Open Call: Critic-in-Residence Programme 2026 at MGLC Švicarija

View of Ljubljana. Courtesy MGLC

Open Call: Critic-in-Residence Programme 2026 at MGLC Švicarija

Residency period: 1–31 October 2026
Application deadline: 28 February 2026 (23:59 CET)
Click here to apply

MGLC Švicarija, in collaboration with the Igor Zabel Association for Culture and Theory and in partnership with Moderna galerija Ljubljana (MG+MSUM), invites art historians, critics, researchers, and cultural journalists to apply for a fully funded one-month international residency in Ljubljana during October 2026.

As part of MGLC – International Centre of Graphic Arts, the institution behind the historic Ljubljana Biennale of Graphic Arts, one of the world’s oldest continuously running biennale, founded in 1955,  the residency builds on a long tradition of critical reflection, publishing, and international exchange. Located in Ljubljana’s Tivoli Park, MGLC Švicarija operates as a creative, educational, and social hub that connects artistic production, research, and public programming under the guiding concept of community, art, and nature.

The programme also draws on the intellectual legacy of Igor Zabel (1958–2005), the influential Slovenian curator, art historian, and writer whose work continues to shape contemporary discourse across Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe and beyond.

The Critic-in-Residence Programme 2026 aims to support sustained exploration, reflection, and writing on contemporary visual art and exhibition histories. For the 2026 edition, applicants are invited to consider the role of art institutions in difficult—or crisis—socio-political conditions, engaging critically with historical and contemporary perspectives.

The selected resident will be encouraged to connect their research to the 30th anniversary of two significant cultural events in Ljubljana:

• the exhibition For the Museum of Contemporary Art Sarajevo 2000. International Cultural Project. “Museum of Contemporary Art Sarajevo 2000”. The 1996 Collection at Moderna galerija Ljubljana (24 September – 1 December 1996), conceived by Jadran Adamović, Zdenka Badovinac, IRWIN, and Igor Zabel;

• the international symposium Living with Genocide: Political Theory, Art and War in Bosnia (24–26 May 1996), organised by Moderna galerija Ljubljana and the Institute of Philosophy of the Scientific Research Centre at the Slovene Academy of Sciences and Arts.

During the residency, the selected participant must produce at least one written text in English—such as an essay, interview, or column—finalised by 1 December 2026. Organisers will provide research, editorial, and proofreading support, and will publish the text across their platforms. Consideration will also be given to applicants who secure additional publication opportunities and who incorporate one or both historical events into their research.

The open call is addressed to emerging or established art historians, researchers, art writers, or cultural journalists who:

• demonstrate strong experience publishing on contemporary art, history, or theory;

• possess an excellent command of English (native proficiency not required);

• are able to complete at least one substantial written piece during the residency period.

Priority will be given to candidates who:

• have prior engagement with the proposed research topic;

• incorporate one or both 1996 Ljubljana events into their work;

• already hold confirmed publication opportunities beyond the organisers’ platforms.

The selected resident will receive:

• free accommodation in a fully equipped studio apartment at MGLC Švicarija;

• travel reimbursement (up to €500 within Europe or €900 outside Europe);

• a monthly stipend of approximately €1350 gross (≈ €45 per day);

• research, editorial, and publishing support.

The residency period is fixed from 1–31 October 2026 and cannot be rescheduled.

Applications must be submitted via the MGLC website by 28 February 2026 (23:59 CET) through this link

Required materials include:

• contact details;

• a biography (max. 500 words);

• a description of research interests and residency focus (max. 500 words);

• a work plan for the residency;

• information on additional publication venues;

• two previously published writing samples in English.

Applications will be reviewed by a jury representing MGLC – International Centre of Graphic Arts, the Igor Zabel Association, and Moderna galerija Ljubljana.
The selected applicant will be notified by the end of March 2026.