Mission

European Solidarity Residency (ESR) is a 24-month Creative Europe cooperation project that empowers early-career cultural professionals (CPs) from underrepresented or otherwise disadvantaged backgrounds. We use the transformative power of solidarity in art to advance social inclusion, gender balance, diversity and a greener, more sustainable cultural sector across Europe.

Why European Solidarity Residency?

Innovation gap in the cultural & creative sectors (CCS). Many talented CPs lack equitable access to resources, networks and mentoring.

Need for cross-border solidarity. By pooling the distinct expertise of three institutions in Czechia, Hungary and Croatia, we raise collective capacity and share proven inclusive practices.

Urgency of green and social agendas. ESR embeds climate-conscious production and inclusive work models as standard practice.

Our 3–Phase Approach

  • What happens:

    Intensive peer-to-peer training where partners share residency know-how, inclusive recruitment techniques and green guidelines. Activities include a methodology workshop in Budapest and an online evaluation to refine the standard framework.

    Core outputs:

    • Internal Methodology Report

    • Public Code of Conduct & Green Policy

  • What happens

    Two open calls select 20 CPs (min. 30 % parents, min. 30 % creatives with disabilities). Each artist receives a 30-day residency, stipend, accommodation, access to local research facilities and cross-border online mentoring.

    Core outputs

    • Transparent selection panel

    • 20 individual projects

    • Inclusive accommodation & access arrangements

  • What happens

    Continuous storytelling via project website, social channels and partner networks; closing conference at Lidice Memorial to showcase works and launch a free downloadable ESR Reader (methodology + case studies).

    Core outputs

    • Public website & social media campaigns

    • Final conference + exhibition

    • ESR Reader (open-access)

Methodology & Research Highlights

Inclusive Recruitment & Mentoring Model — developed collectively, tested in two residency rounds, and documented for re-use by other institutions.

Action-Research Loop — every phase is followed by an evaluation (internal progress reports, mid-term meeting, conference). Findings immediately feed back into practice.

Environmental Tracking — partners pilot low-carbon travel incentives and responsible resource use; data feed into the Reader to evidence impact.

Expected Impact

Enhanced careers of 20 CPs through new skills, European networks and public visibility; replicable model for residencies that centre solidarity; stronger regional hubs connected through long-term collaboration; and heightened public awareness of inclusive, sustainable artistic practices.

Contact us

Would you like to learn more about the way we ensure that solidarity is at the centre of our activities?