Open Call for Round 57 October - December 2023

Since 2007 "PILOTENKUECHE" is an international art program based in Germany's new art capital Leipzig. The independent project is run by artists to support and empower artists.

The International Art Program invites 12 Artists from around the world for each round, to work together in our 465m² communally used studio space and realize two exhibitions during their stay. The studio is located in a romantic, remodeled old barbed wire factory. With its exposed bricks large windows, high ceiling, and above all underfloor heating, this environment is inspiring. Our concept strives to create a communal space that can lead to experimental collaboration and discourse between participants, as well as with the greater Leipzig community.

Our program is multi-faceted. Firstly, it includes visiting artist studios, exhibition spaces, project spaces, exhibits, and going on gallery and museum tours. Secondly, a preview exhibition or open studio event presenting initial work, takes place mid-way through the residency. Furthermore, scheduled consultations and critiques, culminating in a final group exhibition. During the final exhibition, the studio becomes our exhibition space. the project publishes an article about each artist on our website and offers documentation to all activities, including installation pictures from the openings. Starting each quarter, one round of our residency program is 3 Months. The program is open to all disciplines, we offer basic tools, but assist if special ones are needed. 

One of our Participants could not come, so we have a place free. Apply now!

Accomodation costs are additional, the project offers one apartment which hosts two artists. We have a network of people who host our artists on a regular base.

The primary languages in use are English and German. 
The artists receive all documentation necessary to apply for funding and the visa processes. If required, the project assists with additional individual reference letters. In Addition each accepted artist is offered a partial stipend in kind, provided by PILOTENKUECHE. Furthermore we maintain engagements with several friends, to get in contact with the Leipzig art scene and increase the artists visibility.

Studio space

• one furnished studio of up to 36m²  per artist in our 465m² large communal loft. 
• under floor heating
• concrete floors
• wifi, and utilities
• access to basic tools
• approximately twelve international artists per round
• shared use of tea kitchen
• moveable walls that convert into exhibition space with areas of up to 150m² 

Program

• studio, gallery and off-space visits and museum tours
• artist presentations
• Friday potluck lunch
• selected artists participate in our events & exhibitions:
  • preview exhibition / extended open studio: 
  • final exhibition

Service

• Organization of two curated exhibitions during the time of the residency
• professional documentation of the art work and installation, artist talk
• published article on our website
• individual consultations by agreement with curatorial advice and critique
• assistance with visa processes, funding / scholarship applications, artistic / theoretical / logistical questions
• curation, event & exhibition organisation for the two exhibitions
• web-, graphic-, & advertising / press design, its production & release for the project 
• documentation of the project
• ‘Welcome to Leipzig’ letter & guide
• general administration, organization & coordination of the project 
• creating an international network

We are an independent, artist–run residency program with the aim to support artists and connect them to the city in a way that is unique to each artist. For to cover our expenses and to enable us to work, we have to charge a fee for participation. For more information check our cost breakdown

Costs:

• participation fee: 1900 EUR - 400 EUR Last Minute Discount= 1500 EUR / 3 months per artist, total costs. this also which includes the 
• prior payment of 450 EUR per artist required to hold their place on the program. this payment is only refundable by cancellation in writing 3 months before the start date of the residency. otherwise it goes towards the total fee)
• the fee covers the studio & the participation cost
• travel costs, art materials & living accommodation are additional

EXPECTATIONS

Participating artists are expected to participate in the program objectives, contribute to a collective enterprise, and be open to working with others.

We organize two exhibitions in interesting venues, which are non-obligatory, but they increase the artist's visibility, would be sad not to take advantage of it.