Open call: Residency for performing arts professionals from Ukraine (Mykolaiv Region), Moldova, and Sakartvelo

Independent artistic practice. Sustainable independent artistic practice. Financially resilient artistic practice.

What does this mean in the context of your practice?

In contexts that no longer seem appropriate to describe with the words “instability”, “uncertainty,” and “unpredictability,” people continue to find ways to engage in artistic practice, to persist, and develop visions. They are elaborating approaches that allow them to build projects and organisations that do not require stability to survive.

The growth of an artistic work rests not only on its artistic quality but on the sustained effort required to secure resources, cultivate partnerships, and shape resilient management.

We are inviting emerging and mid-career professionals from the performing arts field: artists, managers, or producers from Ukraine (Mykolaiv region), Moldova, and Sakartvelo for a 5-day residency in Moldova to exchange and develop strategies of long-term resilience in the independent performing arts sector. 

The residency prioritizes peer-led exchange, the practical testing of collaborative tools, and the value of shared presence. No production is required or expected; instead, what is valued is the willingness to share experience, to contribute to a temporary learning community, and to engage in collective processes of reflection and practice. 

Who can participate

We are looking for 20 emerging and mid-career professionals (prioritizing the 18–35 age group) from Ukraine (Mykolaiv region), Moldova, and Sakartvelo.

• • For Ukrainian applicants: We welcome applications from professionals who are currently living in or are originally from the Mykolaiv region. Special consideration will be given to Antonin Artaud Fellows, but we encourage all emerging cultural professionals from the region to express their interest. 

• Applications are open to candidates from all regions of Moldova and Sakartvelo.

Conditions

• The residency will take place from 18 to 23 October in Moldova, at the Eco Village space.
• Participants will be provided with meals and accommodation. Please note: only vegetarian meals are provided; sleeping rooms and bathrooms are shared. You can learn more about the idea and conditions of the space via the link: https://ecovillage.md/about  
• Working language: English 
• Travel costs to Moldova (Chișinău) can be reimbursed in the following amounts:
  • Up to 270 EUR for participants from Sakartvelo
  • Up to 150 EUR for participants from Ukraine
  • Up to 15 EUR for participants from Moldova

• Participants who contribute to shaping the programme by proposing their own topic or activity may receive a small fee. If you would like to propose any activities, please find the relevant question in the form and provide your suggestions there. 

Open call and sellection

• Application deadline: Saturday, 12 September, 23:59 (CET).
• Application form: https://inshaosvita.typeform.com/to/aaomPbmh 
• You can find the application questions at this link.
• We will provide feedback to the applicants no later than 20 September.
• In total, 6–7 participants will be selected from each country.
• We welcome applications from professional duos (artist and manager/producer). Submit separate applications, but mention the name of your colleague in your form.

The residency is part of the project “Horizontal Lab: Shared Agency & Co-Creation,” which is being implemented by proto produkciia foundation in partnership with the Ukrainian-Danish Youth House in Mykolaiv, a programme implemented by the Danish Cultural Institute and Danish Youth Council, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. 

The project aims to strengthen the independent performing arts sector in Ukraine, Moldova, and Sakartveloа by supporting cultural practitioners through the exchange of experience and the exploration of sustainable approaches to their work. Its key event will be a five-day residency in Moldova for 20 participants, creating a space for colleagues from the three countries to connect, support one another, and exchange resources.