Call for Artists
Creative Landscapes – Arts and Ecology Residency
Download Selection Policies and Guidelines
Organised by Misko uostas and Parsec
Supported by the Erasmus+ Programme
Lithuania & Italy
2026
Creative Landscapes – Arts and Ecology Residency is a twelve-week international residency program fostering artistic research, ecological awareness, and community engagement through contemporary art.
Structured in two six-week phases – one in Italy and one in Lithuania – the program offers fully funded opportunities for two artists, one based in Lithuania and one based in Italy, including travel, accommodation, and production support, to explore land-based and community-oriented practices while living and working in inspiring local contexts. We encourage applications from artists working across different media and methodologies, including participatory and socially engaged practices, video, performance, sound, installation, public art, and cross-disciplinary or experimental approaches.
The residency unfolds across two rural territories that are geographically distant yet connected by shared ecological and social themes. By experiencing both environments, the selected artists can develop a situated and translocal practice, observing differences and similarities in community dynamics, material cultures, environmental concerns, and ways of inhabiting rural space. This dual structure enables a research process grounded in comparison, adaptation, and exchange, expanding the artists’ understanding of how ecological issues and local knowledge manifest across different contexts.
The residency aims to connect artistic creation with ecological learning and participatory practices, encouraging artists to engage with local communities and environments through participatory projects, workshops, and collective events.
The artists will have the opportunity to produce a new work that will be presented at Terrapolis Festival in Italy in September 2026.
The first residency period will take place in Italy, at Borgo di Colle Ameno in Sasso Marconi (IT), from 16 March to 24 April 2026.
The second residency period will be held in Lithuania, at Miško Uostas/Trainspotting Residency in Švenčionėliai, from 24 May to 5 July 2026.
The open call is open to two artists—one based in Lithuania and one based in Italy—who will participate in both residencies and subsequently in the Terrapolis Festival.
TIMELINE
The residency programme includes events and activities open to the public, such as:
1 workshop
1 optional activity to define together with the curatorial team
1 open studios
Residency Structure
Phase 01 – Italy
Location: Borgo di Colle Ameno, Sasso Marconi (Italy)
Dates: 16 March – 24 April 2026
Artists will live and work in the historic village of Colle Ameno, hosted by Parsec in collaboration with the Municipality of Sasso Marconi. The residency provides shared studio space, apartments, and access to community and workshop areas.
Participants will develop projects through territorial research, community engagement, and dialogue with local artisans and cultural workers. They will also lead public workshops and contribute to collective events exploring the relationship between art, ecology, and sustainability.
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Phase 2 – Lithuania
Location: Misko uostas, Lithuania
Dates: 24 May – 5 July 2026
Trainspotting Residency will offer a space for artists to research and create in dialogue with a unique community and environment hosted by community Misko uostas in rural Svencioneliai, a small town with a calm, nature-rich environment. The residency provides apartments, co-working space and access to community and workshop areas.
Participants will develop projects through territorial research, community engagement, and dialogue with local artists and cultural workers. They will also lead public workshops and contribute to collective events exploring the relationship between art, ecology, and sustainability.
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What We Offer
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Fully funded 12-week residency (daily stipend per artist, travel, accommodation)
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Production covered up to €5000 per artist
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Curatorial and logistical support from Misko uostas and Parsec teams
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Networking opportunities with visiting tutors
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Shared workspace and individual or shared living space
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Participation in a dedicated public programme that includes workshops, open studios, events open to the community
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Participation at Terrapolis Festival 2026
Eligibility
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Artists must be based in Italy or in Lithuania
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Ability to participate in Terrapolis Festival in Italy, from the 11th to the 13th of September 2026.
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Research focused on ecology, community-based practices, new materialities, sustainability, and site-specific methodologies.
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Ability to communicate in English
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Ability to participate in all phases of the project: the first residency in Italy, the second residency in Lithuania. Selected artists must spend at least 80% of the residency time on site
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Care: Creative Landscapes is open to all people and it’s an antifascist, antisexist, antiracist, anti-ableist space.
Selection Process & Other Information
Applications will be reviewed by a jury from Misko uostas and Parsec. Selection will be based on relevance to the residency’s ecological and community themes, artistic quality and originality of the proposal, feasibility within the residency context.
If you have family members you need to bring along, please let us know and we’ll find a solution (see the FAQs).
About the Partners
Misko uostas (Lithuania) and Parsec (Italy) are cultural organisations committed to developing sustainable and participatory artistic practices. Through this Erasmus+ supported initiative, they aim to strengthen cross-cultural collaboration and integrate ecology into artistic and educational programs.
FAQ
Are the locations accessible?
If you experience any accessibility challenges, please contact us at creativelandscapeseu@gmail.com — we’ll be happy to find solutions together.
Is the residency open to artists with their family?
If you plan to bring your family with you, please reach out to us creativelandscapeseu@gmail.com. We’ll work with you to find the best arrangement.
Can duos apply?
Duos are accepted, but please note that budget is fixed and must be divided between both participants.
How to go to Colle Ameno?
Location/ transport links
By car: From Bologna centre, head towards the A1 motorway or follow signs for Sasso Marconi / Appennino Bolognese. You can take the A1 exit “Sasso Marconi” and then follow local roads to the borgo. According to a guide: “in auto, tramite autostrada A1 si esce direttamente a Sasso Marconi”
Alternatively, you can follow the SS-64 Porrettana road in the direction of Sasso Marconi.
Once in Sasso Marconi, look for signs to Borgo di Colle Ameno or the address: Via Borgo di Colle Ameno 32, 40037 Sasso Marconi (BO).
Driving time: Short—since Colle Ameno is about 10 km outside Bologna.
Tip: Parking may be limited in the historic borgo area, so plan for a short walk from a parking area.
By public transport: From Bologna Centrale railway station, you can take the bus line 92 towards Sasso Marconi. It takes about 50-55 minutes.
Once you arrive at the Sasso Marconi / Pontecchio bus stop, follow local signs for the Borgo di Colle Ameno (a few minutes’ walk).
Make sure to check current bus timetable and stops (weekends may have different service).
Where to eat in Colle Ameno?
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Osteria dei Sani (Via Porrettana 324 D) — Website
Gluten-free? Yes (mentions “gluten free options”) Tripadvisor+3Tripadvisor+3Atly+3
Vegan? Yes, “Vegan options” also mentioned. Tripadvisor+1 -
Osteria Colle Ameno (Borgo di Colle Ameno 3/1) — Gluto entry
Gluten-free? They have availability of bread without gluten and “senza glutine” mentioned. Gluto
Vegan? Not clearly confirmed online — you may want to call ahead to verify. -
Acquasala (Via Porrettana 245) — InfoSasso listing
Gluten‐free? Not clearly stated.
Vegan/Vegetarian friendly? The listing notes it is “adatta a vegetariani/vegan” (suitable for vegetarians/vegans) dogwelcome.it
How to go to Švenčionėliai?
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Location/ transport links