RUЯALCREA 2025 Artist Residency Open Call

About the Open Call

Nectar launches the open call for the 1st edition of its artist residency program RUЯALCREA, with the aim of revitalizing cultural life in rural communities through the active presence of artists and creators in residence. The program promotes direct exchange between artists, local inhabitants, and the surrounding environment, positioning small rural towns as spaces for research, creation, and cultural dissemination. The residency is aimed at ongoing projects —visual, performing, or research-based—that seek a meaningful connection with the territory, either as a source of inspiration or as part of the creative process. This first edition will take place in La Nou de Gaià (Tarragonès, Tarragona), a small and welcoming town just a few kilometers from the Mediterranean Sea. 4 artists will be selected. The RUЯALCREA program will last a total of three months, from September to November 2025. The stay will be divided into two 6-week periods (2 artists per period). The residency will take place in La Nou de Gaià, in the Tarragonès region (Tarragona). Accommodation: The selected artists will stay in a private house located in the village of La Nou de Gaià. Each artist will have their own private room. Food: Every week, artists will receive a basket of locally-sourced, organic fruits and vegetables (Km 0). Additionally, they will receive a one-time starter pack of basic food and hygiene products. All other food expenses will be covered by the artist. Workspaces: The workspaces are located in the same house where the residents are accommodated: spacious, multipurpose areas with natural light. Depending on each project’s needs, it will also be possible to use other spaces in the village for specific or community-oriented activities. Transport: A pick-up service from the nearest train station will be available if needed. Calendar: The residency is divided into two 6-week periods: 1st period: September 3 – October 15, 2025. 2nd period: October 17 – November 28, 2025. Announcement of results: July 23, 2025. Grants: Nectar will award 4 full grants (100%). Each artist will receive a small financial contribution to support the creation and production of the project developed during the residency, including a possible public presentation. The first edition of the RUЯALCREA residency will take place in La Nou de Gaià, a charming small village in the Tarragonès region (Tarragona) with just over 600 inhabitants. Located only 1 hour from Barcelona, 15 minutes from Tarragona, and 3 km from the Mediterranean coast, it offers a peaceful, inspiring, and well-connected environment. The village has regular public transportation (buses with direct connections to Tarragona and nearby towns) and train stations within close proximity.

What is Offered

4 full grants (100%) including a 6-week artist residency, accommodation (private room), private/shared work studio, interactions with local and international professionals, a public event at a cultural space in La Nou de Gaià, weekly basket of local organic fruit and vegetables (Km 0) and a one-time starter pack of basic food and hygiene products, communication and social media support, transport from the nearest train station, and mentoring and studio visits by the Nectar team. Each artist will also receive a small financial contribution to support the creation and production of the project.

Requirements

The residency is open to artists, creatives, and researchers working in the fields of visual and performing arts, both local and international. Candidates must submit a project proposal including a description, tentative timeline, and objectives. Artistic or research projects must integrate the village’s cultural, historical, social, or landscape identity, using the local context as a source of inspiration or reflection. Special consideration will be given to projects that encourage interaction with residents and the community, through workshops, participatory activities, collaborations with local organizations, or other formats.

How to Apply

To apply, candidates must submit a PDF document (up to 10 MB) with a Project Proposal, Short bio/CV, and Portfolio using the online application form. Documents in Catalan, Spanish, or English are accepted.