Call for Applications: Eremuak Fellowship Program

Art Omi: Artists is an international residency program that brings artists together in rural New York for focused creative work, collaboration, and critical exchange. This specific call is open to professional artists living and working in the Basque Country, with the 2026 residency running from June 18 to July 13, 2026. Applications close on January 18, 2026, and the residency provides accommodation, studio space, meals, and access to visiting critics at no cost.

Overview of the Residency Program

Art Omi: Artists invites artists from around the world to participate in an immersive international residency in rural New York, United States.

The program is designed to offer uninterrupted time for artistic exploration while fostering cultural exchange, dialogue, and critical reflection among a diverse cohort of artists working across disciplines and practices.

This application round is exclusively for artists living and working in the Basque Country.

Purpose and Artistic Approach

Art Omi balances independent creative practice with collective engagement.

The residency emphasizes:

• Concentrated time for artistic experimentation

• Peer-to-peer learning and exchange

• Critical appraisal and discussion

• Exposure to international perspectives and practices

Artists are encouraged to deepen their practice while engaging openly with fellow residents, critics, and curators.

Residency Structure and Experience

Creative Work and Collaboration

Participants receive:

• Dedicated time for studio-based work

• Opportunities for informal and structured discussions

• Interaction with an international group of artists

The environment supports both solitude and collaboration, allowing artists to shape their experience based on their needs and interests.

Critics-in-Residence Program

Each residency session includes:

• Two invited Critics-in-Residence

• Group discussions and critiques

• Individual studio visits

• Contribution to the Visitors program

Critics and curators provide feedback, contextual insight, and professional perspectives throughout the session.

What the Residency Provides

Art Omi covers core living and working costs during the residency.

Included benefits:

• Private bedroom in shared living quarters

• Private studio space

• Three prepared meals per day

• Full participation in residency programming

Artists are responsible for:

• Travel to and from the residency

• Art materials and production costs

Travel grants may be available in accordance with Art Omi fellowship guidelines.

Residency Dates and Timeline

• Residency period: Thursday, June 18 to Monday, July 13, 2026

• Application deadline: January 18, 2026 (11:59 PM EST)

• Notification of results: March 1, 2026

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

This call is limited to artists living and working in the Basque Country.

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old at the time of application

• Have completed submitted work within the past 10 years

• Be out of school at the time of application

• Have at least five years of professional experience as an artist

Eligible Academic Status

The following applicants are eligible:

• Professional artists not currently enrolled in school

• PhD students

• Professional artists with at least five years of experience who are enrolled in a master’s degree program other than in the arts

Ineligible Applicants

• Art Omi alumni (return residencies are not permitted)

• Applicants currently enrolled in undergraduate or arts-based master’s programs

Application Language Requirement

All applications must be submitted in English.

This includes:

• Application form responses

• Resume or CV

• Biography

• Artist statement

• Statement of intent

• Work sample descriptions

Applications submitted in languages other than English will not be considered.

Required Application Materials

Applicants must submit a complete application package that includes the following components.

Resume or CV

• Demonstrating a minimum of five years of professional artistic experience

Short Biography

• Written in narrative form

Artist Statement

• Describing artistic practice, themes, and approach

Statement of Intent

• Explaining what the applicant hopes to gain from the Art Omi residency experience

Work Samples

• Visual or video work samples within the specified limits

• All submitted works must have been completed within the last 10 years

• Brief descriptions must accompany each image or video

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Why This Residency Matters

Art Omi: Artists is internationally recognized for its emphasis on artistic freedom, dialogue, and global exchange.

The residency matters because it:

• Provides uninterrupted time for creative development

• Connects artists with international peers and critics

• Encourages experimentation without production pressure

• Offers professional feedback in a non-competitive environment

• Builds long-term international artistic networks

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting work older than 10 years

• Applying while still enrolled in an ineligible academic program

• Failing to demonstrate five years of professional experience

• Submitting application materials in a language other than English

• Providing unclear or incomplete work sample descriptions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can apply for this Art Omi residency?

Professional artists living and working in the Basque Country who meet the age, experience, and education criteria.

Is the residency fully funded?

Accommodation, studio space, and meals are provided at no cost. Travel and material expenses are the responsibility of the artist, unless covered by an eligible travel grant.

Can Art Omi alumni apply again?

No. Artists who have previously participated in Art Omi: Artists are not eligible for a return residency.

Are students eligible to apply?

Applicants must be out of school. PhD students and artists enrolled in non-arts master’s programs with at least five years of professional experience are eligible.

What type of artists does Art Omi accept?

Art Omi welcomes artists from a wide range of artistic styles, disciplines, and practices.

When will applicants be notified?

All applicants will be notified of the outcome on March 1, 2026.

Where does the residency take place?

The residency takes place in rural New York, United States.

Conclusion

The Art Omi: Artists Residency offers a rare opportunity for Basque Country–based artists to engage in deep creative work within an international, critically engaged environment. By combining time, space, dialogue, and professional feedback, the residency supports artistic growth, cross-cultural exchange, and long-term creative development in a fully immersive setting.