Organizer Information
Cirkus Kolektiv is an independent contemporary circus organization based in Split, Croatia, dedicated to advancing contemporary circus and interdisciplinary performing arts through artistic production, residencies, education, and international collaboration. Since its founding, the organization has become one of Croatia's leading contemporary circus initiatives, operating the "Mala Scena" contemporary circus center within the Dom mladih (Youth Centre) in Split. Cirkus Kolektiv supports emerging and established artists by providing rehearsal facilities, technical resources, mentorship, and opportunities for public engagement. Alongside producing performances and festivals, the organization actively develops residency programs that encourage artistic experimentation, community participation, and knowledge exchange. Through collaborations with European cultural networks and local partners, Cirkus Kolektiv contributes to the development of innovative artistic practices while strengthening the visibility of contemporary circus and outdoor arts across Croatia and beyond.
Title & Description
Outdoor Art Research Lab 2027 – Contemporary Circus & Outdoor Arts Residency in Croatia
The Outdoor Art Research Lab 2027 is an international residency program organized by Cirkus Kolektiv for artists and collectives working in contemporary circus, outdoor arts, and related interdisciplinary practices. Hosted in the historic city of Split, Croatia, the residency offers artists a unique opportunity to investigate the relationship between artistic practice, public space, and local communities through research, experimentation, and site-responsive creation.
Rather than requiring participants to complete a finished performance, the program prioritizes artistic exploration and process. Residents are encouraged to experiment with new ideas, respond to the urban environment, and develop projects shaped by the unique social, historical, and architectural contexts of Split.
The initiative responds to the city's changing urban landscape, where tourism, gentrification, and evolving patterns of public life have transformed how residents interact with shared spaces. Through artistic interventions, research, and community engagement, the residency aims to reimagine public spaces as places of dialogue, creativity, and collective participation.
During the 14-day residency, artists will conduct research in outdoor environments, collaborate with local artists and communities, receive mentorship and production support, organize workshops, and participate in public presentations and discussions. Depending on project development, selected participants may also have the opportunity to present their work during the Split Calling Festival in October 2027.
The program welcomes both emerging and established practitioners, emphasizing innovation, experimentation, and interdisciplinary collaboration while encouraging projects that connect contemporary circus and outdoor performance with the cultural identity of public space.
Categories
- Performance
- Theatre
- Dance
- Choreography
- Interdisciplinary Arts
- Public Art
- Site-specific
- Multimedia
- Sound/Music
- Research
- Art
- Education
Eligibility
- Open to artists and artistic collectives legally residing in Europe or holding the nationality of a European country.
- Applicants should work in:
- Contemporary circus
- Outdoor arts
- Performance
- Related interdisciplinary artistic practices
- Both emerging and established artists are encouraged to apply.
- Individual artists and collectives are eligible.
- Applicants should demonstrate:
- Interest in public space and site-specific creation.
- Willingness to collaborate with local communities.
- Experimental and research-driven artistic approaches.
Program Benefits & Awards
- A 14-day artistic residency in Split, Croatia.
- Financial support of up to €1,000 covering:
- Travel expenses
- Accommodation
- Production costs
- Additional funding may be available depending on project needs.
- Professional production support.
- Mentorship and artistic guidance throughout the residency.
- Audience discussions and moderated feedback sessions.
- Networking opportunities with artists and local cultural organizations.
- Promotion and media visibility.
- Organization of workshops with the local community.
- Research and creative work in public spaces.
- Opportunity to collaborate with local artists and residents.
- Potential presentation during the Split Calling Festival 2027, depending on the progress of the residency project.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Applicant or collective details.
- Artistic background.
- Project proposal.
- Research interests.
- Artistic approach to public space.
- Intended residency activities.
- Additional information requested in the application form.
Applicants should complete all required sections before the submission deadline.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 20 July 2026
- Selection Results: August 2026
- Residency Period: January – October 2027
- Residency Duration: 14 days
- Possible Festival Presentation: October 2027 (Split Calling Festival)
Location
Split, Croatia
Additional Details
Unlike traditional production residencies, Outdoor Art Research Lab places its primary emphasis on artistic exploration rather than delivering a finished performance. Participants are encouraged to investigate how public spaces influence artistic creation and how contemporary circus and outdoor arts can contribute to civic engagement and cultural dialogue.
Projects should demonstrate curiosity, experimentation, and responsiveness to local contexts rather than focusing solely on production outcomes. The residency encourages collaboration with local communities and values socially engaged artistic practices that explore new relationships between artists, audiences, and urban environments.
Depending on the artistic development achieved during the residency, participants may be invited to present their work during the Split Calling Festival in October 2027, providing additional visibility for selected projects.
Cirkus Kolektiv reserves the right to modify residency conditions in agreement with selected artists or cancel the program in cases of force majeure.