Open Call for Five Artist and Curator Residency Grants in 2027

The Austrian Federal Ministry for Housing, Art, Culture, Media, and Sport (BMWKMS) has announced a funding opportunity titled FREE AWAY, offering five grants for artists and curators. These awards support international residencies or collaborative projects abroad, targeting individuals working in visual arts, photography, and media art. Each grant provides a monthly stipend of 2,500 euros, with an additional 500 euros for travel expenses. The residency must last three consecutive months and can commence no earlier than 2027, with applicants free to choose the timing and location. Eligibility includes a requirement to submit a detailed proposal for a residency program or partnership overseas, along with a concrete work plan. Applications are due by September 30, 2025, and must be submitted exclusively through an online form via the BMWKMS transparency portal. Required documents include a project description, curriculum vitae, portfolio, diploma, and recent residence registration, with files limited to 18 MB in PDF or XLSX format. Special provisions offer increased stipends for single parents or those receiving enhanced child benefits. An independent jury will review complete submissions, with decisions expected about ten weeks after the deadline. Grant recipients must submit a comprehensive report within three months of their residency's conclusion. Contact information is provided for inquiries, with Dr. Sigrid Olbrich-Hiebler listed as the primary point of contact.