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Group Discussion 2: Residencies tied to exhibitions and production


moderator: N’Gone Fall, Independent Curator


The majority of residency programs nowadays tend to place emphasis on research, creative inquiry and process. It is generally felt that residencies should provide a space where artists can experiment and sometimes fail. Thus there is increasing emphasis on non-prescriptive, process-based residencies.


Parallel to regular residency programs, we are witnessing a proliferation of residencies tied to exhibitions or projects. Project-based residencies are appealing to funders who seek for visibility. But they can also be attractive for host organizations or curators in so far as they can provide much sought out funding for new commissions. Most resident artists are also interested at a certain point in presenting their work in the context in which it originated.


Residencies tied to exhibitions entail an entirely different set of needs and problems. This session will tackle the different powers at play in product-based residencies.


Statements for Discussion

  1. OpsommingstekenFly, see, buy: can a residency shift the paradox of mobile curators shopping art around the world and rather allow time for research and a better understanding of local creative contexts?

  2. OpsommingstekenSite-specific artworks reduce exhibition costs (shipping, insurance, etc.). Is a project-based residency a good strategy to invite artists to interact with a local city and audience?

  3. OpsommingstekenSome artists produce small and/or ephemeral artworks during their residency so they do not have to worry about how to bring them back home. How can a residency consider that point and allow artists to 'think big'? How do process driven residencies operate and what are their specific needs?


In order to ensure lively debate and leave room for in-depth discussions, we will be limiting the number of people per group to a maximum of 15 participants. We therefore invite you to send us an email stating what sessions you would like attend by March 17. Places will be available on a first come first serve basis.