RESEARCH RESIDENCY 2026 OPEN CALL

About the Open Call

The Research Residency 2026 Open Call at PADA Studios offers periods of 1 or 2 months between April and November 2026. This residency is tailored for writers, curators, researchers, or desk-based artists who wish to engage with the PADA community but do not require a dedicated studio space. Successful applicants will receive accommodation in a private double bedroom and a workspace at PADA Studios. The program emphasizes dialogue and artistic development through a structured series of activities including history tours, industrial park tours, gallery tours in Lisbon, artist presentations, and one-to-one curatorial meetings. While the residency provides significant programming and facilities, it is not financially compensated, and selected artists are encouraged to seek external funding to cover the costs (550€ for 1 month, 1000€ for 2 months). PADA Studios is a not-for-profit association with limited financial support. The selection criteria prioritize the quality of work, commitment, alignment with PADA's unique location and facilities, a unique perspective, a willingness to work and live in a community, and the clarity of the proposal.

What is Offered

Accommodation in a private double bedroom, workspace at PADA Studios, access to all PADA Studios facilities (gallery, workshop), access to restricted areas of the Industrial Park, a structured program of activities including history tours, industrial park tours, gallery tours in Lisbon, artist presentations, critiques, and 1-to-1 curatorial meetings/mentoring.

Requirements

Candidates are welcome to apply for periods of 1 or 2 months. Selection criteria include: Quality of work and commitment, applications that consider PADA's unique location and facilities, a unique perspective and approach, interest and willingness to work and live in a community of artists, and clarity and focus of proposal. Applicants should also submit a CV, cover letter, a PDF with work info/portfolio/research proposal, and a statement on environmental impact. Residency costs are 550€ for 1 month or 1000€ for 2 months, which applicants are encouraged to fund independently.

How to Apply

Applications are processed via an Open Call using an Application Form (link provided in original text). Required materials include: personal details and contacts, preferred residency periods, CV, a cover letter (max. 300 words), a PDF with relevant work info including artist statement/show bio, portfolio, and research proposal (max. 10 pages, 10MB), and a few sentences about minimizing environmental impact. Artists are notified by mid-December 2025.