Organizer Information
The Rijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten, one of the world's most renowned artist residencies, has been a cornerstone of contemporary art development since 1870, evolving into a dynamic international hub for visual artists in Amsterdam. Funded primarily by the Dutch government with supplementary private and public support, it annually selects around 23 residents from thousands of applicants, fostering an experimental, interdisciplinary environment that has launched the careers of luminaries like Marlene Dumas, Jeroen de Rijke, and more recently, artists like Camille Henrot. With a commitment to diversity, critical engagement, and innovation, the Rijksakademie provides unparalleled resources—including technical workshops, a vast library, and an art collection—while emphasizing peer-to-peer exchange and mentorship from global experts. This validated platform not only nurtures artistic growth but also contributes to cultural discourse, with alumni exhibitions worldwide and a legacy of challenging artistic boundaries, making it an essential opportunity for visionary creators seeking depth and community.
Title & Description
Rijksakademie Residency 2027 – International Artist Residency Program
This prestigious two-year residency invites visual artists to immerse themselves in a process of research, reflection, experimentation, and exchange, free from commercial pressures. With no prescribed themes, the program encourages artists to deepen their practice, explore uncharted territories across and beyond the art field, and actively engage with a vibrant international community. Participants will develop new works in private studios, leveraging technical facilities and interdisciplinary dialogues to question, expand, and transform their artistic thinking. Whether through painting, performance, or digital media, residents contribute to a critically engaged ecosystem, culminating in open studios and public presentations that amplify their voices globally. This opportunity is ideal for those poised for significant evolution, offering a rare space to prototype boldly and forge lasting connections in one of Europe's creative epicenters.
Categories
While the Rijksakademie embraces complete interdisciplinary freedom without departmental divisions, applicants select one primary area during registration to aid processing:
- Painting/Graphics/Drawing
- Sculpture/Installation
- Video/Film/Sound/Digital/Photography
- Performance/Social Practice
Artists are encouraged to transcend these labels, integrating multiple mediums in their residency work.
Eligibility
Open to visual artists worldwide across all disciplines, including duos or collectives (submit one joint application; individual submissions recommended if collaboration is uncertain). Ideal candidates demonstrate an original artistic position with at least 2-3 years of independent professional practice post-education (BA/MA preferred but not required; those without formal education must show equivalent experience). Most residents are aged 26-35 (average 30), with under-26 applicants advised to gain more experience; those 36+ must justify the timing's relevance to their development. English proficiency is essential (conversational level; no formal tests needed). Roughly half of spots (11) are reserved for Dutch nationals or those residing/working in the Netherlands for at least two years; the rest (12) are international. Exclusions: Artists currently or recently in other Dutch post-academic residencies (e.g., Jan van Eyck or De Ateliers); maximum three lifetime applications (starting from 2021 cycle). Incomplete submissions are ineligible.
Program Benefits & Awards
Residents receive a private studio with utilities (internet, heating, electricity), a €19,800 annual stipend (paid monthly for basic single-person living in Amsterdam), and a €2,500 yearly working budget from the RAEF and Ammodo foundations. Additional perks include subsidized meals at the on-site Cantina, access to specialized technical workshops (e.g., digital fabrication, printmaking), an extensive library, and a historical/contemporary art collection. International artists get visa support and limited affordable housing assistance (primarily for singles; no aid for partners/families). Mentorship from diverse art professionals, peer exchanges, and public presentation opportunities enhance visibility. A unique fellowship component requires each artist to help fundraise ~€20,000 annually (covering one-third of costs; guaranteed for artists from DAC-listed economically weaker countries). An annual €1,875 participation fee applies (payable upfront; external funding encouraged). These supports enable focused creation, with many alumni securing major commissions and exhibitions post-residency.
Application Fee
A non-refundable €60 fee applies to all submissions. Waiver available for artists residing in DAC-listed countries.
Participation fee: Each selected resident artist must pay an annual participation fee. The participation fee for all resident artists is €1,875 each year, to be paid before the residency year starts. In some cases, it is possible to find additional funding or a sponsor for this. More information is provided after an artist is selected for the residency.
Application Requirements
- Visual portfolio (high-resolution documentation of recent works; most critical for pre-selection—include unseen pieces)
- Descriptions of portfolio works (context, process, materials)
- Artistic CV (detailing education, exhibitions, and independent practice over the past 2-3 years)
- Motivation statement (addressing why now, how the residency fits your development, and engagement with the community)
- Introduction video (short personal overview of practice and aspirations)
- For duos/collectives: Individual CVs plus a supporting statement on collaboration dynamics, roles, and future commitment
All in English; emphasise innovation and potential for growth. New works or evolutions of prior projects strengthen applications.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 1 February 2026
- Notification Date: July 2026
- Residency Start: January 2027
- Annual Open Studios: Spring each year
Location
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Additional Details
Selection involves a multi-stage jury process (diverse artists like Salim Bayri, Banu Cennetoğlu for 2026 cycle) emphasising portfolio quality, motivation, and diversity in practice/backgrounds: administrative check, pre-selection (~1/3 advance), main review, and interviews (~1/3 selected from interviewees). All applications are reviewed at least once. Non-EU artists: No extra work permitted during residency; housing is challenging and single-focused. Fundraising for the fellowship is post-selection but integral—provide proof of efforts if unsuccessful. Visit during Open Studios (spring) or library hours for a feel. Cannot combine with other Dutch residencies. This program demands full commitment, offering not just resources but a transformative community that propels careers, with alumni forming a global network of influence.
