2026-2027 International Residency Program – Open Call

About the Open Call

A4 Residency Art Center, located in Chengdu, China, is a multidisciplinary global exchange platform that integrates creation, networking, and resources. It is dedicated to fostering cross-cultural creative collisions and innovation through residency programs while promoting the deep integration of creative culture with commerce and communities. Since its establishment in 2011, A4 has collaborated with 192 creators from 36 countries and regions, spanning diverse fields including artists, scientists, writers, poets, scholars, musicians, architects, designers, and brand founders. The residency provides interdisciplinary creative support and facilitates meaningful connections between resources, fostering opportunities for transformation and collaboration. The residency program engages with diverse themes, spanning the individual and the emotional, the local and the external, the localization and the globalisation, as well as an extensive array of social groups and community practices in China. A4 Residency Art Center respects creative outcomes in various forms and disciplines, encouraging artists to use diverse media and approaches to forge connections and collaborations with the local environment, with a focus on interdisciplinary integration and innovation. The residency program strives to achieve localization, openness, collaboration, and participation, and expects resident artists to approach the program with the same mindset, engaging actively with the community and urban life, sharing collaborative methods, utilizing tools and expertise, and growing alongside the team and external participants. The residency team will fully support artists’ work, offering access to the center’s resource library and assisting with connections to local resources. Through the unique “Super Agent” system, artists will be paired with local residents to gain authentic perspectives on daily life, helping them quickly understand the area, integrate into the community, and establish their creative direction. The residency program has established a comprehensive documentation and research system. Who Can Apply: We welcome applications from multidisciplinary artists (including but not limited to visual arts, performing arts, music, film, sound, and architecture), curators (engaged in cross-disciplinary exhibition-making, curation, and project development), designers (spanning product design, fashion design, spatial design, interactive design, and related fields), and other creatives with interdisciplinary backgrounds capable of integrating art, business, and cultural sectors. Residency Duration: Spring 2026 (April – June), Autumn 2026 (July – October), Spring 2027 (April – June). Each residency lasts 8 to 10 weeks, with a minimum commitment of 8 weeks. Selection Criteria: 1. Creativity & Innovation: Uniqueness and originality of the proposed project and its potential to push artistic, design, or commercial boundaries. 2. Cross-disciplinary Collaboration: The applicant’s ability to engage with local communities and commercial brands, generating sustainable impact. 3. Feasibility & Execution: The application can efficiently execute the project within the specified time and achieve the expected results. 4. Social & Cultural Impact: Potential contributions to the local community and cultural landscape.

What is Offered

Studio & Accommodation, Travel Support, Production Grant (RMB 10,000), Resource Network, Cultural Immersion, Media Exposure, Events & Networking, Presentation Opportunities.

Requirements

Personal Resume and Portfolio (including relevant art practice cases and examples of collaborations), Project Proposal (a detailed plan outlining the intended project, objectives, methodology, and how it will engage with local communities or commercial partners).

How to Apply

Applicants must submit all materials in both English and Chinese, including: Personal photo, Portfolio, CV, Project Proposal. Please email your application to: a4residency@a4am.cn with the subject 'A4 International Residency Application – [Your Name]'.