Kiri

Call for Creative Practitioners: Apply for the 2026 Art Residency in Kuldīga Municipality

The “Notes on the Margins” invites creative practitioners to apply for an art residency programme, encouraging engagement in exploring and developing the local cultural environment.
The artist residency in the Kuldīga region, Latvia will take place in August for the sixth time already, bringing together Latvian and international creatives in small rural towns of Skrunda, Nīkrāce, Rudbārži, Padure, and Alsunga. This year’s theme is “Illustrated Stories.”

Within the residency, participants will spend one month living in one of the locations mentioned above exploring their culture and engaging with the local community. The creative process shall focus on stories told by people – historical events, myths, and legends – interpreting and developing them through various artistic expressions. Every town, village, and family holds its own unique stories – tragic, humorous, mysterious, or historically significant – often connected to specific individuals and reflecting the social, political, religious, and cultural contexts of different eras.

Creative output may take many forms – from drawing, painting, and photography to video, sculpture, dramaturgy, music, writing, illustration, and more. The residency shall result in an exhibition, showcasing printed publications, photographic series, plein air works, compositions, or staged video narratives that capture locations significant to the stories. In September, participants will present their work for public view.

Application
Application period: April 1 - May 13, 2026
Submit applications to: [email protected]

See regulations for the application and the information to be submitted here

Each selected participant will receive an honorarium of approximately EUR 1000 (after taxes).

Results will be announced at the end of June 2026.

For questions, please contact the art curator Raimonds Kalējs – [email protected] or project coordinator Ilze Grīnfelde – [email protected]

About the Residency

The aim of the residency is to bring together representatives of various creative fields and local residents in a shared creative process, fostering exploration and research of local cultural heritage.

The project “Notes on the Margins” is implemented within the framework of the Liepāja 2027 programme, with funding from the Ministry of Culture, the City of Liepāja, South Kurzeme, and Kuldīga Municipality. The project is supported by its main partner in environmental education and sustainability, AS “CleanR Group,” and mobility partner SIA “Lux Express Latvia.”

The project is developed in collaboration with municipal cultural sector specialists and independent curator Maija Rudovska.

Call for Creative Practitioners: Apply for the 2026 Art Residency in Kuldīga Municipality

The “Notes on the Margins” invites creative practitioners to apply for an art residency programme, encouraging engagement in exploring and developing the local cultural environment.
The artist residency in the Kuldīga region, Latvia will take place in August for the sixth time already, bringing together Latvian and international creatives in small rural towns of Skrunda, Nīkrāce, Rudbārži, Padure, and Alsunga. This year’s theme is “Illustrated Stories.”

Within the residency, participants will spend one month living in one of the locations mentioned above exploring their culture and engaging with the local community. The creative process shall focus on stories told by people – historical events, myths, and legends – interpreting and developing them through various artistic expressions. Every town, village, and family holds its own unique stories – tragic, humorous, mysterious, or historically significant – often connected to specific individuals and reflecting the social, political, religious, and cultural contexts of different eras.

Creative output may take many forms – from drawing, painting, and photography to video, sculpture, dramaturgy, music, writing, illustration, and more. The residency shall result in an exhibition, showcasing printed publications, photographic series, plein air works, compositions, or staged video narratives that capture locations significant to the stories. In September, participants will present their work for public view.

Application
Application period: April 1 - May 13, 2026
Submit applications to: [email protected]

See regulations for the application and the information to be submitted here

Each selected participant will receive an honorarium of approximately EUR 1000 (after taxes).

Results will be announced at the end of June 2026.

For questions, please contact the art curator Raimonds Kalējs – [email protected] or project coordinator Ilze Grīnfelde – [email protected]

About the Residency

The aim of the residency is to bring together representatives of various creative fields and local residents in a shared creative process, fostering exploration and research of local cultural heritage.

The project “Notes on the Margins” is implemented within the framework of the Liepāja 2027 programme, with funding from the Ministry of Culture, the City of Liepāja, South Kurzeme, and Kuldīga Municipality. The project is supported by its main partner in environmental education and sustainability, AS “CleanR Group,” and mobility partner SIA “Lux Express Latvia.”

