Tabakalera & Chillida Leku Artist Residency 2026: Art & Landscape Open Call

Tabakalera and Chillida Leku are pleased to announce the call for their 'Art and Landscape 2026' artist residency program. This initiative aims to foster artistic creation and research at the dynamic intersection of contemporary art, public space, and the natural landscape.

This residency is open to artists of any nationality who are keen to explore new creative contexts and develop research and creation projects deeply connected to the landscape theme. The program will run for eight weeks, specifically from October 26 to December 20, 2026. Participants will be provided with an optimal space and environment within the facilities of both cultural centers for the comprehensive development of their proposals.

Eligible applicants include individuals or legal entities engaged in contemporary art projects. Please note that submissions from multiple creators or collectives will not be accepted for this call.

Application Process and Required Documentation

To apply, interested candidates must complete an online form available on the Tabakalera website. Applications require the submission of a single PDF document (maximum 10MB, 10 pages) containing the following information in the specified order:

• Contact Details: Full name, address, email, and contact telephone number.
• Project Explanation and Motivation: A detailed explanation of the proposed project and the reasons for wanting to carry it out during the residency at Tabakalera and Chillida Leku (between 500 and 1000 words).
• Illustrative Material: Graphic or other materials that effectively illustrate the proposed work or project.
• Previous Works: A presentation of a maximum of four previously developed works, including images, documentation, or links for each.
• Estimated Budget and Needs: An approximate budget for the residency period at Tabakalera, along with a forecast of necessary resources.
• Work Schedule: An estimated calendar for the project's development.
• CV and Short Biography: A curriculum vitae and a brief biography or professional history (maximum 500 words).

It is a mandatory requirement that the "Project Explanation and Motivation" section be submitted in English. Submissions in Spanish or Basque are also permitted for this section, but the English version is essential. The PDF file must be named using the format: name_surname_chillidaleku_tabakalera.

Residency Support and Benefits

The residency offers comprehensive financial and resource support, designed to facilitate a productive and immersive experience:

• Travel and Accommodation: Round-trip travel from the place of residence and individual double room accommodation with a private bathroom, a small living area, and Wi-Fi for candidates not residing in the Basque Autonomous Community. For residents of the Basque Autonomous Community living outside San Sebastián or its vicinity, accommodation as described above or financial assistance of up to €500 per month for transport will be provided.
• Medical Insurance: Medical insurance coverage for the duration of the residency, specifically for residents not residing in Europe.
• Workspace: Access to a dedicated workspace in Tabakalera's Artist Space.
• Technical Facilities: Access to image and sound editing studios, a stage or space for performing arts, and audiovisual resources available for loan.
• Technical Assistance: Technical resources and assistance from the Tabakalera team, tailored to the resident's needs and availability.
• Access to Chillida Leku: Unlimited access to the facilities of Chillida Leku throughout the entire residency period.
• Living Stipend: A stipend of €1,300 for living expenses and daily allowances.
• Project Development Funding: Financial support of up to €1,500 for the development of the project within the residency framework, subject to prior budget presentation and approval.
• Conceptual and Artistic Guidance: Ongoing conceptual and artistic accompaniment during project development, along with assistance and support for introduction to various agents and projects within the local context, if requested by the resident.

Selection Criteria

The selection committee will evaluate applications based on the following criteria:

• Innovation and Originality: The degree of innovation and originality of the project, and its potential contribution to activities and context.
• Quality and Creativity: The overall quality and creative merit of the proposed project.
• Relevance: The project's relevance in exploring the relationship between art and landscape, art and nature, and art and public space.
• Feasibility and Maturity: The project's viability, its suitability for the resources and workspaces available at Chillida Leku and Tabakalera, and the overall maturity of the proposal.
• Local Engagement: The project's capacity to foster artistic activity and create connections within the local networks of this residency program.