Who can apply?

Artists who are originally from or have been resident in the Azores or Madeira for at least two years may apply, provided they have a contemporary artistic practice in areas such as installation, video, sound, photography, sculpture, painting, drawing, performance and others.

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Can I apply as part of a collective?

No. This open call is exclusively intended for individual artists.

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What is the application period?

Applications are open from 15 November to 15 December 2025.

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When will the artistic residencies take place?

The residencies will take place between 13 and 25 February 2026, with a total duration of 14 days: seven days on the island of Madeira and seven days in the Azores (São Miguel). The accommodation venues for the residencies will be announced shortly.

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Will the two artists be together during the residencies?

Yes. The two artists, one from Madeira and one from the Azores, will be together during both residencies, fostering dialogue and creative exchange.

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What financial support is available to the selected artists?

Each artist will receive total support of €5,200. Of this amount, €3,000 will be paid directly to the artist, who will manage this amount in relation to the creation grant and per diem. The remaining amount will be managed by the organisation and allocated to cover hosting expenses in the two archipelagos, including accommodation, flights, transfers (airport–accommodation–airport) and other necessary travel expenses related to the planned journeys. During the residencies, local mobility needs may be covered by the artists themselves using their grant.

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Is the grant subject to VAT?

The grant is VAT-exempt under Article 53 of the Portuguese VAT Code, unless the artist is subject to a different tax regime. Payment will be made upon presentation of an invoice (or other applicable tax document), according to the artist’s tax status.

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What documents are required for the application?

Completed and signed application and authorisation forms (documents provided by the organisation), portfolio, biography, motivation letter, short CV, identification document, and proof of origin or residence in one of the Autonomous Regions.

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What are the selection criteria?

Portfolio (40%), relevance and originality of the proposal (30%), clarity of motivation (20%) and technical feasibility (10%).

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What is the decision timetable?

Evaluation: 18 December 2025 to 9 January 2026
Announcement of selected artists: 20 January 2026

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Do the works produced become the property of the organisation?

No. The works remain the property of the artists, who only undertake to make them available for exhibition, dissemination and touring.

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Where and when will the works be presented?

At MUDAS – Museum of Contemporary Art of Madeira (July–August 2026) and at Arquipélago – Contemporary Arts Centre in the Azores (date to be announced).

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Does the application involve any costs?

No. Participation is completely free of charge.

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Can I submit more than one application?

No. Only one application per artist is permitted.

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How can I ask questions or request clarification?

Questions should be sent to the official email address: opencall@apca-madeira.org

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Do I need to submit a finished project when applying for this open call?

No. The work will be developed during the residencies and throughout the artistic creation period between February and June 2026. The opening at MUDAS is scheduled for July 2026.

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Can I apply if I am originally from the archipelago but currently live elsewhere?

Yes. Artists originally from Madeira or the Azores may apply even if they currently reside in another region.

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Does the organisation cover travel costs?

Yes. All inter-island travel required for the project will be covered by the organisation.

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Is technical support provided during the residency?

Yes. Curator Hugo Olim will accompany the development of the residencies through to their completion, and the partner institutions will provide institutional support and guidance.

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Is there an age limit?

Yes. Only applicants aged 18 or over may apply.

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Can the residency schedule be changed?

The residencies must take place between 13 and 25 February 2026. The exact dates will be arranged in coordination with the selected artists.

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Will unsuccessful applicants be notified?

The list of selected and unsuccessful applicants will be published on the APCA website on 20 January 2026. Applicants may request additional information or an explanation of their assessment.

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Are late applications accepted?

No. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

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What happens if a selected artist withdraws?

The organisation may contact the next highest-scoring artist, subject to the jury’s decision.

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Can I use pre-existing material in my proposal?

Yes, provided that the final work presented is new and developed as part of the residency.

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Do the institutions provide materials during the residency?

The institutions may provide basic materials. Specific materials and equipment must be purchased by the artists using the creation grant. The selected artist should bring their own computer and any other equipment they consider necessary for their work and the completion of the artistic residency.

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How will the transportation of the works be organised?

The transportation of the works between Madeira and São Miguel (Azores) will be coordinated by the organisation, ensuring appropriate conditions.

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Is there a limit on the format or dimensions of the works?

There is no specific limit, but the proposal must be technically feasible in terms of transportation, installation and safety.

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Can I continue working on the work(s) to be presented after the residencies?

Yes. Artists have until June 2026 to complete their works before the exhibition.

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I am a dance artist and work primarily as a choreographer, although I also have a visual and sound-based practice. Is the Ilhas Revisitadas open call mainly aimed at visual and fine artists? Is my application relevant?

Yes. There is no impediment to submitting an application. What matters is not the applicant’s original field of training, but rather that the proposed project includes a contemporary creative component using visual media such as video, sound, installation or other forms of visual expression, and that it results in works that can be presented during the scheduled exhibition period. As long as the proposal clearly engages with the theme of the open call and with the island imaginaries explored in the exhibition, practices originating in dance or performance with visual or sound-based dimensions are eligible.