CRITIC-IN-RESIDENCE: Ljubljana, Slovenia
MGLC Švicarija, a creative and residential center, in collaboration with the Igor Zabel Association for Culture and Theory, both based in Ljubljana, Slovenia, invites art historians, art critics, and cultural journalists to apply for a fully funded, one-month residency in Ljubljana during September 2025.
Deadline for applications: 31 January 2025 (23:59 CET)
Situated in Ljubljana’s central Tivoli Park, MGLC Švicarija serves as a cultural, educational, and social hub, offering public programs, studio facilities for local artists, and residencies for international art professionals. Operating under the concept of “community, art, and nature,” Švicarija is part of MGLC – International Centre of Graphic Arts, a specialized museum dedicated to printed and contemporary art and the producer of the Ljubljana Biennale of Graphic Arts, the world’s oldest printmaking biennale, established in 1955.
The Igor Zabel Association for Culture and Theory promotes the legacy of Igor Zabel, a renowned Slovenian curator, art writer, and historian (1958–2005), fostering dialogue with contemporary issues in art writing and curatorial practices across Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe and beyond.
Residency Overview
The international residency program aims to support critical exploration and reflection on contemporary visual art and exhibition histories. The residency is open to art writers who wish to engage with Ljubljana’s dynamic art scene, which includes artists, art communities, institutions, and cultural events.
Participants are expected to produce at least one piece of writing—such as a review, interview, column, or essay—on a selected topic during the residency. Ideally, the text will be published in English in a periodical (print or online), on a blog, or via broadcast media. Preference will be given to candidates who can provide a written agreement or confirmation for publication of the text.
The residency period is fixed from 1–30 September 2025 and cannot be adjusted.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be emerging or established art historians, art critics, or cultural journalists:
Demonstrating proven experience in writing and publishing articles on modern or contemporary art or exhibition histories.
Possessing excellent command of English (native fluency is not required).
Displaying a strong desire to explore new art scenes.
Committing to produce at least one piece of writing during the one-month residency period.
Additional considerations include:
Priority for applicants who have arranged confirmation for publication of their work in relevant media.
A genuine interest in discovering Ljubljana’s art scene, engaging with local artists, and attending exhibitions and cultural events.
A willingness to experiment with innovative approaches to art writing.
Residency Benefits
The program offers:
Free accommodation in a fully equipped studio apartment at MGLC Švicarija.
Reimbursement of travel expenses (up to €500 for European countries and up to €900 for non-European countries).
A monthly stipend of approximately €1350 gross (€45 gross per day).
Support in connecting with Ljubljana’s art scene.
Selection Process
A jury composed of representatives from MGLC – International Centre of Graphic Arts and the Igor Zabel Association for Culture and Theory will evaluate the applications. Successful applicants will be notified by the end of February 2025. If no notification is received by this date, the application has not been successful.
How to Apply
For detailed information and to submit an application, please visit the MGLC Švicarija’s website. For inquiries regarding the open call, contact Dušan Dovč at MGLC via email: dusan.dovc@mglc-lj.si.