This partially funded residency program is aimed at international artists interested in connecting with Spain’s artistic and cultural landscape. The purpose of this residency is to support artistic creation and cultural exchange by fostering meaningful connections between international artists and the vibrant artistic community of Madrid. The program seeks to strengthen cultural networks, encourage dialogue between local and international practices, and provide artists with the resources, time, and space necessary to research, create, learn, and engage with Madrid’s dynamic contemporary art scene. The core values of this residency are:

• To offer artists dedicated time and space to work independently on their projects within Madrid’s vibrant artistic environment.
• To provide physical and mental distance from everyday routines, helping artists gain perspective and focus their energy on creative processes.
• To introduce international artists to Madrid and its artistic ecosystem, facilitating access to its powerful and diverse cultural networks.
• To contribute to the local cultural landscape through artist talks, public events, gallery visits, and encounters with the artistic community.
• To foster meaningful connections between international artists and Madrid-based artists, institutions, and cultural spaces, promoting exchange and mutual enrichment.

What does this residency offer?

1 · STUDIO

• Private studio space of approximately 20 m² (with independent entrance)
• Natural light
• Window and door with ventilation
• One bathroom (no shower)
• A shared outdoor patio of more than 40 m², suitable for contemplation, creative thinking, and outdoor activities
• A shared indoor space of 30 m² with a communal worktable shared with three other creatives (architects), including access to a coffee machine, microwave, dining table, plates, glasses, etc.

2 · ACCESS TO TRANSPORT

The studio is located in the Tetuán neighborhood, specifically on Calle de los Artistas (as it couldn’t be otherwise 😊).

Cuatro Caminos metro station: 100 meters Nuevos Ministerios metro and commuter train station: 800 meters

3 · CONNECTION TO MADRID’S ARTISTIC COMMUNITY

Artists will have the opportunity to establish active, meaningful, and lasting connections with artists, collectives, cultural spaces, institutions, and networks that shape Madrid’s creative ecosystem. This may include collaborating on projects, exchanging ideas, building support networks, and contributing to contemporary cultural dialogue. Residents will also benefit from Madrid’s rich cultural agenda: theaters, free open-air cinemas, exhibitions, and cultural activities organized by the Community of Madrid.

4 · MEETINGS AND ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE STUDIO

Encounters and activities may take place both within and outside the studio to promote exchange and showcase the invited artist’s work. These may include studio visits, readings, collective meetings, gallery visits, exhibition openings, and events hosted by other collectives, artist studios, or cultural spaces.

5 · INTRODUCTION TO THE ARTISTIC COLLECTIVE “TETUÁN CREA”

Utzella Studio is part of the Tetuán Crea artistic collective. During the residency, the selected artist will be able to take part in the collective’s activities and gatherings, meet other local artists from the neighborhood, and discover additional spaces in Tetuán where exhibitions and artistic projects take place.

6 · OPEN STUDIO & EXHIBITION

At the end of the residency, an open studio event will be held, offering the artist the opportunity to present finished works or works in progress developed during the residency. The event may include an opening with collectors, curators, and members of the artistic community.

Residency Duration:

The residency will take place from July 15th to August 31st. The program may be divided into two periods:

·July 15th – July 31st (one artist)

·August 1st – August 31st (one artist)

This structure aims to promote exchange and increase participation opportunities. The final decision regarding a one- or two-month stay will be made based on the artist’s preference, the studio coordinator’s assessment, and studio availability.

Rent fee is 120 euros/per week.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted via the application form attached to this open call. The application must be written in English or Spanish. Application deadline: April 19th, 2026 at 11:59 PM (CET). Late applications will not be considered.

Applicants must upload one single PDF document including the following information in the same order:  

• Biography and artist statement
• Portfolio or dossier 
• Curriculum vitae
• Motivation letter
• Project description (In case there is a project to be developed during the residency).

Selection process:

The selected artist(s) will be notified by email, and the results will be announced on May 25th, 2026.

Contact & inquiries

Maria Utzella

Calle de los artistas 26, 28020, Madrid.

Instagram: @mariautzella

* Applications submitted through any channel other than the official form will not be considered.

Application Form