About the Open Call

The Rijksakademie welcomes applications from artists to develop their work over one or two-year periods in Amsterdam. The residency houses a highly international, multi-disciplinary, experimental, and critically engaged artist community. Residents are supported with a studio, a work budget, and a stipend, and benefit from an array of opportunities for exchange, including peer-to-peer dialogue and visits from a wide range of leading art professionals. They have access to technical workshops as well as an extensive library and a historical collection, with guidance by technical specialists. The goal is to provide space for research, reflection, experiment, and exchange. Approximately 23 artists are selected annually for a full residency, most staying for two years, with roughly half from the Netherlands and half from around the world. The jury process involves several rounds, focusing initially on visual documentation (portfolio), followed by a main selection round considering additional information, and concluding with interviews for approximately 60 candidates. The jury seeks diversity in practice and personal backgrounds. The residency is open to visual artists from all countries and disciplines. Artists are expected to commit actively and full-time to their work and contribute to the diverse community. There are no age restrictions, though most applicants are between 26 and 35. English proficiency is required, but no IELTS or TOEFL test is needed.

What is Offered

A private studio (including wireless internet/heating/electricity), a stipend of €19,800 (in 2026) per year, a working budget of €2,500 per year, access to artistic/technical/theoretical advice, support and facilities, exchange and collaboration within an international community, lunch and dinner at subsidised prices, support with the visa process in the Netherlands, and access to modest, but affordable housing in Amsterdam for international artists.

Requirements

The residency is open to visual artists from all countries and disciplines. Applicants usually have finished a BA or BA and MA education, but formal art education is not a prerequisite. Those with formal education must have finished at least 2 years before applying and have 2-3 years of independent professional practice. Those without formal education must also have at least 2-3 years of independent professional practice. The application is not open to artists who are currently in or have completed a residency at other Dutch post-academic institutions (Jan van Eyck Academy or De Ateliers). A limit of three applications to the Rijksakademie applies. Applicants must understand and speak English. Selected artists are required to pay an annual participation fee of €1,875 and contribute to fundraising efforts for a fellowship of approximately €20,000 per year. Artists are expected to commit actively and full-time to their own work and to contributing to the highly diverse community of artists.

How to Apply

Interested artists can apply using the online application form, which will be available on the Rijksakademie website from January 1, 2026. The application requires documentation, descriptions of documentation, a CV, and answers to questions about motivation. Artists from countries on the DAC List (2024-2025) are exempt from the application fee.