Call For Applications – ALTERLIFE II: Joint Production and Research Residency

About the Open Call

The ALTERLIFE residency, a collaboration between Rupert (Vilnius) and Sonic Acts (Amsterdam), is a joint production and research program for interdisciplinary artists and collectives. The second edition invites proposals that interrogate the cultural, political and historical forces shaping our collective future in response to the climate emergency, moving beyond just highlighting environmental impact. Artists are encouraged to use speculative thought, critical inquiry, and experimental storytelling to imagine new ways of being. The program offers two residency periods: April–May 2026 at Rupert in Vilnius, Lithuania, and November 2026 at Sonic Acts in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. It culminates in two presentations: one at Rupert (late 2026–2027) and a final work at the Sonic Acts Biennial in early 2028. The residency supports the development of a new artwork and expects artists to share their research through public presentations (lectures, performances, screenings, etc.) in each location. Proposals for installation-based work incorporating video, sound, performance, or other hybrid forms are particularly welcome. The program is part of 'New Perspectives for Action' and co-funded by the European Union.

What is Offered

A combined 3-month residency (April–May 2026 at Rupert, November 2026 at Sonic Acts) with fully-funded accommodation and workspace. A total stipend of €3,800 and up to €400 travel support for each location. A production budget of €7,000 (€2,000 for Rupert, €5,000 for Sonic Acts). Visibility through features on Sonic Acts and Rupert websites/publications. Professional support including feedback, funding application help, and production assistance. Mentorship from local artists and curators. Opportunity for research presentations and final exhibitions in Vilnius (2026/2027) and Amsterdam (2028).

Requirements

The residency is open to all EU-based artists, including those from EEA EFTA countries (Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein), acceding, candidate, and potential candidate countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Ukraine), and European Neighbourhood Policy countries (Armenia, Tunisia). Individual artists or duos are encouraged to apply, particularly those with a multidisciplinary approach incorporating sound and video. Applicants should demonstrate a clear vision for how their practice will unfold across both locations and culminate in a final project with strong emphasis on public engagement and final presentation.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted through Homerun. Applicants must submit a CV, a portfolio (up to 5 works, max 10 pages and 10 MB), a project description for the new work (up to 600 words), and a feasible sample production budget (€2,000 for Rupert in Vilnius and €5,000 for Sonic Acts in Amsterdam). The deadline for submissions is Sunday, 17 August 2025, 23:59 CEST. Shortlist interviews will be held from 15–19 September 2025, and selected applicants will be notified by 1 October 2025.