Open Call
This is an open call to participate in FILE NOT FOUND, a project that explores the risks and challenges archives face as sites of cultural memory, resistant knowledge, and alternative perspectives under growing political pressure.
Ten practitioners - artists, thinkers, activists, theatre makers, dancers, and musicians, etc. - will be selected for residencies at ten cultural archives around the world. During their time on site, they will engage with existing archival practices, explore both safe and not-so-safe spaces, investigate traditional and experimental methods of archiving, and ideally develop artistically subversive approaches. These approaches aim to strengthen the resilience of archives against external influence, both now and in the future.
Ten practitioners - artists, thinkers, activists, theatre makers, dancers, and musicians, etc. - will be selected for residencies at ten cultural archives around the world. During their time on site, they will engage with existing archival practices, explore both safe and not-so-safe spaces, investigate traditional and experimental methods of archiving, and ideally develop artistically subversive approaches. These approaches aim to strengthen the resilience of archives against external influence, both now and in the future.
At a glance
Who can apply: Artists worldwide (all disciplines)Residency: On-site, 2 weeks to 2 months
Period: between August 2026 and May 2027
Fee: 4,000€ (2,000€ artist fee + 2,000€ production budget)
Travel & accommodation: Covered up to 2,000€ (1 person)
Outcome: Artwork + Residency Report
Exhibition: Fall 2027, BLMK Cottbus (Germany)
Application deadline: June 7th 2026, 12pm (GMT+1)
Working language: English
