Organizer Information:

Art Explora. The Tirana Art Residency is an international programme supporting contemporary artistic creation and research. It is located in Vila 31, the former house of Albanian dictator Enver Hoxha, renovated to serve as a platform for intercultural exchange in the heart of the Balkans.

Title & Description:

Applications are open for the Vila 31 x Art Explora 2027 Residency Sessions.

The residency encourages transdisciplinary practices and intergenerational exchange, welcoming projects that engage with contemporary issues such as social transformation, ecology, technological innovation, and cultural memory. There are three tracks available:

  1. SOLO Programme: For individual artists and writers.
  2. COLLECTIVE Programme: For duos/collectives working collaboratively.
  3. CROSS Programme: A crossover residency featuring 3 months in Paris (Cité internationale des arts) and 3 months in Tirana.

Category:

Multidisciplinary & Research (Visual arts, performance, digital arts, writing, humanities, social sciences, ecology, and technological innovation).

Eligibility:

  • Who: Open to artists, researchers, curators, and writers of all nationalities, with no age limit.
  • Experience: Applicants MUST demonstrate a minimum of 5 years of professional activity, with work and research presented at a national or international level.
  • Thematic Focus: The project proposal MUST demonstrate a connection to the Balkan region and clearly explain why being in Albania is necessary for the development of the project.
  • Community Engagement: Participation in the Vila 31 Open Studios (held at the end of the third month of the residency) is mandatory.
  • Collectives Rule: Collectives must submit only ONE application. By default, one shared studio-apartment (shared bed) is provided; two spaces can be provided if separate sleeping arrangements are required.

Program Benefits & Awards:

  • Duration: 3 months (Sessions: Jan–Mar, May–Jul, or Sep–Nov 2027).
  • Accommodation: A fully equipped studio-apartment (approx. 50-60m²).
  • Funding (Solo): A monthly living grant of €800, plus a production grant of up to €1,500.
  • Funding (Collectives): A shared living grant of up to €1,200, plus a shared production grant of up to €1,500.
  • Travel: A round-trip travel grant to and from the residence is provided.
  • Support: Access to production facilities, local networks, studio visits, and mentorship sessions.

Application Fee & Program Costs:

  • Application Fee: Free to apply.

Application Requirements:

  • Language: All application materials MUST be submitted in English only.
  • Finality: Once submitted via the platform, the application cannot be modified.
  • Required Documents:
    1. Project proposal (maximum 2 pages).
    2. Portfolio of previous work relevant to the project (maximum 15 pages).
    3. CV detailing experience (maximum 2 pages).
    4. Short description of previous public engagement activities (maximum 1,500 characters).

How to Apply?

Register an account and submit your application via the official Art Explora Applications Platform.

Key Dates:

  • Application Window: April 2 – May 1, 2026.
  • Application Deadline: May 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM (GMT +02:00) Europe/Tirana.
  • Selected Residents Contacted: July 2026.

Location:

Vila 31, Tirana, Albania.

Contact Information:

Inquiries Email: residencies-tirana@artexplora.org

Website & Application Link: https://www.artexplora.org/en/les-residences-dartistes-tirana-residents