Artists\u2019 residencies<\/a> have become intrinsic to many artistic careers. They play an important role in facilitating and catalysing artists\u2019 ability to move across the world. They have also developed into important elements in the (local) contemporary art scene connecting the local with the global art world.<\/p>\n The artists participating in residency programmes build bridges between countries and cultures contributing to cultural diversity. Artists\u2019 residencies are an invaluable adjunct to short-term cultural exchanges, as they permit artists to develop a deeper understanding of their host societies and cultures. At the same time they create opportunities for giving insights into the cultural background of each participating artist\u2019s own background. Consequently, artistic and cultural exchange and cooperation through residency programmes can increase understanding between countries and cultures. All of this is particularly vital in times of political and economic tension and when public opinion and attitudes across Europe are exhibiting signs of cultural intolerance.<\/p>\n \u2018Artists\u2019 residencies\u2019 is an open and fluid concept. It now encompasses a broad spectrum of activity and engagement. New technologies are providing new experiences including residencies in the digital space. The OMC group<\/a> has used a pragmatic approach in defining residencies that allows for these changes while retaining the essence of the residency phenomenon:<\/p>\n \u2018Artists\u2019 residencies provide artists and other creative professionals with time, space and resources to work, individually or collectively, on areas of their practice that reward heightened reflection or focus.\u2019<\/p>\n Artists\u2019 residencies typically offer accommodation, artistic coaching, production support and\/or presentation facilities. Increasingly, residencies are thematic with the artists in residency working with other artists, scientists, and professionals from a range of disciplines and sectors and\/or working within defined communities on specific themes. Artists\u2019 residencies may ask for a tangible outcome, like an art production, an exhibition, a project, a workshop, a collaboration or may state that there are no prescribed outcomes.<\/p>\nDefinition<\/h3>\n
Context of the Policy Handbook<\/h3>\n