Hordaland Kunstsenter (HKS) in Bergen, Norway, is now accepting applications for its residency programme. Artists, curators, writers, researchers and other arts professionals from any country are encouraged to apply.

There are TWO deadlines coming up: 1 September and 1 October 2015

Residency period: One to two months.

• One residency place is available in November and December 2015


• Four residency places are available between March and December 2016

About the residency: Since 1987 Hordaland Kunstsenter has coordinated a residency program for non-Norwegian arts professionals to spend a limited period of time living and working in the Bergen area. The Hordaland Kunstsenter artist-in-residence candidates are selected annually through an open call application process or in some cases, by invitation.

The program supports emerging to mid-career established artistic professionals working in any medium and provides them with a platform for research, professional development and also encourages a dialogue within the local art scene. Residents are encouraged to continue with existing projects, or to undertake new research that will be enriched through their stay at the Hordaland Kunstsenter. The aim of the residency is to provide working artistic professionals with a platform for research and production, one they may leave from with expanded possibilities, a broader network, and possibly new works.

Participants engage in public conversations and are encouraged to cultivate a dialogue with local artists and art professionals. Our guests are expected to have a public presentation during their stay with Hordaland Kunstsenter

Who is eligible to participate in the residency programme? 

The residency is open to artists, curators, writers, researchers and other professionals in the field of contemporary art, from any country. The selection process is based on the merits and quality of artistic practice. The program is not available to students.

Residency structure:

Each residency lasts one to two months. Hordaland Kunstsenter is the base for the resident during this period, and provides a work space in our staff office area, in addition to a studio space if this is needed. Hordaland Kunstsenter covers the guest’s travel costs provides accommodation and a work space, and offers a stipend to help offset the high cost of living in Norway.  HKS facilitates introductions to the local art scene and provides administrative and, where possible, logistical support for more specialised or subject-specific research.

What is not covered by the residency programme? 

Hordaland Kunstsenter does not cover shipping of materials or of any artworks or objects produced or collected during the guest’s stay. Similarly any production materials are for the guest’s own account. Hordaland Kunstsenter does not cover the costs of travel within Norway unrelated to the guest’s arrival or departure.

Successful candidates are encouraged to apply for additional funding.

Where does the Hordaland Kunstsenter residency participant live and work?

Our guests stay in a quiet residential area just a few minutes walk from the art center which is situated in downtown Bergen. The one bedroom self-catering apartment is furnished and equipped with a TV and Wi-Fi and has a fully functioning kitchen and spacious living room.

What do artists have access to?

Hordaland Kunstsenter provides guests with a small office space at the art centre, in an area shared with the curatorial and administrative staff. In addition to this, HKS can arrange a studio space and workshop facilities for the guest appropriate to the type of work intended during the residency. This studio will be located in a studio collective in Bergen. Guests are expected to bring their own computer and other tools necessary for their work during the residency.

Application procedure:

Applications must be submitted by email to residency@kunstsenter.no

Download and complete the application form available here.

The application form must be accompanied by the following attachments: CV, at least five images (or other form of documentation) of recent projects, a letter explaining why you would like to participate in the programme and what work you hope to undertake while on the residency.

We accept applications in English only, to accommodate our international jury members. However, language proficiency is not a criteria for evaluation by the jury.

Applications are assessed and chosen by a jury on the basis of merit, and the ability Hordaland Art Centre has to support the proposed research or project.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

*Additional costs for any applicable permits / visas are covered at the artists own expense. A letter of invitation will be provided by Hordaland Kunstsenter if required for visa application.