Het Wilde Weten is launching its annual open call for 4 upcoming artists-in-residencies, inviting artists, curators, and cultural practitioners from all horizons to apply. Our AIR’s purpose is to offer residents an opportunity to have a research period in Rotterdam, alongside the 20 artists having their studios at Het Wilde Weten.
THERE ARE 4 RESIDENCY PERIODS AVAILABLE:
-> November 1st 2026 — January 31st 2027 (3 months)(Deadline: September 11th 2026, midnight)
-> February 1st 2027 — April 30th 2027 (3 months)
-> May 1st 2027 — July 30th 2027 (3 months)
-> November 1st 2027 — January 31 2028 (3 months)
(Deadline: October 16th 2026, midnight)
Please see below how to apply, and our FAQ section.
HET WILDE WETEN’s RESIDENCY PROGRAM
ContextWith its artist-in-residency program, Het Wilde Weten offers artists, curators, and cultural practitioners from all horizons an opportunity to have a research period in Rotterdam, alongside the ± 20 artists working in Het Wilde Weten’s studio building. We aim to stimulate cultural exchange by connecting practices from diverse backgrounds, both local and International. Rotterdam
Rotterdam has a vibrant art scene with multiple artist-run initiatives, exhibition spaces, and cultural projects. A residency at Het Wilde Weten is a great way to get in touch with these networks of cultural actors and art institutions. Our studio building is located in the heart of Rotterdam – the main museums and art centres are easily reachable on foot. Accommodation
On the first floor of our building, the guest artist has access to a 30 m2 studio furnished with a kitchenette, a loft bed, a wardrobe and a desk. A private bathroom with shower and a shared toilet are adjacent to the studio. Downstairs is the communal kitchen and rear garden; while on the second floor is a coffee corner. The guest artist has access to a bicycle and internet connection. Due to fire safety regulations, we can only accept individual artists living in the building. Support
We provide support for our guests by connecting them with artists, curators or other cultural agents working in their field. Within the first weeks upon arrival, we will organise a welcome dinner or lunch, where the new guest(s) artist(s) are invited to give an informal presentation to introduce themselves to fellow HWW members and the Rotterdam art scene. Het Wilde Weten being an artist-run space whose members contribute to the residency and public programs on a voluntary base, our guests are expected to be mainly autonomous in conducting their residency. Outcome
Our residents can organise an open-studio weekend or propose a public event in our ± 70 m2 Project Space, allowing for exhibitions, screenings, debates or any public format. This can happen upon discussion, and be scheduled depending on other activities, either during or after the residency period. Costs
The costs of the Guest Studio (live & work) at Het Wilde Weten are € 550 per month. Unfortunately, Het Wilde Weten does not offer funding for the residency program. However, we can provide the selected artists a letter of invitation for founding applications with 3rd parties.
Calendar
We usually offer four 3-months residences per year, with some adjustments based on specific partnerships. Our yearly open-call is usually published at the beginning of fall. Please subscribe to our Newsletter and keep an eye on our Instagram to be informed about the next open-calls
Please see responses to frequently asked questions below.
HOW TO APPLY: Please make one single PDF (max. 10mb) combining the following documents, in order:
– filled-in application form (download here)
– a portfolio of max. 10 pictures/pages representative of your practice
– selected links to audio/video material if relevant (max 10 min.)
– optionally, some visuals supporting your residency plan
– an updated CV
Please rename the PDF as such Name_Surname.pdf and send it to residency@hetwildeweten.nl
Deadline 1: September 11th 2026 (midnight) for the period November 2026–January 2027.
Deadline 2: Deadline: October 16th 2026 (midnight), for the residency periods in 2027 / 2028.
Please make sure to respect the format above. If you have any questions, feel free to send us an email at that same address.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
– HOW TO APPLY?
Please fill in the Application Form and attach the requested documents in one single PDF (max 10 mb). Send it to our residency email address by the indicated deadline
– WHEN IS YOUR NEXT OPEN CALL?
We tend to make one yearly open call around September. This website is updated at the same time our Newsletter goes out, announcing upcoming availabilities for our residency program. Please subscribe to our newsletter and keep an eye on our Instagram and Facebook pages to be informed about the next open calls.
– IS IT POSSIBLE TO LIVE IN THE GUEST STUDIO DURING MY RESIDENCY?
Yes, you live and work in the same space. The guest studio is located on the first floor of Het Wilde Weten. Its 30sqm studio is furnished with a chair, loft bed, fridge, wardrobe and a desk. There is a private shower and a shared toilet adjacent to the studio, as well as a washing-machine. Downstairs is a shared kitchen, while there is a coffee corner on the second floor. You will have access to a bicycle and a wireless internet connection. Towels and bedding are provided.
– WE ARE AN ARTIST DUO, CAN WE BOTH COME?
Unfortunately, we can only have one artist in the studio/living space due to fire regulation.
– HOW MUCH IS THE RENT?
The rent is € 550 all inclusive, per month. We ask you for a 200€ deposit upon the signature of our mutual agreement and to secure the residency, which we will return at the end of the residency period, assuming everything is in good order.
– IS THERE ANY ADDITIONAL CHARGE OR RENTAL FEE IF SOMEONE IS SPENDING THE NIGHT WITH ME?
Unfortunately only one person can sleep in the studio due to fire regulations.
– HOW MUCH SUPPORT CAN I EXPECT DURING MY RESIDENCY?
We love to receive guest artists and try to facilitate the development of their practice, help organise studio visits when relevant, advise about events and visits in Rotterdam and beyond that might be of interest to our guest, etc. But keep in mind that Het Wilde Weten isn’t an institution but an artist-run space. All of its members are artists themselves, and contribute to the residency and public programs on a voluntary basis. You are therefore expected to be essentially autonomous in the development of your work during your residency.
– I LIVE IN ROTTERDAM, CAN I APPLY ANYWAY?
Our residency program favours Dutch and international artists looking for an opportunity to reside in Rotterdam for a temporary period – since it gives a special chance to connect to our local network. If you are based in Rotterdam, please check-out the open-calls for Het Wilde Weten’s Project Space, which offer a larger workspace to artists who don’t need a live & work combo.
– I AM STUDENT – CAN I APPLY AT THE SAME TIME?
We usually don’t accept applications from students, as we assume your cursus takes up much time, but a residency at Het Wilde Weten may be a nice springboard for artists after their studies.
– CAN I CHOOSE THE SPECIFIC TIME SLOT?
Yes, if applicable. We try to accommodate different needs. However, the calendar must be clearly agreed upon in advance.
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