Kim? Contemporary Art Centre is excited to invite international artists, curators and writers to apply for its first ever short-term summer residency in Riga. The residency will host two art professionals (artists, curators, writers, producers, etc.) simultaneously for a six-week period (1 June – 13 July/ 17 July – 31 August), welcoming four residents in total over the course the summer.
The residency is designed to support ongoing artistic conversations and collaborations between the Latvian and international art communities. By offering a space for research, conversations, and shared experimentation, it hopes to facilitate connections that may evolve into significant, fully realised projects.
About the residency
The summer residency will allow residents to work on a collaboration with their Latvian partners while exploring Riga’s vibrant art scene and the wider contexts. While there is no expectation for residents to complete a project, they are asked to participate in at least one public event (talk, screening, discussion, etc. – preferably with their Latvian partner) during their stay.
Residents will also be encouraged to engage with Riga’s artistic community and Latvia’s rich cultural history by meeting with artists, researchers and other professionals. This part of the programme will be tailored for each resident after a pre-arrival call.
Residents will share a two-bedroom apartment in Riga city centre with a shared bathroom, kitchen and living room. The apartment will be a 15-minute walk distance from Hanzas 22, Kim?’s future venue, where each resident will have a private studio for work.
About the venue: Hanzas 22
Hanzas 22 is a quirky, historic school building in central Riga, close to a park, shops, and the port area. Left vacant until 2015, it was officially granted to Kim? by the government in 2023. While waiting for renovation, Hanzas 22 is already being activated with affordable studios offered to several artists from Latvia. This summer, in parallel to the residency programme Kim? will stage the second instalment of the contemporary art festival “EDEN” (6 June-3 August). The festival will be comprised of a group exhibition, a participatory reading room and an extensive public programme with talks and performances. The summer residency will take place on the upper floor of the building, with the studios offering at least two south-facing windows.
About Kim?
Kim? Contemporary Art Centre is one of the leading institutions in Latvia’s contemporary art scene, supporting innovative artistic projects, exhibitions and research. Kim? serves as a platform for experimentation, fostering both local and international collaborations, and engaging diverse audiences. This summer residency is part of Kim?’s long-term goal to establish a permanent international residency and artist studio centre at Hanzas 22, set to be renovated by 2029.
Eligibility requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- over 25 years old
- an ongoing or pre-existing collaboration – or an interest in developing such a collaboration – with a Latvian artist, curator, or collective is strongly preferred/encouraged. This should be confirmed by a letter from the Latvian partner.
- at least five years of professional experience
- a clear and compelling residency application
- due to environmental concerns, only applicants traveling from within the EU will be considered.
How to apply
To apply please submit the application form: including portfolio with at least 10 images and descriptions of works/projects, depending on the format of your practice and a signed confirmation letter from a Latvian partner confirming the interest and possibility of collaboration during the residency
During your stay Kim? will provide:
- a studio: a private studio (approx. 40 sqm) equipped with basic furniture (desk, two chairs, lights). Additional materials, such as whiteboards and printers, can be provided upon request, discussed during a pre-arrival call. If needed, extra space for creative work will be made available.
- accommodation: residents will share a two-bedroom apartment.
- bikes: each resident will be given a bike and a bike lock for the duration of the residency.
- wireless internet both in the apartment and at the residency.
Unfortunately, Kim? is unable to cover travel expenses but can assist residents in applying for additional funding if necessary. Due to financial constraints, Kim? cannot accommodate families. However, if a resident wishes to bring their family, partial living expenses will be covered, up to the cost of sharing the apartment with another resident.
Kim? regrets that the residency is not currently accessible to individuals with disabilities, including but not limited to hearing, visual, mobility, and sensory needs. We acknowledge the importance of greater inclusivity and aim to improve accessibility in the future.
In case of questions please feel free to contact us at renate.lagzdina@kim.lv
The residents will be selected by a jury composed of the Kim? team and two or three invited art professionals from Latvia.
Application dates
- Deadline for applications: 16 March
- Results announced by: 21 April
- Residency period: 1 June – 13 July OR 17 July – 31 August (applicants can select their preferred dates on the application form)
The residency is possible due to support from the Latvian State Culture Capital Foundation.
