Description:

An exceptional residency opportunity is available for contemporary circus artists and groups, with successful candidates announced by June 12, 2026. The program offers two distinct residency periods: July 22 – August 4, 2026, at the main venue, and July 27 – August 9, 2026, at the associated school facility. This initiative invites contemporary circus artists and collectives (up to four members) from Lithuania, Estonia, and the Nordic countries, covering all circus disciplines. Located in Riga, Latvia, the program serves as an experimental hub for artistic exploration and development within the circus arts. It will host two artists or groups concurrently in separate creative environments, fostering the incubation of novel artistic concepts. To apply, candidates must submit a concise written proposal (maximum 3,600 characters) detailing their background and the project intended for the residency, including preferred dates and workspace. Supplementary visual materials (such as videos, photos, or sketches) related to the project or concept are welcome but not mandatory. An outline of any specific technical needs should also be provided. An optional portfolio showcasing prior work may be included. Applications must be submitted by June 7. Two distinct creative environments are available. The Main Arena features an 11m diameter performance area (or a frontal stage up to 10x10m) with an 11.65m height, 76 rigging and floor anchor points, and shared kitchen, dressing room, and shower amenities. Comprehensive technical support for rigging, lighting, and sound is provided. The School Sports Hall offers dimensions of 7.6m width, 21.3m length, and 4.6m height. This space does not include rigging points but provides showers, changing rooms with lockers, and a communal lounge equipped for tea/coffee and basic food preparation. Participants will receive a dedicated workspace for idea generation and new creation, full technical assistance, a residency grant of EUR 400 per individual, and a daily stipend of EUR 35 per person. Travel expenses to and from Riga (economy class) will be reimbursed up to EUR 300 per person, along with comfortable apartment accommodation. In return, participants are expected to provide a public presentation of their residency's output, such as a work-in-progress showing, a workshop, or an artist talk. Acknowledgment of the supporting institution is required in all communications concerning the residency and any resulting work. If a developed performance is later presented independently, the artist agrees to provide a 50% discount for its inclusion in an event hosted by the supporting institution. Important conditions include: all participating artists must possess valid personal accident insurance covering both rehearsal and performance activities. Initial technical needs must be detailed in the application; while subsequent requests will be reviewed, their fulfillment cannot be assured. The use of materials or tools that could harm facilities or equipment, or necessitate extensive cleaning (e.g., loose substances like sand, incense, liquids), is forbidden, and fire is strictly prohibited. Workspace hours are set from 9:00 to 17:00 daily. Inquiries can be directed to the residency program curator.

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