Open Call for Round 62 January - March 2025

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 facilitates a collaborative environment for 12 artists from across the globe, selected to participate in each cycle. Held in a 465m² studio space located in a converted old barbed wire factory, the setting is both inspirational and practical. The studio's design, featuring exposed brickwork, large windows, high ceilings, and underfloor heating, provides an ideal backdrop for creative exploration.

Our aim is to foster a space where experimental collaboration, meaningful dialogue, and engagement with the Leipzig community can flourish. The program is structured to offer a blend of individual work and communal interaction, including:

• Getting to know to a range of artistic venues, such as artist studios, galleries, museums, and exhibition spaces.
• Organization of a mid-residency event, either a preview exhibition or an open studio, to showcase preliminary works.
• A final group exhibition, where the studio is transformed into an exhibition space, marking the culmination of the residency's creative endeavors.
• Publication of an article for each artist on our website, along with detailed documentation of all residency activities, including images from exhibition openings.

The residency, which is open to artists from all disciplines, runs quarterly and spans three months. While basic tools are provided, specialized assistance is available upon request. Accommodation is handled separately, with one apartment available for two artists and a network in place for additional hosting arrangements.

The program primarily operates in English and German, ensuring participants receive necessary documentation for funding applications and visa processes. Additional support, such as individual reference letters, is provided as needed. Participants are also offered a partial stipend in kind from PILOTENKUECHE, aimed at integrating them into the Leipzig art scene and increasing their visibility through our network.

This initiative is designed to support artistic growth and international collaboration, offering a platform for artists to expand their practice within a supportive and dynamic community.

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: 2100 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