Summer Sessions

The Summer Sessions are short-term international art and technology residencies for emerging artists and designers. A network of cultural organizations all over the world sponsors and hosts the residencies. Every summer we offer early-career artists and designers support so they can take part in production residencies abroad. If selected, you will gain an opportunity to work in a highly productive atmosphere with support, feedback and expert supervision. Each Summer Sessions residency lasts approximately eight weeks and takes place between July and September. During this period you will develop your project from concept to presentable work, ready to show.

Who can apply?

Artists and designers working with art and technology are eligible to apply if they (1) are under the age of 35 and/or have graduated within the past five years and (2) live in a country where there is a Summer Sessions sponsoring partner.

The sponsoring partners for the next residency 2024 will be published once the call is open.

If you have any questions about these conditions, don’t hesitate to ask: info@summersessions.net.

Why should I apply?

Selected artists will receive access to the facilities of the host institution, expert support and an opportunity to present the resulting work at a public event. A budget will be provided to cover travel, accommodation, materials and a stipend.

How do I apply?

The call for the 2024 Summer Sessions edition will open in March 2024.

Create a two-minute video in which you explain your project and how you would realize it during the Summer Sessions. There are no restrictions with regard to theme or topic. Note that you may not submit any additional materials, written or otherwise. Selections will be made solely on the basis of the videos. Upload your video to a service such as YouTube or Vimeo.* Then fill out the online application, providing your personal details and a link to your video.

*Note that YouTube allows you to make a video unlisted, meaning it cannot be found by anyone who doesn’t know the URL. Vimeo allows you to set a password to restrict viewing of your work.

The review process

Proposals will be reviewed by the sponsoring institutions.
If selected, you will be matched with a host institution suited for your project. The host institution will work out the practical details regarding dates, travel, accommodation, visas and so on with you.

Covid-19

We strongly believe that creating art is essential in these uncertain times and therefore we are determined to continue the Summer Sessions program. Every partner will, as usual, select artists and support the development of their new project. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, international exchange might not be possible with all partners in the Summer Sessions network. In that case we will host the Summer Sessions locally. Our ambition is to present the outcomes of the Summer Sessions in an international context once the coronavirus containment measures have been lifted.