Application
Call for Proposals!
The Goethe-Institut Boston invites New England creatives from all fields of artistic practice to submit proposals for a Studio 170│Residency in 2026. Successful applicants will realize their proposed projects in our beautifully-renovated space in Back Bay in the 2026 calendar year. Application deadline is November 16, 2025 at 11:59 PM.
The Goethe-Institut Boston opens its unique, flexible space in Back Bay to artists and creative minds as a “laboratory” for ideas. Beyond just another gallery or concert hall, Studio 170 provides an open, lively place for inspiration, experimentation and open discourse. With this format we invite New England’s creative arts community to use our newly-renovated space to experiment, innovate, and connect with our local and international community.-
Street view of the Goethe-Institut Boston
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The Grand Salon and main project room at the Goethe-Institut Boston
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Entrance Hall at the Goethe-Institut Boston
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The Grand Salon with view to stage area
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The parking lot behind the Goethe-Institut Boston can be used for events, installations and receptions.
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Example of a video installation in the Grand Salon
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Projection screen in the Grand Salon
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Examples of projections in the Grand Salon
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An installation in the Entrance Hall
Successful applicants are given access to our Grand Hall, Reception Hall, entrance hall, front garden and back parking lot to realize their proposed projects in. The residency time frame is flexible within a mutually agreed-upon two week period in 2026.
The jury, consisting of renowned artists and curators in New England and newly appointed every year, selects two projects for the following year.
Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals along the lines of our current programming topics, although there is no requirement to do so. Our broad topics for this year are Democracy, Sustainability and Decolonization/Memory Culture.
We offer:
- Artist stipend of $1000
- Additional budget for production costs up to $1000 (a detailed budget must be submitted and approved)
- Professionally produced descriptive video including project and interview footage
- Opening reception with light refreshments
- Installation and organizational support
- Assistance with publicity and promotion
- Access to Goethe-Institut's large network of partnering institutions, cooperating artists and open-minded, diverse audience
- Applicants must reside and work in New England
- Applicants must be able to demonstrate past projects
- Call for proposals opens October 3, 2025
- Application deadline is Sunday, November 16, 2025, 11:59 PM
- Applicants will be notified of results in late December