Rituals have the symbolic power to bring people together and create a strong relationship between them and the world. Rituals can be exercises in attention or "temporary techniques for feeling at home" (according to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry in his novel Citadelle).

With this call, we are not proposing a strict theme, but rather the broader framework that will guide our thinking during the upcoming residency period. We encourage candidates working within the expanded field of visual art to tell us how they approach or practice ritual as a resource for art and community.

For whom

The call is intended primarily for artists living in Antwerp, of any age and active in any medium, who wish to develop and professionalize their work during an extended work residency. We will select a total of 9 artists. Duos or collectives can apply.

Artists from Flanders and Brussels are also welcome, but should note that no housing is provided for the local residencies. So you must be motivated to commute, as we expect a certain presence and commitment.

Period

The residency period lasts for 5 months. There are three cycles between which you can choose:
- Cycle 1: 01.02-30.06.2024
- Cycle 2: 01.08-31.12.2024
- Cycle 3: 01.02-30.06.2025

What we offer

- Artistic guidance and practical help from the team (during working hours)
- A program of studio visits, excursions and workshops (we meet once a week)
- An individual work space in a former monastery with garden (between 20-35 m²)
- Use of the shared residence hall (including kitchen, living room and library)
- Access to a network of makers (we have no production facilities of our own)
- Online presentation of your work (with a portrait created especially for the occasion)
- Free access to most exhibitions and events at Kunsthal Extra City (with whom we share the monastery site)

Financial support

We pay a monthly fee of €1,000, on invoice (incl. VAT) or as gross salary costs according to Collective Bargaining Agreement 329.01, so that you can obtain or keep the artwork certificate and build up social rights.

Presentation opportunities

Residents will have the opportunity to share their work during their stay in the lively ritual of a dinner, which brings art and people together outside conventional presentation formats.