Organizer Information
Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) — Continuing Education Centre
ZHdK is a major European art college offering a wide range of artistic programmes (fine arts, design, film, music, theatre, dance, transdisciplinary studies) under one roof. Through its Continuing Education Centre, ZHdK provides flexible post-degree study options (MAS, CAS, modules, study trips) for people who want to deepen or broaden their artistic education, practice or curatorial skills while potentially combining study with work or other commitments.
Title & Description
Study Trip Lisbon (19–22 March 2026) — “Art Practices of Sustainability and Sustenance in the Exhibitionary”
This is a four-day intensive study trip in Lisbon aimed at exploring contemporary artistic and curatorial practices focused on sustainability and sustenance. The program investigates how art institutions and self-organised initiatives — particularly in a context shaped by postcolonial histories, migration, and cultural diversity — can redefine art as a relational, infrastructural practice that fosters subsistence, care, agency, and community.
Participants will engage with artists, curators, scholars, and community-organisers working at the intersection of art, social change, ecological practice, and collective living. The study trip will examine exhibition formats, collaborative and self-managed cultural spaces, and curatorial strategies that challenge extractive logics and explore sustainable infrastructures.
The program aims to critically reflect on traditional modes of production and representation — and to devise new forms of artistic governance, solidarity, and communal artistic-social practice within and beyond institutional frameworks.
Categories
- Curatorial / Art Theory & Critique
- Contemporary Art Practices
- Socially-engaged Art / Community Art / Ecological Art
- Interdisciplinary Art & Cultural Practices
Eligibility
- The program seems open to international participants (language: English) — no explicit national restriction is stated.
- The “Reduced” fee applies to “students, artists, and other eligible individuals,” upon provision of proof (student ID, portfolio, or relevant documentation) to verify status.
- The call does not state age limits or exclusivity for certain demographics (e.g., gender, nationality, career stage) — so likely open broadly to practising artists/curators/students.
Given your background (international film distributor, interest in cultural exchange, migration, film/media), this trip could align with your interests — though it’s more focused on visual/curatorial/community art than film distribution per se.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Curatorial and critical-artistic insight into sustainability, social practice, migration, postcolonial and ecological issues within contemporary art.
- Direct exposure to real-world projects: visits to art institutions and self-organised initiatives, meetings with artists, curators, community organizers, scholars.
- A space for reflection, dialogue, and networking with professionals across disciplines — useful for cross-cultural, socio-political or socially engaged art practices.
- Formal recognition: the course yields 2 ECTS credits.
Note: Travel, accommodation, and daily allowances are not included. Participants must arrange and fund these themselves.
Application Fee
- Early bird (if applying by 12 January 2026): CHF 850
- Regular fee (from 13 January 2026): CHF 1050
- Reduced fee: CHF 850 (for students, artists, and those who supply proof of eligibility)
- Travel, accommodation and daily expenses are excluded.
Application Requirements
The webpage doesn’t explicitly list all required documents, but given standard practice and the fee reduction process, likely required are:
- Proof of status (student ID, portfolio, or equivalent) if applying for reduced fee.
- Registration via the institution’s online tool.
Because this is a study-trip module of continuing education (rather than an open call for an exhibition or grant), typical “open call” materials like CV, motivation letter, work samples are not explicitly stated — but given your background, preparing a short statement of interest or motivation might still strengthen the application (even if not formally required).
How to Apply
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 9 February 2026
Location
Lisbon, Portugal
Additional Details
- Language of instruction: English.
- Organised by: Ronald Kolb (MAS Creative Practice, ZHdK), in cooperation with Liliana Escalhão and Paula König.
- The programme is part of the “Arts and Education” continuing education offerings at ZHdK.
- Participants are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and living expenses. The organizers will provide tips on travel and accommodation in due time.
Website Link: https://www.zhdk.ch/en/continuingeducation/arts-and-education-525
