Organizer Information:

Buitenplaats Brienenoord, Nieuwe Instituut, and the Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux. A "Zoöp" is an organization that actively represents the interests of other-than-human life in its decision-making processes.

Title & Description:

Applications are open for the Zoöp Connections Residency.

This 30-day residency explores what it would look like if urban developments were guided by Zoöp principles—asking how humans can act as beneficial participants in the ecosystems they are shaping. The resident will be immersed in the artistic community of Buitenplaats Brienenoord, a 20-acre island nature reserve and cultural destination at the edge of Rotterdam.

Category:

Multidisciplinary & Research (Designers, researchers, educators, writers, technologists, visual artists, and other creative practitioners).

Eligibility:

  • Who: Applicants MUST be a Finnish and/or Finland-based artist, artistic researcher, or creative practitioner.
  • Location: The applicant MUST be currently based in a Creative Europe country, but strictly NOT in the Netherlands.
  • Age Limit: Applicants must be 18 years or older.
  • Thematic Alignment: Practice must resonate with Zoöp principles (more-than-human perspectives, ecological reciprocity, regenerative practice, multispecies collaboration).
  • Presence: Full presence for the entire month (September 1–30, 2026) is required.
  • Travel: Willingness to travel to Rotterdam by land is strongly preferred.

Program Benefits & Awards:

  • Duration: 4 weeks (September 1–30, 2026).
  • Stipend: A gross personal artist stipend of €1,500 (€50/day) to cover the personal fee and daily subsistence/food. (Note: Tax obligations are the responsibility of the resident).
  • Accommodation: A free 40 m² guest space at the B.a.d. Foundation (includes basic furniture, sink, wifi, shared kitchen/bathroom).
  • Travel Reimbursement: Travel to and from the residency, plus local travel in Rotterdam, is covered.
  • Workspace: Full access to the working space, network, and facilities of Buitenplaats Brienenoord and Nieuwe Instituut.

Application Fee & Program Costs:

  • Application Fee: Free to apply.

Application Requirements:

  • Submission Portal: Applications must be submitted in English. (Note: Video applications up to 3 minutes are accepted in place of written motivation).
  • Required Documents:
    1. A motivational statement (max 500 words OR max 3-minute video).
    2. A CV.
    3. A portfolio (detailing max 3 works).
    4. A brief note on any materials or resources you anticipate needing.
  • File Limits: The submission form has a total file size limit of 10 MB per document.

How to Apply?

Submit your materials via the official online application form.

Key Dates:

  • Application Deadline: April 30, 2026, at 23:59 (CET).
  • Notification of Results: Before May 15, 2026.
  • Residency Dates: September 1 – September 30, 2026.

Location:

Rotterdam, Netherlands (Buitenplaats Brienenoord and B.a.d. Foundation).

Contact Information:

Inquiries Email: maurice@buitenplaatsbrienenoord.nl (Maurice Specht)