Embassy of Foreign Artists Residency Programme – Switzerland

Deadline: 15-Sep-26

The Embassy of Foreign Artists Residency Programme, in partnership with the Centre for Digital Humanities and Multilateralism at the Geneva Graduate Institute, offers a three-month residency in Geneva, Switzerland for professional artists interested in conducting archival research within international organizations. Selected residents receive accommodation, a CHF 1,400 monthly allowance, artistic guidance, and access to relevant archival networks.

About the Embassy of Foreign Artists Residency Programme

The Embassy of Foreign Artists (EOFA) Residency Programme supports artists who want to develop new creative perspectives through research and international exchange. The current residency is being offered in partnership with the Centre for Digital Humanities and Multilateralism at the Geneva Graduate Institute. The programme is based in Geneva, Switzerland, a major international hub hosting numerous intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations. The three-month residency gives artists the opportunity to explore archival collections and develop artistic projects connected to the histories, decisions and experiences preserved within international organizations. What Is the Focus of the Residency? The residency focuses on artistic archival research and multilateral history. Artists are encouraged to use archival materials as the primary resource for developing original artistic work.

Potential research themes include:

Untold human stories preserved in institutional archives. Histories of international cooperation. Intergovernmental decision-making. Successes and failures of multilateral institutions. Agreements, negotiations and diplomatic processes. Personal correspondence and informal archival records. Collective memory and international history. New or reimagined visions for international cooperation. The programme encourages artists to look beyond official narratives and explore the human, social and cultural dimensions of international organizations. What Do Residents Receive? Selected residents receive several forms of support during the three-month residency. Each residency provides a CHF 1,400 monthly allowance intended as a daily living allowance. The stipend remains the same whether the residency is undertaken by an individual, duo or group. Artistic Guidance Residents receive artistic guidance from the Embassy of Foreign Artists throughout the residency. Access to Archival Networks The programme also facilitates connections with relevant personnel working within the archives of Geneva-based international organizations. This access is particularly important because the selected project must be based primarily on archival research. Who Is Eligible? Applicants must meet the programme’s professional and personal eligibility requirements.

Eligible applicants must:

Have an established professional artistic practice. Have a substantial artistic portfolio. Be over 28 years old. Not be enrolled in a basic art training programme. Be proficient in French or English.

Applications can be submitted by:

Individual artists. Duos. Groups. However, the residency stipend remains CHF 1,400 per month per residency, regardless of whether the project involves one person or multiple participants. What Type of Artists Can Apply? The opportunity is aimed at professional artists with a demonstrated body of work and an interest in research-driven artistic practice. The programme can be particularly relevant to artists working with: The central requirement is that the proposed project should meaningfully engage with archival resources connected to Geneva-based international organizations. How the Residency Works

Step 1: Develop an Archival Research Idea

Applicants should begin with a strong artistic research concept. The proposal should explain what historical, social or institutional question the artist wants to explore.

Step 2: Identify Relevant Archives

The project should use archives of Geneva-based intergovernmental or non-governmental organizations as its primary research resource. Applicants should consider what kinds of documents could help answer their research questions.

Potential materials include:

Official documents. Correspondence. Agreements. Institutional records. Informal documents. Historical materials relating to international cooperation.

Step 3: Connect the Archives With Artistic Practice

The proposal should demonstrate how archival research will inform the artist’s creative practice. Rather than simply conducting historical research, applicants should explain how archival discoveries could lead to a new artistic perspective, interpretation or work.

Step 4: Prepare a Professional Portfolio

Applicants should demonstrate their artistic experience through a substantial portfolio. The portfolio should provide evidence of an established professional practice and help the selection committee understand the applicant’s artistic approach.

Step 5: Demonstrate Language Ability

Applicants must be proficient in either French or English, enabling them to communicate effectively during the residency and engage with archival personnel. Costs Not Covered by the Residency Applicants should plan for expenses that are not included in the residency support.

In particular:

Travel costs are the responsibility of the resident. Potential artistic production costs are also the responsibility of the resident. The CHF 1,400 monthly allowance should therefore be considered when preparing a realistic financial plan for the residency period. Why This Residency Matters The residency creates an opportunity for artists to investigate international history through materials that are often inaccessible to the general public. Its value extends beyond traditional archival research because it encourages artists to reinterpret institutional history through creative practice.

The programme can help artists:

Access international archival collections. Develop research-based artistic projects. Connect wit