibility report detailing artwork dimensions, space requirements, transport needs, budget, and weekly deliverables
- Declaration regarding any use of AI and compliance with copyright laws
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 30 April 2026
- Shortlist Announcement: End of June 2026
- Artist Agreement Signature Deadline: By 14 July 2026
- Selected Artists Announcement: 16 July 2026
- Residency Period: 1 September – 1 December 2026
Location
- Doha, Qatar – 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum
- Lausanne, Switzerland – Olympic Museum and La Becque Artist Residences
Additional Details
- Two artists will be selected in total: one for Doha and one for Lausanne
- Residencies are fully funded with flights, accommodation, and living expenses
- Artwork created will become part of the museums’ permanent collections
- Artists may explore interactive installations, AR/VR experiences, and data-driven projects
- AI may be incorporated under strict guidelines; no facial recognition or copyrighted material is allowed
- Artists may participate in optional engagement activities such as talks or open studios
- The selection jury is international, including curators, artists, and museum directors