Building Bridges 2025: Heritage and Culture in Times of Uncertainty – Artist Residency

This year marks the 80th anniversary of VE (Victory in Europe) Day, a pivotal moment that brought the Second World War to an end.

As we reflect on this milestone, it is crucial to consider the impact of conflict not just on lives but also on cultural heritage—the art, artefacts, and traditions that tell the story of who we are.

In times of war, cultural heritage often becomes a silent victim, looted, destroyed, or irreparably damaged, as seen in events ranging from the Second World War to ongoing crises in Ukraine, Palestine, Lebanon, and Sudan, to name a few.

These losses are more than material; they strip away the collective memory of communities, leaving behind a void in understanding and identity.

Artcore invites artists to reflect on the question: what does peace mean when viewed through the lens of preserving culture?

Artists are free to explore this question in any medium of their choice.

Alternatively, Artcore would also like to offer the opportunity for artists to address new challenges like climate change within the context of culture and heritage.

As rising sea levels, wildfires, and extreme weather threaten historic sites and traditions globally, we must ask ourselves why these losses matter and what role art can play in responding to them.

Artists from Derby and Osnabrück—twin cities connected by a shared history and a commitment to collaboration—will have the unique opportunity to explore how we protect and honour cultural heritage in a time of uncertainty.

Participants can piece together new narratives, weaving resilience, memory, and the stories we pass on to future generations into their work.

We are offering each artist

• An opportunity to connect with creatives in Osnabruck
• An opportunity to experience a local music festival – Maiwoche festival
• An opportunity to experience Osnabruck’s artistic culture through visits to galleries and museums
• Accommodation in Osnabruck
• A studio space for the duration of the residency in Osnabruck
• An opportunity to showcase the work produced during the residency during an Open Studio Day in Osnabruck
• Your very own artist blog
• A chance to deliver talks at the galleries in Osnabruck
• An option to engage with local communities in Osnabruck
• Publicity and marketing support
• Cash bursary of £1000 towards the residency to cover visa, food, airfare, local transport and material costs while in Germany

Residency Timetable

Deadline to submit: Midnight, 9 March 2025
Call to Interview for selected applicants: 11 March 2025
Announcement of Artists-in-residence: 14 March
Residency Dates: 14 May 2025 – 28 May 2025

Off Site Pop-up exhibition in Osnabruck: Dates TBD along with an opportunity to exhibit at Artcore Gallery in Derby, UK (Dates TBD)

How to Apply
Apply via Curator Space