Artists from Poland and abroad can now apply for ZAMEK Culture Centre’s 2027 Artist-in-Residence programme in Poznań. The initiative offers accommodation, studio space, financial support and opportunities to engage with local audiences.
Artists looking for time, space and institutional support to develop new ideas can now apply for the 2027 Artist-in-Residence programme at ZAMEK Culture Centre in Poznań. The annual initiative invites creatives working across a broad range of contemporary artistic disciplines to spend between four and eight weeks developing projects within one of the city’s best-known cultural institutions.
Rather than simply providing studio space, the programme encourages artists to become part of the daily life of the Castle. Residents are expected to engage with local audiences, share their creative process and contribute to conversations around contemporary culture while benefiting from professional support throughout their stay.
The residency is open to artists whose work reflects today’s changing world, explores new artistic approaches or draws inspiration from the unique history and architecture of the former Imperial Castle, now home to ZAMEK Culture Centre.
Two residency formats available
Applicants can choose between two distinct residency models, depending on the stage of their project.
The Concept Residency is intended for artists who need dedicated time for research, experimentation or the development of an idea. Projects completed under this format do not need to result in a finished artwork or public presentation. Instead, the emphasis is placed on artistic exploration and sharing elements of the creative process with visitors through talks, workshops or other agreed public activities.
The Production Residency is designed for projects that will culminate in a public artistic event. Depending on the nature of the work, this could include an exhibition, performance, concert, film screening or another form of presentation. Alongside the final event, artists are also expected to organise regular opportunities for audiences to engage with their work during the residency.
In both cases, participants will spend between four and eight weeks working at ZAMEK, allowing sufficient time to immerse themselves in both the institution and the wider cultural life of Poznań.
What successful applicants receive
The residency programme combines financial support with practical resources, enabling artists to focus on developing their work.
Successful applicants will receive:
- Accommodation in a room within the Castle residence, located inside the historic former Imperial Castle.
- Access to a dedicated studio space.
- An artist’s fee of PLN 6,000 gross per month under a contract for specific work.
- A production budget ranging from PLN 5,000 to PLN 15,000 gross, depending on the length and nature of the residency.
- Curatorial support throughout the project.
- Promotional support from ZAMEK Culture Centre.
The programme has been designed to support projects that can realistically be delivered within the available budget and resources. Organisers have confirmed that projects requiring additional external co-financing are not planned as part of this initiative.
Audience engagement remains at the heart of the programme
One of the defining features of the residency is its strong emphasis on public engagement. ZAMEK sees interaction between artists and audiences as an essential part of the creative process rather than an optional addition.
Residents will be expected to organise public activities at least once every two weeks during their stay. These can take various forms, including:
- Artist talks
- Lectures
- Workshops
- Presentations
- Open studio events
- Discussions around the creative process
This approach allows visitors to experience artistic practice as it develops, offering insight into research, experimentation and creative decision-making long before a final work is completed.
Contemporary themes encouraged
While the open call welcomes proposals from a wide variety of artistic practices, ZAMEK has highlighted several areas of particular interest.
Projects exploring the rapidly changing realities of contemporary life are especially encouraged. These may address issues such as climate change, migration, armed conflict, democratic challenges or wider social and political developments.
The institution is also keen to receive proposals that respond directly to the Castle itself. Artists may choose to engage with its architecture, layered history or symbolic significance within Poznań, creating new perspectives on one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.
Eligible disciplines include:
- Visual arts
- Performance
- Choreography
- Dance
- Music
- Sound art
- Architecture
- Film
Literary projects are not included within this particular residency programme.
Why this matters for Poznań
Artist residencies have become an increasingly important part of the international cultural landscape, offering creative professionals the opportunity to develop ambitious work while building meaningful connections with local communities.
For Poznań, programmes such as this strengthen the city’s reputation as a destination for contemporary arts and international cultural exchange. By inviting artists to spend several weeks living and working inside one of the city’s most significant historic buildings, ZAMEK creates opportunities for dialogue between creators, residents and visitors alike.
The public-facing nature of the programme also means local audiences benefit directly. Rather than only attending finished exhibitions or performances, visitors are invited into the creative process through workshops, discussions and informal encounters that reveal how artistic ideas evolve over time.
This collaborative approach reflects ZAMEK Culture Centre’s wider role as one of Poland’s leading interdisciplinary cultural institutions, supporting experimentation while making contemporary art accessible to diverse audiences.
Applications now open
Applications are now being accepted for residency projects scheduled to take place during 2027.
Artists considering applying are encouraged to develop proposals that are ambitious yet achievable within the programme’s available resources, while also considering how their work can engage audiences and contribute to the cultural life of Poznań.
With accommodation, financial support, studio facilities and curatorial guidance included, the programme offers a valuable opportunity for artists seeking dedicated time to develop new work within one of Poland’s leading cultural institutions.
Curious about the history of the Imperial Castle? Read all about it here!
