MGLC Švicarija, a creative and residential centre, in collaboration with the Igor Zabel Association for Culture and Theory—both based in Ljubljana, Slovenia—invites art historians, art critics, and cultural journalists to apply for a fully funded, one-month residency in Ljubljana taking place in October 2026.

About the Organisations

Located in Ljubljana’s central Tivoli Park, MGLC Švicarija operates as a cultural, educational, and social hub offering public programmes, studio facilities for local artists, and residencies for international artists and art professionals. Home to a public programme developed around the concept of “community, art, and nature,” Švicarija forms part of MGLC – International Centre of Graphic Arts, a specialised museum, producer of printed and contemporary art, and provider of artist residencies. The institution emerged from the legacy of 20th-century printmaking and the Ljubljana Biennale of Graphic Arts—the world’s oldest printmaking biennale, held continuously since 1955.

The Igor Zabel Association for Culture and Theory works with and promotes the legacy of Igor Zabel—an influential Slovenian curator, art writer, and art historian (1958–2005)—by bringing his work into dialogue with current questions and phenomena in contemporary art, art writing, and curatorial practice across Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe and beyond.

In 2026, the programme partner is Moderna galerija Ljubljana (MG+MSUM), Slovenia’s national museum of modern and contemporary art.

Residency Focus & Aims

The international residency programme supports the exploration, reflection, and writing of contemporary visual art and exhibition histories.

For 2026, the thematic focus invites art writers to reflect on the role of art institutions in difficult—or crisis—socio-political conditions.

The selected resident is expected to engage with a chosen research topic that also marks the 30th anniversary of two significant art and cultural events in Ljubljana, preferably as part of the critic-in-residence research:

• For the Museum of Contemporary Art Sarajevo 2000. International Cultural Project. “Museum of Contemporary Art Sarajevo 2000”. The 1996 Collection – Moderna galerija Ljubljana (24 Sept – 1 Dec 1996), conceived by Jadran Adamović, Zdenka Badovinac, Irwin, and Igor Zabel; and/or

• 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 at the Scientific Research Centre (ZRC SAZU), Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts.

Residents will produce at least one written piece (essay, interview, column, etc.) on the selected topic during the residency. The text must be written in English and finalised by 1 December 2026.

Research, editorial, and proofreading support will be provided, and the text will be published via the organisers’ websites and communication channels. Consideration will also be given to applicants’ additional publishing opportunities and engagement with the highlighted historical events.

Residency Period

1–31 October 2026

The critic-in-residence programme will take place exclusively during this period. The duration is fixed and not subject to change. Applicants unable to commit to the defined dates cannot be guaranteed an alternative residency period.

Candidate Profile

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

• Proven experience publishing on contemporary art, art history, or theory

• Excellent command of English (native proficiency not required)

• Capacity to produce at least one substantial piece of writing during the one-month residency

Priority consideration will be given to candidates who:

• Demonstrate prior engagement with the selected research topic

• Incorporate one or both historical events into their research and writing

• Have confirmed additional publishing opportunities for the resulting text

What Is Offered

• Free accommodation in a fully equipped studio apartment at MGLC Švicarija

• Reimbursement of travel expenses to and from LjubljanaUp to €500 (European countries)
  Up to €900 (non-European countries)
  

• Stipend for living expenses (approx. €1,350 gross per month / €45 gross per day)

• Research, editorial, and publishing support

Application Process

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

Applications should include:

• Contact details (full name, address, email, telephone number, date of birth)

• Biography (max. 500 words)

• Description of interests, expertise, and planned research focus during the residency (max. 500 words)

• Work plan for the critic-in-residence programme

• Intended additional publication outlet(s) beyond the organisers’ platforms

• Two examples of previously published writing (in English)

Selection Process

Applications will be evaluated by a jury composed of representatives from MGLC – International Centre of Graphic Arts, the Igor Zabel Association for Culture and Theory, and programme partner Moderna galerija Ljubljana.

The selected applicant will be notified by the end of March 2026. If no communication is received by that time, the application should be considered unsuccessful.