Rupert Residency Programme
As summer begins, RUPERT is once again open for proposals to join its residency programme.
Rupert invites artists, writers, curators, researchers, academics, cultural managers, and other thinkers to join them in Vilnius to live and work for 1 to 3 months between January and December 2025.
This residency programme is ideal for developing individual or collaborative projects, reflection, research, and immersion in Lithuania’s thriving contemporary art context. The ideal resident already has several years of independent professional experience.
ABOUT THE RESIDENCY
Rupert is located in the picturesque area of Valakampiai in Vilnius, a short distance from the lively city centre. Situated by the river Neris, it is surrounded by a small beach, peaceful fields, and a forest. There are three studios for residents in the ‘Tech Arts’ building, designed by award-winning Lithuanian architect Audrius Ambrasas.
Each resident is provided with a studio space that has a mezzanine (approximately 52 m²) to be used for production, research, and living during the residency. The studio is fully furnished and equipped with WiFi. The building contains a reading room, gallery space, conference room, and a kitchen, all open for residents’ use. Several other organisations, companies, and occasional events also share the building with Rupert.
During the residency, residents receive curatorial assistance in their research process. This includes studio visits from staff and visiting art professionals, as well as connections to the local art scene.
Residents are welcome to participate in Rupert’s public and alternative education programmes. While not required, opportunities are available for residents to present their work and organise discussions.
Rupert’s residency programme extends beyond participants' physical time in Vilnius. Strong connections are maintained with many residency alumni, and current and former residents are invited to participate in exhibitions, events, or other activities as part of Rupert’s programmes.
All residencies are free, thanks to the support of the Lithuanian Council for Culture and the studios provided by Tech Arts. Applicants are responsible for personal (daily and travel) expenses. Rupert’s team will issue acceptance letters for successful applicants and support their applications for external grants to cover additional costs.
Artist collectives of up to 3 people may apply for the residency programme. In this case, the collective is provided with one residency studio. Families are also welcome, but be aware that the kitchen, bathroom, and toilet facilities are shared between residents and other tenants of the building. While studio access is not step-free, Rupert will do their best to accommodate applicants from all backgrounds, including those with accessibility needs. Specific questions can be directed to info@rupert.lt with the subject ‘Residency accessibility’.
NORDIC CULTURE POINT SCHOLARSHIP
With the generous support of Nordic Culture Point, Rupert offers two-month residency scholarships for artists officially residing in Nordic and Baltic countries other than Lithuania. This award includes stipends for travel (300 EUR), living expenses (1000 EUR), and production (400 EUR). Additional resources may be allocated for public programming. Applicants can opt in on the form for consideration.
Nordic and Baltic applicants not selected for the award are still eligible for the general open call. Rupert will support selected residents’ external funding applications as usual.
RESIDENCY PROJECT
Prospective residents are invited to outline a project they intend to work on during the residency in their application.
The project does not need to be specifically developed for Rupert. Applicants can work independently on their creative practice. However, Rupert encourages applicants to share how a residency will contribute to the development of their project and creative practice. Applicants should specify if their residency will be research-based or production-based, and any particular materials needed.
RESIDENCY DURATION
Individual residencies are for 1 to 3 months. Applicants should indicate their preferred duration and timing in the form. If accepted, the final dates are negotiable according to studio availability and Rupert’s programme schedule.
APPLICATION GUIDELINES
Applicants should fill in the online application form and submit the necessary documents via Rupert’s website.
The deadline for applications is 14 JULY 2024, 23:59 EEST.
There is a 20€ application fee. The application is only registered after submitting payment. Contact Rupert with any questions or difficulties regarding the payment.
Due to the high volume of applications each year, the application fee helps cover the cost of external reviewers and additional hours to give all applicants fair consideration.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for online interviews with the residency admissions jury, including Rupert’s team and external reviewers, in late August 2024. Applicants will be notified of the results by the first week of September 2024.
PARTNERS OF THE RESIDENCY PROGRAMME OPEN CALL
Lithuanian Council for Culture
Tech Zity
Nordic Culture Point