ESR T&Cs
OVERVIEW
European Solidarity Residency (ESR) is a 24-month EU-funded small-scale cooperative project that empowers emerging cultural professionals—especially those from underprivileged backgrounds—by using art as a tool for societal transformation. Coordinated by the Lidice Art Collection – Lidice Memorial (Czech Republic) in partnership with Pro Progressione (Hungary) and Art radionica Lazareti (Croatia). European Solidarity Residency focuses on inclusivity, environmental responsibility, and solidarity.
ESR aims to employ solidarity in art for societal transformation and to promote diversity, the green agenda, equality and inclusivity. ESR first retains a knowledge exchange process between partners, then a fully funded residency program for CPs at each institution and finally, dissemination of outcomes. It acknowledges the cultural and linguistic variety between partners, their unique approach to the innovation objective, and their particular strategy in addressing the priority of social inclusion.
With the launch of the ESR residency, we invite emerging curators and CPs—especially those from underprivileged backgrounds—residing in any Creative Europe country to participate in this exciting opportunity. ESR enhances the professional development of both the partners and the target audiences. Through knowledge exchange, networking, mentoring, and hands-on experiences, it addresses the need for innovation in the European CCS. It supports underprivileged CPs, enhancing their articulation, collaboration and leadership skills.
ESR is inclusive of participants with children and disabilities. Through an open call, selected CPs benefit from fully funded residencies, including accommodation and appropriate daily allowances, and can access coworking spaces, research facilities, and (online cross-border) mentoring. The selection process is fair, merit-based, and fosters diversity and professional growth. It promotes active cross-border cooperation, emphasising solidarity, sustainability and (environmental) consciousness.
ESR actively works towards creating a more interconnected and environmentally responsible artistic community across Europe. It boosts multinational cooperation and interactions between three partners active in the European CCS, to grow, design, and spread European creative capacity and inspire innovative and untried approaches. The emphasis on inclusivity, diversity, gender balance and environmental issues ensures that ESR benefits all stakeholders and positively contributes to broader EU objectives.
ESR will take place in three locations – Budapest, Dubrovnik & Lidice – from Monday, 17 November to Tuesday, 16 December 2025. Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
SUPPORT
Selected participants will receive a fully funded Residency for 30 days:
Coworking space/office facilities (with dedicated desks with access to internet & printer)
Free Accommodation for the duration of the Residency
Covered travel costs from within the EU
A fee of 1,500.00 EUR (paid in instalments during the residency period)
Full research access to partner organisations and their mentors
Regular meetings to check on progress and provide feedback
Opportunity to fully develop ideas in unique environments
Online mentoring with anyone involved in ESR
ELIGIBILITY
We encourage applications from all backgrounds, especially those from underprivileged communities and industries. We are committed to a residency programme that reflects diverse skills, experiences, and abilities. We also encourage those with children and those affected by any war to apply.
Residency Activities
Participants in the residency will benefit from the following activities:
Regular workshops and talks with local artists and professionals foster collaboration and engagement with the local community.
Mentoring sessions with experienced curators and CPs, 1-on-1, and peer discussions to enhance professional development.
Special 1-on-1 online mentoring sessions with experts from the partners in other locations.
Special activities in Budapest
Residents will gain insight into the day-to-day work of Pro Progressione and explore its approach to socially engaged and community-based artistic practices.
Field trips to cultural institutions and grassroots initiatives will offer a deeper understanding of the local context and provide opportunities to connect with professionals active in the Budapest art scene.
Residents will be supported to develop and present their project ideas, contributing to the local community and the residency's closing event.
Special activities in Dubrovnik
Learning by doing. Active involvement in the production and organisation of events happening during the residency period (exhibitions, performances, workshops, etc.), guided by ARL's working methods
·Site visits to neighbouring cultural institutions, cultural initiatives, artists' studios, and independent spaces to broaden the understanding of the local and regional cultural ecosystem
Opportunities for public presentation (e.g. artist talks, pop-up exhibitions, discussions) to share work-in-progress with local audiences and the ARL community
Special activities in Lidice
Residents will explore the Lidice Art Collection and research themes such as memory, solidarity, and cultural preservation.
Field trips to local institutions and opportunities to network with professionals across the Czech Republic.
Residents are encouraged to hold public workshops and talks to interact with the local community and enrich the cultural discourse.
APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply, applicants shall be:
Early career curators and CPs from a wide range of backgrounds, especially those from underprivileged communities;
Resident in any Creative Europe country. For the list of CE countries, please see https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/crea/guidance/list-3rd-country-participation_crea_en.pdf;
proficient in English, as all workshops, discussions, and mentoring sessions will be conducted in English;
available for the whole duration of the residency. (A minimum of 85% attendance and participation is required to provide funding.)
Application Form
To apply, you shall:
Join the free ESR Commons Membership (link here)
Complete the application form at the ESR Commons Membership Space (link here)
Submit CV/resume highlighting your experience and a personal statement (max. 500 words) outlining your interest in the residency and how it will benefit your professional practice.
NB: You can send us an equivalent of the application form and the CV/resume in audio and video form.
Optionally, you may provide us with:
Portfolio of past (curatorial) projects
Application Timeline
Open Call Opens: Thursday 14 August 2025
Open Call Closes: Friday 12 September 2025 at 1 pm CEST
Second Round Selection Announcement: Thursday 18 September 2025 (Selected participants for the 2nd round interviews will be notified via email)
Second Round Interviews: Mon 22 – Wed 25 September 2025
Final Decision: Friday 27 September 2025 (Selected ESR participants will be notified via email)
NB: All applicants, regardless of whether they are selected or not, will automatically have exclusive access to all residency online materials, including online ESR Mentor’s Talks via their free account ESR Commons Membership (join here)
Join ESR Commons Access (Free) to submit your application and get everything you need to prepare: live online sessions (Zoom lectures and talks), Q&As, and a growing library of materials—all in one place. It’s free of charge, and you can unsubscribe from emails anytime.
ESR Commons Access (Free) gives applicants a single login to apply to the European Solidarity Residency and unlock all residency online content—live talks, Q&As, and resource downloads.