The project is developed in collaboration with municipal cultural sector specialists and independent curator Maija Rudovska.



Kuldīgā
CONFIRMED BY:
Kuldīga District Municipality
Executive Director R. Safonovs

REGULATIONS
for the art residency project
“Notes on the Margins”

1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
1.1. The competition for the creative residency within the project “Notes on the Margins” (hereinafter – the Project) is organized by Kuldīga Municipality (hereinafter – the Organizer).
1.2. The Project is implemented within the programme “Liepāja 2027 – European Capital of Culture”, using funding allocated by the Ministry of Culture, the City of Liepāja, Dienvidkurzeme Municipality and Kuldīga Municipality.
1.3. The aim of the competition is to select creative authors from Latvia and abroad to participate in the residency project, with locations in the towns of Skrunda, Nīkrāce, Rudbārži, Padure and Alsunga (Kuldīga Municipality).

2. OBJECTIVES AND TASKS OF THE RESIDENCY
2.1. The aim of the residency is to bring together professionals from various creative fields (including painters, photographers, illustrators, composers, writers, etc.) and the local residents, in a shared creative process exploring local historical events, myths and legends. Each town, village or family has its own unique stories – tragic, humorous, mysterious or historically significant – often linked to specific individuals and reflecting different social, political, religious and cultural contexts.
2.2. Tasks of the residency:
2.2.1. To develop new artworks based on the local context and stories;
2.2.2. To promote collaboration between creative authors and the local community;
2.2.3. To explore local cultural heritage and foster knowledge exchange among authors;
2.2.4. To ensure a publicly accessible outcome of the residency, such as an exhibition, workshop, presentation, etc. In the case of a musical composition, the author must ensure its performance of the musical piece within the allocated residency budget.
2.3. During the residency, the author must engage the local community of the town the author will spend their residency time, in the creative process, for example by:
2.3.1. Organising a workshop or masterclass;
2.3.2. Involving residents in the creation of the artwork;
2.3.3. Creating an activity or event for the community.

3. TIME AND LOCATION OF THE RESIDENCY
3.1. The residency will take place from 1 to 31 August 2026.
3.2. Locations: towns of Skrunda, Nīkrāce, Rudbārži, Padure and Alsunga (Kuldīga Municipality).
3.3. The author must reside in the assigned parish during the residency.
3.4. The Organizer provides:
3.4.1. Accommodation during the residency;
3.4.2. Technical support within available resources.
3.5. At the conclusion of the residency, on 26 September 2026, a public presentation of the works created during the residency will be held. The author is required to participate and present their work.

4. FUNDING
4.1. Each selected author will receive a fee of EUR 1,400.00 (before taxes).
4.2. The purchase of materials required for the creation of the work will be arranged and paid for by the Organizer’s representative, based on the author’s needs and in prior agreement with the project curator.
4.3. The total cost of materials per work must not exceed EUR 200.00.
4.4. Expenses for materials purchased independently by the author will not be reimbursed.
4.5. Travel expenses of the author will not be reimbursed.
4.6. Payments are made in accordance with the concluded royalty contract and applicable regulations.

5. APPLICATION CONDITIONS
5.1. Professional creative practitioners and artists of various creative fields are eligible to apply.
5.2. Applications are open from 1 April to 13 May 2026.
5.3. Applicants must submit:
5.3.1. A short biography and/or CV (maximum one A4 page);
5.3.2. Proof of education (at least a Bachelor’s degree) in a field related to creative professions (e.g., art, literature, music, etc.);
5.3.3. A motivation letter describing interest in participation and proposed ideas (including the preferred parish);
5.3.4. Examples of creative practice or ideas (visualisations, sketches, text samples, etc.; file size not exceeding 2 GB).
5.4. Applications must be submitted electronically to: [email protected]

6. SELECTION PROCEDURE

6.1. Applications will be evaluated by a jury of three members.
6.2. The jury consists of:
6.2.1. Project coordinator;
6.2.2. Project curator;
6.2.3. Representative of the Organizer’s Cultural Department.
6.3. Selection takes place in two stages:
6.3.1. Evaluation of submitted applications;
6.3.2. Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an online interview.
6.4. Evaluation criteria:
6.4.1. Artistic quality (0–10 points);
6.4.2. Relevance to the residency theme (0–10 points);
6.4.3. Feasibility (0–10 points);
6.4.4. Community engagement and use of local context (0–10 points).
6.5. Decisions are made by a simple majority vote.
6.6. Five (5) authors will be selected.
6.7. Late or non-compliant applications will not be considered.
6.8. Applicants will be informed of results individually by the end of June 2026.

