Résidences de l'Avent — an international artist residency in Luxembourg offering a €5,000 grant and a public exhibition
Not every artist residency ends with an encounter between the artwork and its audience. Résidences de l’Avent offers not only several weeks to develop a new idea but also the opportunity to present it to the public at one of Luxembourg’s leading cultural centres. It is designed for artists who want more than just time to create—they want to see their work come to life in a real exhibition space and engage with visitors.
Every winter, neimënster transforms its studios into an unusual artistic Advent calendar. After five weeks of residency, the studios gradually open to visitors, and every weekend the public discovers new artistic projects. This unique format allows participants to present their work within a vibrant cultural event and become part of an international artistic programme.
Who Can Apply
Applications are open to international artists, musicians, theatre directors, dancers, writers, performers, and creators of interdisciplinary projects. The residency welcomes proposals from almost every artistic discipline. The only essential requirement is that the project must be created during the residency in the provided studio and be ready for public presentation in December.
How the Programme Works
The residency includes four weeks of research and project development followed by one week dedicated to installation and exhibition preparation. Participants receive:
— a €4,000 grant to develop their project;
— an additional €1,000 for the installation week;
— a studio of approximately 40 m² with ceilings around 3 metres high;
— accommodation if required;
— a production budget tailored to the project’s needs;
— technical and logistical support from the neimënster team during installation;
— promotion through the cultural centre’s website, media channels, and social media.
The programme concludes with a public presentation during the Advent season.
Presentations take place every weekend from 29 November to 20 December 2026, welcoming both contemporary art audiences and families with children.
What to Consider
Applicants are encouraged to propose projects inspired by traditions, folklore, fairy tales, and the imagery of the winter season, although the theme should not be interpreted too literally. Original artistic approaches and the ability to create work that resonates with a broad audience are considered far more important.
Applications are evaluated based on originality, artistic quality, technical feasibility, and alignment with the values of neimënster. Participants should also consider the technical limitations of the space: materials that release microparticles, including aerosol spray paints, are not permitted.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted by email. The application package should include:
— a cover letter;
— a project description;
— a preliminary production budget;
— a portfolio;
— a CV.
The production budget should be submitted as a separate document and reflect the actual costs of producing the project during the residency.
Why It Is Worth Applying
Résidences de l’Avent offers the opportunity to take a project from its initial idea to a public presentation within a single programme. Artists receive not only funding and workspace but also the support of a professional team that helps prepare the final presentation.
For many international artists, this residency becomes their first experience of presenting a newly created work immediately after its completion. Instead of finishing a project and waiting months for a future exhibition, participants can receive immediate audience feedback, connect with Luxembourg’s professional arts community, and add an internationally realised project with a public presentation to their portfolio.
The deadline for applications is 26 July 2026.
