Salzburg International Summer Academy — up to 100 scholarships for summer art courses in Austria

Every summer, Salzburg hosts an international art academy that brings together artists, art students and researchers from different countries. For several weeks, participants work in small groups with invited artists and curators, explore new media and discuss their own practice in an intensive international environment.
In terms of format, this is not a classic residency, but rather an intensive educational programme. However, it offers a temporary immersion in an artistic environment and collaborative work in an international group, which is why such academies are often regarded as short-term artistic residencies.

One of the oldest summer schools of contemporary art in Europe
The Salzburg International Summer Academy of Fine Arts was founded in 1953 and is considered one of the oldest summer schools dedicated to contemporary art in Europe. The academy’s programme is built around author courses, which are held annually by artists, curators and researchers from different countries. Each course is dedicated to a specific artistic practice or theme and lasts from one to three weeks.

Unique venues
Courses take place in two remarkable locations in Salzburg: the historic Hohensalzburg Fortress, towering above Salzburg, and the Untersberg marble quarry, where participants can work directly with the material and space. This environment creates a rare opportunity to combine studio practice, material research and discussion of art in an international context.

Fields and artistic practices
The academy’s programme covers a wide range of contemporary art fields. The programme includes courses in painting, sculpture, photography, installation, performance, experimental film, creative writing, curatorial practice and interdisciplinary research.
Each course is taught by a guest artist or curator, and groups usually consist of 15–20 participants, making the learning experience more intensive and personal.

Scholarships and financial support
The academy pays particular attention to supporting young artists and art students. Each year, around 100 scholarships are awarded, which may cover various expenses — from course fees to accommodation and travel costs.

Programmes for Eastern European countries
Among these are several programmes that are particularly relevant for international applicants.
For example, Eastern Europe Scholarships are intended for art students from Eastern European countries, including Belarus. These scholarships can cover course fees, accommodation and travel expenses.

Solidarity Scholarships
A separate Solidarity Scholarships programme has been created for people who have been forced to leave their country due to persecution or political circumstances. In such cases, the academy may fully cover course participation, accommodation and travel, positioning the programme as a space for international solidarity and cultural exchange.

How to apply
Applications for participation are submitted via an online form and are simultaneously considered as registration for the selected course. Applicants must attach their CV, portfolio (approximately 10 works) and select the course in which they would like to participate.

Why you should pay attention to this programme
For artists and art students, participating in the summer academy is an opportunity not only to work with international teachers, but also to meet artists from different countries, discuss their practice and expand professional connections within the European art scene.

Period and language of instruction
Courses take place in summer — usually from July to August, and their duration can be one, two or three weeks depending on the programme.
The main language of instruction is English, although some courses may also be partly conducted in German.

The deadline for applications is 7 April 2026.
Selection results will be announced by the end of April.