About the Open Call

The Trinacria Festival Residency is designed for professional artists whose work directly engages the Pezzolo community. Selected artists will develop individual projects that culminate in a public presentation at the annual Trinacria Arts Festival. Community engagement and participation is at the core of this Festival. The experience offers artists the opportunity to create in a dynamic environment while fostering meaningful connections with the local community. This selective residency is nearly fully funded. For the 2026 Trinacria Festival Residency, we will be offering five to six spots for individual artists (or small collectives of up to three people). We aim to create a balanced cohort of performing and visual artists, encompassing practices such as theatre, music, dance, painting, sculpture, street art, installation, land art, and more. Artists are asked to propose either a new project in its initial development phases, or a project in need of time and space for development. Each selected artist or collective will then present their work at the conclusion of the residency, during the Trinacria Arts Festival 2026. We are seeking artists whose proposed projects engage with or respond to the Pezzolo community in meaningful ways. The ideal applicants share enthusiasm for using the arts as a tool for community building, are curious, adaptable, and generous collaborators, demonstrate a responsive and site-aware practice, and clearly articulate how they hope to grow and benefit the community. While the residency welcomes international applicants, projects that do not require extensive translation will be prioritized. Artistic Development: Each participant will use the residency to develop a new or evolving project that culminates in a public presentation during the Trinacria Arts Festival. Participants will lead a 90-minute skill-sharing workshop, take part in regular group sharing sessions, and have individual check-ins. Appropriate workspace and a small materials budget will be provided. Community Engagement: Trinacria will organize informal opportunities for artists and residents to collaborate and exchange. Daily Life: Residency days balance focused creative time with communal rhythm, including warm-ups, individual work time, shared meals, and occasional excursions. Key Dates: Application deadline: December 21, 2025. Interviews: Early January. Artists announced: End of January. Arrival in Sicily: July 24, 2026. Trinacria Arts Festival: August 9 - 11, 2026. Departure: August 13, 2026. What’s included: 20 overnight stays in shared accommodation (including shared bedrooms) in Casa Trinacria, 12 dedicated working days, access to workspaces, production support, Festival presentation, 3 meals per day (excluding excursion days), ground transportation in Sicily, €100 materials budget, interpretation/translation support as needed, guided community engagement opportunities, emergency health & medical insurance (with exclusions for certain nationalities/travelers not leaving home country). What’s Not Included: Airfare or travel insurance, Passport or visa fees, Alcohol and snacks, WiFi or cell phone plans, Full literary translation support, Meals, souvenirs, or entry fees during excursions. For detailed information on location, housing, meals, accessibility, transportation, language, and technology, please visit the FAQ/Logistics section of our Artist Residency page.

What is Offered

20 overnight stays in shared accommodation, 12 dedicated working days, access to workspaces, production support, festival presentation, 3 meals per day, ground transportation in Sicily, €100 materials budget, interpretation/translation support, guided community engagement opportunities, emergency health & medical insurance.

Requirements

Participants must be 18 or older at the time of the program. There is no upper age limit. Artists are responsible for securing their own passports and visas necessary for travel. The residency will primarily be conducted in English; good working knowledge of English is necessary. Candidates advancing to the next stage will be contacted for a short, informal interview and to provide a character reference. Proposed projects must engage with or respond to the Pezzolo community in meaningful ways.

How to Apply

After reading the above expectations carefully, please fill out the form (implied link/embedded form) by December 21, 2025. Candidates may submit a written or video application. Written application: Please use the form. We recommend saving work in a Word Doc as progress cannot be saved. Video application: upload as a private or unlisted video on YouTube or Google Drive and send the link to residency@trinacriatheatre.com. For other access needs, email info@trinacriatheatre.com. We are particularly eager to hear from BIPOC or LGBTQ+ applicants, and others who are underrepresented in the professional arts industry. An optional, anonymous Equality & Diversity monitoring form is available and will not affect the application.