OPEN CALL - Photography Residency Program

Palermofoto launches “casa & putìa”, an art residency program aimed at professional photographers who want to broaden their knowledge of ancient printing techniques, or visual artists with the same curiosity.

casa & putìa is born from the desire to share knowledge of antique photographic techniques with a broader community of artists, encouraging the exchange of ideas and the discovery of new forms of expression. Through this program, we aim to create a dialogue between past and present, offering a space where experimentation and tradition intertwine in unexpected ways.

casa & putìa is also an opportunity to expand Palermofoto's network beyond Italy, welcoming artists from around the world and fostering a reciprocal cultural enrichment. The residency invites participants to explore the possibilities of historical photography printing techniques, while contributing with fresh perspectives and artistic sensibilities, ensuring a continuous exchange between art, technique, and contemporary visions.

What we offer

The program lasts 10 days, with arrival scheduled for Sunday.

• Accommodation: Private room with a double bed (suitable for a single artist or a duo/couple), with access to a bathroom and kitchen (food and drinks not included)
• Intensive Training: Every day, for at least 5 hours (or more), residents will explore historical photographic techniques, including:
• • Cyanotype: A monochrome photographic process using iron salts, giving images a characteristic blue tone.
  • Van Dyke: A technique using silver and iron salts to produce deep brown-toned prints.
  • Salted Paper: One of the earliest photographic processes, creating paper-based images using sodium chloride and silver nitrate.
  • Wet Collodion: A complex glass plate printing process that produces highly detailed and visually striking images.
• Facilities and Equipment: Access to professional photo studio, darkroom, library, as well as all necessary materials and equipment for workshops.
• Final Event - Casa Aperta: At the end of the residency,  participants will present their work in an Open Studio open to the public.
• Languages: Activities can be conducted in Italian / English / French.
• Membership to Palermofoto® Cultural Association
   

Where are we located

The Residency is located in Palermo, Sicily (Italy). casa & putìa is not just a learning opportunity but also an immersive experience in one of the most fascinating cities in the Mediterranean. Palermo, with its millennia-old history, extraordinary architecture, and proximity to the sea, offers a unique and inspiring setting for any artist.

Costs
The participation fee is €1350, including accommodation, all materials used for the activities, access to the workshops and training, final exhibition production and installation. For duos we ask an additional contribution of 500 euros. 

Residency periods

This open call refers to the following residency period: March 1st - March 10th 2026

Deadline: January 31st, 2026
Jury review: February 1st-3rd, 2026
Notifications sent: February 4th, 2026
 

Contact Information: casaeputia@palermofoto.it