The Summer Sessions is an international talent development network that offers short-term residencies in art and technology for emerging artists and designers. Sponsored and hosted by a global network of cultural organizations, the program provides early-career creatives with the opportunity to develop their work abroad each summer.
Residency Overview
Selected participants gain access to the host institution’s facilities, receive expert guidance, and present their work at a public event. The program covers travel, accommodation, materials, and provides a stipend.
Each residency lasts approximately eight weeks, taking place between July and September. During this time, artists develop their projects from concept to completion, culminating in a presentable final work.
Eligibility and Application Process
Residencies are open to early-career artists who are under 35 or have graduated within the last five years. Only artists from countries with a sponsoring institution are eligible to apply.
Application Requirements:
Online application form at http://summersessions.net/
A 2-minute video proposal outlining the project idea.
Network Structure
Partner institutions can participate in two ways:
Sponsors – Provide financial support for local artists.
Hosts – Facilitate residencies for international artists.
The network is coordinated by V2_, which also acts as both a host and sponsor. The residency format and schedule at partner institutions remain flexible to accommodate their internal timelines.
Selection Process
• Once the application period closes, each partner receives access to their respective applicants.
• Sponsors review applications individually and pre-select candidates.
• A general network meeting is held, where hosts and partners discuss possible artist exchanges within the network.
• Residencies take place during the agreed-upon period.
Residency Expectations
Residencies last approximately eight weeks between mid-June and September (flexible per host institution’s schedule).
• Hosts provide project management, developer support, workspace, and tools as in-kind contributions.
• Artists are required to complete and present a final project outcome.
Documentation and Credits
All artists and hosts must professionally document the residency (photos, videos, project descriptions) for publication on the Summer Sessions website after completion.
All projects must credit the network as follows:
“This project was realized as part of the Summer Sessions Talent Development Network in a co-production of <SPONSOR> and <HOST>.”
Annual Timeline
• Mid-March – Call for applications opens (organized by V2_, shared through partner channels).
• Late April – Application deadline.
• May – Selection and matching process.
• June – Final approvals.
Additional Notes
New partners sign a Memorandum of Understanding and receive website access to manage profiles and review applications.