Artists in Exile — residency in Cologne for artists in exile with €1000 support and exhibition

When an artist’s practice is interrupted not by personal choice but due to pressure, censorship or the inability to work in their home country, what becomes essential is finding a space where it can continue. This programme creates such conditions as a point of support for returning to work and professional dialogue, rather than as a temporary refuge.
The programme is aimed at artists in exile living in Europe whose creative activity has been restricted due to political circumstances. What matters here is the process as much as the outcome — the possibility to work again, to exhibit and to shape one’s own trajectory.

Location and format of the residency
The residency takes place in Cologne — one of Germany’s major art hubs, boasting a vibrant gallery scene and an international art community. The studio is situated in the city centre, within the gallery district, allowing artists to be immersed in a vibrant cultural environment while they focus on their work.
The residency lasts for three months, with two artists participating in the programme at the same time. This creates a space for the exchange of experiences and mutual support, which is particularly important during a period of professional and personal transition.

What the programme offers
Participation includes a workspace along with conditions for public presentation and the development of artistic practice:
A studio and exhibition space (approx. 100 m²) — work takes place in the centre of Cologne, within a professional artistic context;
€1,000 per month for materials — this support allows participants to focus on the creation of their work;
A solo exhibition at the end of the residency — each participant concludes the programme with their own exhibition;
A joint final exhibition and catalogue — the works gain additional long-term visibility;
PR support and publications — including press relations and professional guidance.

Who is it for
The programme is aimed at artists living in exile in Europe who have faced censorship, persecution or restrictions on their creative freedom, and who have a background in art and continue to work or seek to return to their practice.
Accommodation, visas and living expenses are not covered — these must be arranged independently. The programme focuses on creating conditions for work and public presentation — through an exhibition, a catalogue and professional visibility.

Entry requirements
Applications must be submitted electronically and must include: a portfolio (up to 10 pages), a CV and a brief description of the project. All documents must be combined into a single PDF file.

Why it matters
This programme is a support structure that brings together space, time and professional visibility, well beyond a simple opportunity to participate. There is no pressure to produce quick results, but the conditions are there to make artistic work possible again.
For artists who find themselves outside their usual environment, this can become a starting point for a new phase — with an exhibition, a professional context and the opportunity to be heard — far more than simply a residency.

The deadline for applications is 1 April 2026.
The residency will run from 2026 to 2027 and is divided into three-month cycles. Two artists will be selected for each cycle to work in parallel.