KCAC Residency: Call for Submissions
Application Deadline: 14th June 2025
Shortlist: Rolling – Interview
Notification of Results: Rolling – latest 30th June 2025.
Residency Periods: 2 weeks – 3 months, subject to change based on unique project proposals.
Call for Submissions
The Kurdistan Center for Arts and Culture (KCAC) is pleased to announce the Call for Submissions for our Inaugural Residency Program. This initiative seeks to foster interdisciplinary scholarship, cultural exchange, and expression rooted in narratives of Kurdistan while uniquely presenting this through various artistic forms supported by Curated by KCAC.
We invite applications from artists, researchers, curators, writers, and cultural practitioners across disciplines in Kurdistan, the broader region, and in diaspora, through different mediums. Furthermore, while applicants from all parts of Kurdistan and the diaspora are prioritised, we welcome international applicants to apply with projects that are in service to Kurdistan’s cultural heritage and contemporary arts.
We encourage proposals that delve into the mosaics of Kurdistan’s historical and cultural heritage, religious, and social traditions, as well as those that may examine the complexities of the contemporary Kurdish experience and expression of identity across geographies. We are particularly interested in projects that centre on cultural resilience and uniquely observed forms of preservation, as well as its contemporary expression. Individual and collaborative projects are supported by the programme. We strongly encourage applicants to combine elements and scopes that KCAC works on.
The residency programme aims to promote a dynamic community of cultural practitioners globally who are dedicated to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Kurdistan, while pushing boundaries of contemporary artistic expression and social engagement.
We look forward to receiving your proposals and supporting your creative endeavours.
Unique to this round – relevant submissions may be welcomed to partake in a special initiative launched in Hawler’s old town by KCAC in early October. Details relevant to this opportunity may be discussed in shortlisted interviews.
About the Residency
Hosted at the KCAC Office and in partnership with local institutions, archives, and communities – the residency offers participants time, space, and resources to deepen their practice and share their efforts in knowledge making with KCAC. Support includes financial assistance, access to research materials and facilities, mentorship from KCAC’s network, and opportunities for public projects and exhibitions.
Residents are requested to work and engage with KCAC’s respective departments (including Curated by KCAC, KCAC Archive, Public Impact, and Literary Publications).
Residents’ submitted projects should fall within the work and engagement of KCAC’s respective departments (including Curated by KCAC, KCAC Archive, Public Impact, and Literary Publications), furthermore, residents are encouraged to contribute to public events or publications, ensuring the network of research and creatives in the region bridge awareness and accessibility. Forms of public engagement include grass root research and dialogue, exhibitions, workshops, lectures, and accessible publications.
Residency Tracks
Applicants may apply under one of the following tracks, which are designed to support KCAC’s scope and a wide range of creative and scholarly pursuits:
- Artistic Creation and Experimentation:
This track welcomes artists and curators working in all disciplines to develop new projects under the scope of Curated by KCAC including exhibitions, audio-visual projects, film, and photojournalism.
- Cultural Research and Writing:
This track invites scholars, researchers, and writers to delve into cultural reflections and translations of cultural works relevant to KCAC’s mission and engage in critical analysis, interpretation, and documentation for publication. Topics may include but are not limited to, cultural reflections, geographical study, traditional practices, language, literature, etc.
- Archival Engagement and Preservation:
This track encourages archivists, librarians, and researchers to explore KCAC’s archival collections, contribute to preservation efforts, and develop projects that utilise archival materials in innovative and meaningful ways. Particularly, the department seeks efforts in manuscript investigation.
- Community-Based Practices:
This track supports artists, activists, and community organisers who are committed to social engagement and collaborative practices, as well as the documentation of community-based practices. Residents in this track will have the opportunity to partner with local communities, develop projects that address a deeper insight into cultural practices upheld by communities, addressing social issues, while promoting dialogue and exchange between KCAC and stakeholders.
Department Heads of each track may judge your applications based on needs and relevance to their missions for the year.
What do we offer?
- A fully funded residency for the duration of the project – details of the funds are allocated subject to the needs of the project.
- A stipend to cover production costs.
- Access to the KCAC archive, library, and office facilities.
- Curatorial and research guidance.
- Opportunities for public presentations and/or publications.
What are we looking for?
- Individuals or collectives with a deep interest in Kurdistan’s cultural heritage, language, and arts.
- Proposals that reflect rigour, creativity, originality, and public engagement.
- Applicants from diverse geographies, with priority given to those in Kurdistan and the diaspora. Emerging and established practitioners.
Application Requirements
Please submit the following materials via email to residency@kcac.org:
- Project Proposal
This should include an overview of your proposed project, objectives, research questions, preferred mediums, frameworks, and budget.
1000 words - Cover Letter/Statement of Interest:
Detailing preferred residency track, period, and interest and relevance of the work’s contribution to KCAC.
500 words - Resume or Portfolio
- One Reference Letter
Applications may be submitted in English and Kurdish (Sorani and Kurmanci)