RAIZVANGUARDA

ESCOLA -ESTÚDIO RAIZVANGUARDA– is a project-based, interdisciplinary platform for artists and all kinds of creative thinkers: writers, musicians, curators, cultural managers, academics and other cultural actors devoted to establishing close cooperation through interdisciplinary programmes and residencies.
The residency programme selects individuals or small groups (2-6 people) with practical, creative, and original proposals several times a year and provides them with the environment needed to bring projects to life; whether it’s starting a publication, shooting a film, curating an exhibition, writing a script, or designing an institution.
Through the residency programme, residents are provided with the opportunity to live and work in Góis, Portugal (house/library/studios), developing their individual projects and immersing themselves in the region’s creative and rural atmosphere.

ACCESS TO SPACES: We offer access to 2 large studios/exhibition spaces 40m2, 2 smaller studio space. Video projector, screen, video camera, dark room. Office facilities including printer, scanner and access to laptop computers. Storage room, access to garden, kitchen and toilet.
ADDITIONAL SPACES (dependent on availability): Gois Cultural Centre – 285-seat theatre space with projector, sound system, backstage facilities and exhibition space in Gois Town Centre. We also happy to work with artists on finding alternative space to present work.

ACCOMMODATION: gender neutral shared living quarters: shared dorm, bathroom, shared kitchen and dining/living area. Residents also have access to outdoor space, balcony, laundry service, Wi-Fi connection, bike, weekly cleaning service, and info-pack for daily use (sent before arrival). Participants are responsible for covering their daily expenses, including food, visa, travel costs to and from the residency.
Please note, currently our studios and spaces are not wheelchair accessible.

PRESENTATION OF ARTISTS’ WORK: All artists are encouraged to share the outcome of their residency through a performance, exhibition, talk or open rehearsal at the Escola–Estúdio RAIZVANGUARDA for the local audience of Gois. We are also happy to provide feedback on work. Additional performances or exhibitions can be arranged in the neighbouring villages or the nearest city, Coimbra. Artists should inform us at least one month in advance to allow for preparation of these events. Were possible, artists must leave one piece of work with the organisation to add to our residency portfolio.

DEADLINE & RESIDENCY SLOTS: RESIDENCY SLOTS: August 2016 – November 2016 – Deadline: 5pm, Thursday 31st March 2016. Artists will be notified of decision two weeks after the deadline.
COST: 85 EUR per week. A 40% deposit will be required shortly after acceptance of residency offer to hold your place. Full payments should be made one month before participants’ arrival through bank transfer or PayPal.
ELIGIBILITY AND CRITERIA: Good level of English is required. Applicants must be at least 18 years old – there is no upper age limit for the programme. No academic requirements are needed, but if applicants do not have a Bachelor’s degree/equivalent training, they should have had an equal amount of independent work experience.

APPLICATIONS: Please complete the enclosed Application Form and send your application to arp@raizvanguarda.pt. This should be accompanied by an up to date CV, and portfolio (maximum of ten works). Applicants will be informed of our decision two weeks after then deadline.
Organisers of residency programme are happy to give advice to successful participants’ applying for grants to cover travel expenses – see our Financial Support for Artists section.

* Note: if you are a small group (6-8) and interested in applying, please get in touch as it may be possible to find alternative accommodation dependent on availability.
Here is what past residents have to say:
“I felt very supported by both the organisers and the volunteers here at RV. They made me feel very welcomed from the start until the end of my residency. The artist accommodation is very spacious and comfortable, The studio spaces are light, quite and ample space” Sandy Sigala, Canada – Film Maker
“Everyone here is extremely helpful, generous and friendly. I felt so welcomed. All of the work for my final performance couldn’t have been done without the help of the team. The studio spaces worked perfectly for me. The spaces are big enough even for people whos work is movement based – great spaces” Andrius Mulokas, Lithuania – Dancer and Performance Artist
“Great environment! Perfect To create work (specially office work, writing, painting, sculpture/installation outdoor, music, dance…) and lovely surrounding to go for a walk to get fresh air for new inspiration. It is a very open-minded studio so people (RV members) and new residents can talk and organise the best way to divide the space or where to work.” Bruno Lavos Marques, Portugal – Visual Artist
* Note: if you are a small group (6-8) and interested in applying, please get in touch as it may be possible to find alternative accommodation dependent on availability.