Call for Applications Edgelands Institute Art Residency
Exploring How Another Urban Social Contract is Possible Through Art
Overview
Although digital technologies are increasingly being used to provide security around the world, there is still limited public dialogue about their social and human impact on individuals and communities. With this in mind, the Edgelands Institute has spent the past four years curating and hosting spaces for conversation that examine the ways in which the digitalisation of security shapes our urban social contracts.
In our final year, we are inviting artists of all disciplines and from all locations to participate in an online art residency to help us translate our research findings and discussions into thought-provoking artworks. Residents will collaborate with the Edgelands team, engage with the Institute's existing material, and take part in a research sprint exploring the intersection between communities, our ability to live together, security, and digital spaces.
The resulting artworks will be featured in a printed art book and exhibited at a pop-down event in Geneva in 2026.
We are looking for artist who
- Want to join an international network and engage in ongoing dialogue with a global community of artists, researchers, and technologists throughout the residency.
- Critically engage with the intersection of security, digital technologies, and our ability to live together, grounding their practice in Edgelands’ research materials and sprint discussions.
- Work in innovative formats that can be effectively shared online—digital installations, interactive media, video, sound, performance documentation, mixed‑media, or any practice that translates well to a virtual audience. Because Edgelands operates primarily online, the final pieces must be communicable to a global audience.
- Articulate their work thoughtfully in a concise written statement (≥ 2 paragraphs) that explains the artwork’s intent, methodology, and relevance.
- Demonstrate strong English proficiency so they can actively participate in meetings and discussions.
What we are offering
We are delighted to support the creative journey of the selected artists by providing them with financial assistance, research materials, mentorship, and access to a vibrant international community. All these resources are designed to help them bring their vision to life.
- Monthly honorarium: €1,200 to compensate for a weekly commitment of 6–10 hours.
- Materials stipend: up to €1,000 per project for supplies, technology, or logistical expenses.
- Research archive access: All Edgelands materials from the past four years are available, providing a rich evidence base for their work.
- Research Sprint meetings: collaborate with domain experts, researchers, and fellow residents.
- Mentorship: Ongoing guidance from the Edgelands team and network members.
- Dedicated Discord hub: A lively channel for peer feedback, resource sharing, and networking with the global Edgelands community.
- Publication and exhibition: The artwork will be featured in a printed art book and exhibited at the pop-down event in Geneva, reaching an international audience.
What we are expecting
- Selected artists are expected to deliver three items:
- An original artwork translating the key findings and discussions generated by Edgelands' research. This piece can be created using any medium, provided it can be adapted into a high-quality digital format suitable for online viewing.
- A written description of at least two paragraphs, detailing the concept, process, and relevance of the artwork.
- A short video interview (up to 30 minutes), discussing the piece, recorded either in person or remotely.
- Artists are also expected to attend general residency meetings and actively contribute to the dedicated Discord channel. This channel will serve as a hub for informal discussions, sharing resources, and networking with other residents and the Edgelands team.
- Residents should allocate 6–10 hours per week, distributed as follows:
- Virtual anchor sessions: mandatory Research Sprint meetings where participants engage with domain experts on substantive topics.
- Work‑group research sessions: optional sessions focused on a specific research question within the Sprint.
- Independent artistic development: research, experimentation, and production of the final piece.
- Residency meetings: Includes a launch session with the Edgelands team, a mid‑term critique for project updates, a final presentation to the broader community, and any additional update meetings requested during the three‑month residency.
Programme timeline
- Start: October 2025
- Duration: 3 months (approximately 12 weeks)
- Deliverables deadline: 11 January 2026
Application Procedure
To apply, simply gather the required materials and send them to us by the deadline outlined below.
- Prepare your portfolio: select up to three works that best represent your practice and demonstrate relevance to the residency’s themes.
- Write a brief statement (≈ 250 words): explain why you want to join, how your art engages with security, digital technology, and our ability to live together, and outline any initial ideas you have for the residency project.
- Submit your materials – email both the portfolio (as attached files or a link to an online gallery) and your statement to laura.edgelands@pm.me no later than 21 September 2025, 23:59 CEST (UTC+2).
All selected participants will be notified by 25 September 2025.
For any questions or additional details, feel free to reach out to Laura García at laura.edgelands@pm.me or Flávia Lozano at flavia@moood.cc.
Join us as we reimagine the existing urban social contract!
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