Vila 31 x Art Explora 2027 Residency

Vila 31 x Art Explora invites applications for its 2027 residency programme, based in Tirana, Albania — inside Vila 31, the former residence of Albanian dictator Enver Hoxha, now reimagined as a hub for intercultural exchange in the heart of the Balkans.

The programme supports contemporary artistic creation and research across a wide range of practices, including visual arts, performance, digital arts, writing, humanities, social sciences, ecology, and technological innovation. Three tracks are available:

• SOLO Programme: For individual artists and writers.
• COLLECTIVE Programme: For duos or collaborative groups.
• CROSS Programme: A split residency — 3 months in Paris (Cité internationale des arts) followed by 3 months in Tirana.

Residency sessions run for three months: January–March, May–July, or September–November 2027.

Who can apply?

Artists, researchers, curators, and writers of all nationalities are welcome — there is no age limit. Applicants must have at least five years of professional activity, with work presented at a national or international level. Crucially, your project proposal must demonstrate a genuine connection to the Balkan region and clearly articulate why being in Albania is essential to your work.

What's included?

• A fully equipped studio-apartment (approx. 50–60m²)
• Solo artists: €800/month living grant + up to €1,500 production grant
• Collectives: up to €1,200/month living grant + up to €1,500 production grant
• Round-trip travel grant
• Access to production facilities, local networks, studio visits, and mentorship sessions

Participation in the Vila 31 Open Studios at the end of the third month is mandatory. All application materials must be submitted in English.

How to apply:

Register and submit via the Art Explora Applications Platform. Applications open 2 April 2026 and close 1 May 2026 at 11:59 PM (GMT+2). Selected residents will be notified in July 2026.