Organizer Information:

Polygona Kunstverein e.V. (as part of the KOBRA Cultural Network). The network explores the cultural landscape of the Wittenberg district. The 2026 residencies are hosted in collaboration with Ferropolis (Foundation for Industrial Heritage) and the Research Library of Reformation Studies Wittenberg (RFB).

Title & Description:

Applications are open for the Passage Art-Residency-Programme.

This program offers a four-week working residency for artists to engage with one of two specific historical sites:

  • Topic 1 (Ferropolis): Focuses on the historic Zschornewitz coal-fired power station. Artists will explore the history of energy production, the transformation of industrial landscapes, and visions for the future of post-industrial areas.
  • Topic 2 (RFB Library): Focuses on a massive historical library containing scientific works and illustrations from the Reformation era. Artists will explore the library as a storage of knowledge and examine how knowledge is visually represented.

Category:

Residency / Photography & Film.

Eligibility:

  • Who: Open to national and international artists working specifically in photography and film.
  • Age & Education: Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Current students are strictly NOT eligible to apply.
  • Language: Applications can be submitted in English or German.
  • Residency Commitments: Selected artists MUST fulfill the following community requirements during their stay:
    1. Deliver a one-day workshop for local young people.
    2. Participate in a public artist talk.
    3. Spend two days participating in the filming of a documentary about their process.
    4. Provide 10 digital project photographs for PR use by December 31, 2026.

Program Benefits & Awards:

  • Grant: €5,000 EUR per residency.
  • Family Support: Artists participating with a child will receive an additional €1,000 EUR to cover temporary childcare costs. Child-friendly accommodation will be arranged. (Note: Partners are welcome, but any extra travel/accommodation costs for the partner must be covered by the artist).
  • Accommodation: Provided for four weeks close to the respective partner site.
  • Support: On-site research support, technical assistance, and access to curatorial expertise.

Application Fee & Program Costs:

  • Application Fee: Free to apply.
  • Travel & Living Expenses: Artists are responsible for paying their own travel, local transport, consumables, and daily living expenses (these should be covered by the €5,000 grant).

Application Requirements:

  • Submission Portal: Applications must be submitted via the online registration form.
  • Required Documents & Strict Limits:
    1. CV / Short Biography (Max 2,000 characters).
    2. Project Proposal assigned to either Topic 1 or Topic 2 (Max 2,500 characters).
    3. Portfolio with work samples (Max file size 5 MB).

How to Apply?

Fill out the online application form and upload your required documents via the Passage AIR website.

Key Dates:

  • Application Deadline: May 30, 2026.
  • Notification of Results: Starting June 20, 2026.
  • Residency Dates: Four weeks in October 2026.

Location:

Wittenberg Region (Saxony-Anhalt), Germany.

Contact Information:

Inquiries Email: info@passageair.org

Website & Application Link: https://passageair.org/application/