7. CONTRACT AND OBLIGATIONS
7.1. The five selected authors will enter into a royalty agreement regarding participation and the created artwork.
7.2. By applying and, if selected, the author agrees to:
7.2.1. Implement the proposed project;
7.2.2. Collaborate with the local community;
7.2.3. Participate in the final public event;
7.2.4. Comply with residency rules;
7.2.5. Stay in the assigned parish during the residency (temporary absence must be agreed in advance with the coordinator or curator).
7.3. After the residency, the author must submit:
7.3.1. A short description of the work;
7.3.2. Documentation (photos, videos, visual materials, musical compositions, etc.) for project documentation and archiving.

8. COPYRIGHT AND PUBLICITY
8.1. The author transfers full rights for the use and public display of the work created during the residency to the Organizer.
8.2. The author grants the Organizer all economic rights to the work, including reproduction, distribution, rental, public display, performance, broadcasting, translation and adaptation, as an exclusive licence for an unlimited period, with the right to transfer these rights to third parties.
8.3. The author’s name will always be indicated in public presentations, and the author may use the work in their portfolio.
8.4. All communication materials must acknowledge the Project’s connection to “Liepāja 2027 – European Capital of Culture” and follow visual identity guidelines.

9. FINAL PROVISIONS
9.1. The Organizer reserves the right to amend these regulations, informing applicants in due time.
9.2. Questions may be addressed to:
Project curator Raimonds Kalējs: [email protected]
Project coordinator Ilze Grīnfelde: [email protected]



Executive Director of the Rimants Safonovs
Kuldīga District Municipality



Kuldīgā
CONFIRMED BY:
Kuldīga District Municipality
Executive Director R. Safonovs

REGULATIONS
for the art residency project
“Notes on the Margins”

1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
1.1. The competition for the creative residency within the project “Notes on the Margins” (hereinafter – the Project) is organized by Kuldīga Municipality (hereinafter – the Organizer).
1.2. The Project is implemented within the programme “Liepāja 2027 – European Capital of Culture”, using funding allocated by the Ministry of Culture, the City of Liepāja, Dienvidkurzeme Municipality and Kuldīga Municipality.
1.3. The aim of the competition is to select creative authors from Latvia and abroad to participate in the residency project, with locations in the towns of Skrunda, Nīkrāce, Rudbārži, Padure and Alsunga (Kuldīga Municipality).

2. OBJECTIVES AND TASKS OF THE RESIDENCY
2.1. The aim of the residency is to bring together professionals from various creative fields (including painters, photographers, illustrators, composers, writers, etc.) and the local residents, in a shared creative process exploring local historical events, myths and legends. Each town, village or family has its own unique stories – tragic, humorous, mysterious or historically significant – often linked to specific individuals and reflecting different social, political, religious and cultural contexts.
2.2. Tasks of the residency:
2.2.1. To develop new artworks based on the local context and stories;
2.2.2. To promote collaboration between creative authors and the local community;
2.2.3. To explore local cultural heritage and foster knowledge exchange among authors;
2.2.4. To ensure a publicly accessible outcome of the residency, such as an exhibition, workshop, presentation, etc. In the case of a musical composition, the author must ensure its performance of the musical piece within the allocated residency budget.
2.3. During the residency, the author must engage the local community of the town the author will spend their residency time, in the creative process, for example by:
2.3.1. Organising a workshop or masterclass;
2.3.2. Involving residents in the creation of the artwork;
2.3.3. Creating an activity or event for the community.

