Free Artist Residencies in Bulgaria

Context AiR Plovdiv

Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Context AiR Plovdiv is an artists-in-residence program initiated and funded by the Culture Department of the Municipality of Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second-largest city. It focuses on producing new artistic works in public space inspired by interactions with the city's distinctive history, heritage, and communities. The program provides full scholarships covering living expenses, production costs, and shared living/working spaces at Nishaniyan House, while requiring artists to organize public presentations and community engagement events.

IATRUS Residency

Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

The IATRUS Residency Program, founded in by the Foundation for Contemporary Art and Media, is an artist residency located in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria's former capital. The program invites artists, curators, designers, and creative practitioners to engage with the vibrant art scenes of both Veliko Tarnovo and Sofia, offering uninterrupted self-managed work time, mentorship, and opportunities to present work through exhibitions, performances, and artist talks. Season III focuses on 'A Good Neighbour,' exploring collaborative work and community engagement rooted in everyday proximity.

International Elias Canetti Society

Ruse, Bulgaria

The International Elias Canetti Society, founded in 1992 in Ruse, Bulgaria, is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Nobel Prize laureate Elias Canetti and promoting European values such as peace, international cooperation, and cultural diversity. The Society supports democracy and civil society growth through cultural mediation, civic education, research, and publishing. It organizes various cultural events, including the annual International Literature Festival, and offers artist residency programs aimed at fostering artistic exchange and collaboration across Europe. These residencies are open to a wide range of artists, including painters, photographers, writers, performance artists, translators, and musicians. Its residencies provide a rich cultural environment, fostering creative development and international artistic collaboration. These programs promote the values and legacy of Elias Canetti while supporting contemporary artistic practices.

Next Page Foundation

Sofia, Bulgaria

Next Page Foundation in Sofia runs a residency programme that connects international writers and literary translators to the Bulgarian literary and publishing field. The foundation offers three types of fellowships (Translation in Motion, Next Page, and Traduki) with residencies lasting 3-6 weeks, providing accommodation, working facilities, and monthly grants.

Radar Sofia

Sofia, Bulgaria

Radar Sofia is an independent art hub in Sofia, Bulgaria, offering residencies primarily for writers, playwrights, dramaturgs, theatre makers, performers, and visual artists, including those at risk, with free live/work space, networking, and presentation opportunities.

Theatre in Palm

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Theatre in Palm Residencies offers a unique opportunity for emerging theatre artists to develop professionally and expand their networks across Europe. Hosted in 12 partner countries, these two-week residencies focus on collaboration, inspiration, and the creation of shareable works. Each residency will produce a co-production in various forms, emphasizing themes like social impact, equality, and environmental sustainability. Participants will receive travel, accommodation, and compensation. The program aims to foster cross-cultural exchanges and enhance the visibility of emerging artists in the European theatre scene.