International Sculpture Symposium Differdange 2027 — open call €3,000 for sculptors to create a work in Luxembourg
This is not quite a typical artist residency, but rather a sculpture symposium with elements of a residency, lasting 12 days and taking place in Differdange (Luxembourg).
Artists work in an open space, creating stone sculptures on site, while visitors can observe the process daily and interact with the participants.
Here, it is not only the result that matters, but also the journey itself — from idea to form — which becomes part of a public experience and unfolds before the eyes of the city.
What participants receive
Participants receive a fee of €3,000, payable upon completion of the symposium. The organisers provide stone for the work and fully equipped studios with access to electricity, water and technical facilities.
Accommodation and meals are fully covered for the entire duration of the residency. This allows participants to focus on their work without being distracted by organisational matters. The sculptures created remain in the city and become part of its cultural landscape. This results not only in a completed project but also in a long-term presence in the public sphere.
Who is it for
The programme is designed for sculptors who work with stone and are prepared to complete a project independently within a tight timeframe.
It is important to note that the artist bears full responsibility for the creative process. Participants must bring their own tools, and participation requires sufficient experience to work without external technical assistance.
Each participant submits one project, which must be realised within the specified dimensions and be suitable for the material. The dimensions of the future sculpture are set in advance: from 60 × 60 × 100 cm to 100 × 100 × 120 cm, which is important to bear in mind when developing the project.
How the programme works
The symposium takes place every two years, with a new theme each time.
In 2027, the theme is ‘Roots’, exploring the city’s identity, history and cultural diversity. Only six
artists are selected. The format remains intimate yet public. Work takes place in open studios with a fixed schedule, and artists must be present on site throughout the entire period.
All sculptures must be completed by the final day and will be installed in the city on a permanent basis.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted via the programme’s website.
You must prepare a CV with a photograph, five images of completed works (including at least one monumental sculpture), a project description, as well as a drawing and a 1:10 scale model.
You must submit a single specific project, which will be realised if selected. This is important because the jury assesses not only the portfolio but also the project’s readiness for implementation.
Important points to note
Travel expenses are not covered, and artists must arrange their own travel to Luxembourg.
All works become the property of the city. The artist retains copyright but cannot control the artwork once the symposium has ended.
Participation requires full attendance at the site. It is also necessary to take out liability insurance and to be aware of the conditions for working in a public space.
Why is this such a great opportunity
It is a format in which the sculpture immediately becomes part of the urban environment. The creative process is open to the public, and the result remains in the public realm.
For sculptors, this is an opportunity to bring a project to life, receive a fee and, at the same time, establish their work within a European context.
The deadline for applications is 5 June 2026.