3. TIME AND LOCATION OF THE RESIDENCY
3.1. The residency will take place from 1 to 31 August 2026.
3.2. Locations: towns of Skrunda, Nīkrāce, Rudbārži, Padure and Alsunga (Kuldīga Municipality).
3.3. The author must reside in the assigned parish during the residency.
3.4. The Organizer provides:
3.4.1. Accommodation during the residency;
3.4.2. Technical support within available resources.
3.5. At the conclusion of the residency, on 26 September 2026, a public presentation of the works created during the residency will be held. The author is required to participate and present their work.

4. FUNDING
4.1. Each selected author will receive a fee of EUR 1,400.00 (before taxes).
4.2. The purchase of materials required for the creation of the work will be arranged and paid for by the Organizer’s representative, based on the author’s needs and in prior agreement with the project curator.
4.3. The total cost of materials per work must not exceed EUR 200.00.
4.4. Expenses for materials purchased independently by the author will not be reimbursed.
4.5. Travel expenses of the author will not be reimbursed.
4.6. Payments are made in accordance with the concluded royalty contract and applicable regulations.

5. APPLICATION CONDITIONS
5.1. Professional creative practitioners and artists of various creative fields are eligible to apply.
5.2. Applications are open from 1 April to 13 May 2026.
5.3. Applicants must submit:
5.3.1. A short biography and/or CV (maximum one A4 page);
5.3.2. Proof of education (at least a Bachelor’s degree) in a field related to creative professions (e.g., art, literature, music, etc.);
5.3.3. A motivation letter describing interest in participation and proposed ideas (including the preferred parish);
5.3.4. Examples of creative practice or ideas (visualisations, sketches, text samples, etc.; file size not exceeding 2 GB).
5.4. Applications must be submitted electronically to: [email protected]

6. SELECTION PROCEDURE

6.1. Applications will be evaluated by a jury of three members.
6.2. The jury consists of:
6.2.1. Project coordinator;
6.2.2. Project curator;
6.2.3. Representative of the Organizer’s Cultural Department.
6.3. Selection takes place in two stages:
6.3.1. Evaluation of submitted applications;
6.3.2. Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an online interview.
6.4. Evaluation criteria:
6.4.1. Artistic quality (0–10 points);
6.4.2. Relevance to the residency theme (0–10 points);
6.4.3. Feasibility (0–10 points);
6.4.4. Community engagement and use of local context (0–10 points).
6.5. Decisions are made by a simple majority vote.
6.6. Five (5) authors will be selected.
6.7. Late or non-compliant applications will not be considered.
6.8. Applicants will be informed of results individually by the end of June 2026.

7. CONTRACT AND OBLIGATIONS
7.1. The five selected authors will enter into a royalty agreement regarding participation and the created artwork.
7.2. By applying and, if selected, the author agrees to:
7.2.1. Implement the proposed project;
7.2.2. Collaborate with the local community;
7.2.3. Participate in the final public event;
7.2.4. Comply with residency rules;
7.2.5. Stay in the assigned parish during the residency (temporary absence must be agreed in advance with the coordinator or curator).
7.3. After the residency, the author must submit:
7.3.1. A short description of the work;
7.3.2. Documentation (photos, videos, visual materials, musical compositions, etc.) for project documentation and archiving.

8. COPYRIGHT AND PUBLICITY
8.1. The author transfers full rights for the use and public display of the work created during the residency to the Organizer.
8.2. The author grants the Organizer all economic rights to the work, including reproduction, distribution, rental, public display, performance, broadcasting, translation and adaptation, as an exclusive licence for an unlimited period, with the right to transfer these rights to third parties.
8.3. The author’s name will always be indicated in public presentations, and the author may use the work in their portfolio.
8.4. All communication materials must acknowledge the Project’s connection to “Liepāja 2027 – European Capital of Culture” and follow visual identity guidelines.

9. FINAL PROVISIONS
9.1. The Organizer reserves the right to amend these regulations, informing applicants in due time.
9.2. Questions may be addressed to:
Project curator Raimonds Kalējs: [email protected]
Project coordinator Ilze Grīnfelde: [email protected]



Executive Director of the Rimants Safonovs
Kuldīga District Municipality