Open Call for Critic-in-Residence Programme 2026
MGLC Švicarija, a creative and residential centre, in collaboration with the Igor Zabel Association for Culture and Theory, both based in Ljubljana, Slovenia, invite art historians, art critics and cultural journalists to apply for a fully funded, one-month residency in Ljubljana during October 2026.
Deadline for applications: 28 February 2026 (23:59 CET)
Who we are?
Located in Ljubljana’s central Tivoli Park, MGLC Švicarija is a cultural, educational, and social hub that offers programmes to the public, studio facilities for local artists and residencies for international artists and art professionals. Home to a public programme following the concept of “community, art, and nature”, Švicarija is part of MGLC – International Centre of Graphic Arts, a specialised museum, producer of printed and contemporary art, and provider of artist residencies. MGLC emerged from the legacy of 20th-century printmaking and the Ljubljana Biennale of Graphic Arts, the world’s oldest printmaking biennale that has been 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 the field of contemporary art, art writing and curatorial practices in Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe, and beyond.
This year, our partner is Moderna galerija Ljubljana (MG+MSUM), Slovene national museum for modern and contemporary arts.
What we aim to do?
The overall aim of the international residency programme is to support the exploration, reflection, and writing on contemporary visual art and exhibition histories.
In 2026, we invite art writers to reflect on the role of art institutions in difficult – or even crisis – socio-political conditions.
Our goal is to host an art historian, researcher, art writer, or cultural journalist who is actively publishing internationally and interested in engaging with a chosen 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:
- exhibition For the Museum of Contemporary Art Sarajevo 2000. International Cultural Project. “Museum of Contemporary Art Sarajevo 2000”. The 1996 Collection – Moderna galerija Ljubljana, 24. 9.–1. 12. 1996; project 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. 5. 1996, Moderna galerija Ljubljana; conceived and organized by: Moderna galerija Ljubljana and the Institute of Philosophy of the Scientific Research Centre (ZRC SAZU) at the Slovene Academy of Sciences and Arts (SAZU).
Candidates will produce at least one piece of writing (essay, interview, column, etc.) on a selected topic over the course of the residency. The text must be written in English and finalized by 1 December 2026.
The residency organizers will provide research, editorial, and proofreading support, and will publish the text on their websites and communication channels.
The selection will also take into account whether the applicant has additional opportunities to publish their text and whether they include one or both historical events in their research and writing.
Period of the residency: 1–31 October 2026
The 2026 critic-in-residence programme will take place in October 2026. The duration of the residency is fixed and is not subject to change. If applicants are unable to commit to the defined term or residency, the organisers cannot guarantee that the residency will take place in another time period.
Who we are looking for?
An emerging or established art historian, researcher, art writer, or cultural journalist:
- who is a skilled writer with proven experience in publishing articles on contemporary art, art history and theory;
- who has an excellent command of English (but need not be a native speaker);
- who is able to produce at least one piece of writing over the one-month residency period about selected topic.
In addition:
- priority will be given to candidates with previous experience dealing with the chosen topic;
- priority will be given to candidates who include one or both historical events in their research and writing;
- priority will be given to candidates with already arranged confirmation for publishing the text in relevant media.
What we offer?
- free accommodation in a fully equipped studio apartment at the MGLC Švicarija creative and residential centre;
- reimbursement of travel expenses to and from Ljubljana (up to €500 from European countries, up to €900 from non-European countries);
- stipend for living expenses (approx. €1350 per month gross / €45 gross per day);
- support in research and publishing the text.
How to apply?
We accept applications submitted via the MGLC website until 28 February 2026 (23:59 CET).
Link: https://mglc.si/en/mglc-pro/calls/
Applications should be sent on the application form including:
- contact details (full name, address, email & telephone number, date of birth);
- biography (maximum 500 words);
- a description of the applicants’ particular interests and expertise in selected topic and the planned focus during the Ljubljana residency (maximum 500 words);
- a work plan for the “critic-in-residency” programme;
- where the article will possibly be additionally published (in addition to the publication guaranteed by the organizers);
- attached two examples of previously published pieces of writing (in English).
Applications will be evaluated by a jury composed of professionals representing MGLC – International Centre of Graphic Arts, Igor Zabel Association for Culture and Theory, and this year’s partner, Moderna galerija Ljubljana. The selected applicant will be notified by the end of March 2026. If applicants do not hear anything by that time, this indicates that their application was unsuccessful on this occasion.
Additional information:
If you have any questions regarding the open call, please contact Dušan Dovč: dusan.dovc@mglc-lj.si.
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GDPR Data protection:
1. Application/submission in the context of the Critic-in-Residence Programme at MGLC Švicarija in Ljubljana – a cooperation between International Centre of Graphic Arts and the partner institution Igor Zabel Association. In 2026 as well with Moderna galerija Ljubljana (MG+MSUM).
2. Programme concerned
This section explains the use of data in the course of an application/submission for a Critic-in-Residence Programme in Ljubljana and, if the application is supported, also the use of data for purpose of handling the financial support by International Centre of Graphic Arts and Igor Zabel Association.
By filling out and submitting the application form, you consent with International Centre of Graphic Arts and Igor Zabel Association processing your personal data. Your personal data is used in order to review your application in the most comprehensive manner. When selected, International Centre of Graphic Arts and Igor Zabel Association will make use of the form to prepare your enrolment. Your data will not be shared with third parties except for the selection committee members appointed by International Centre of Graphic Arts and Igor Zabel Association.
3. Collection and processing of personal data
The data entered during application/submission, such as personal data, will be used for the processing of the application/submission, for the evaluation by jury members, for the sending of letters of recognition or rejection, for the transmission of information in preparation and within the framework of the residence stay, for the payment and accounting of financial support, and similar purposes. Selected data (as name and surname and short biography of selected resident) is published in the media, on the Internet or in other publicly accessible reports in the public interest.
4. Data transfers to third parties, countries, and international organisations
Personal data are passed on by International Centre of Graphic Arts to the jury members.
5. Storage period
Your registration data (first name, surname, e-mail address, telephone-number, Website, etc.) will be deleted by the jury members after the end of the submission/application period in the case of a negative decision of the jury and after the letter of rejection has been sent. However, these data will be archival stored by International Centre of Graphic Arts and Igor Zabel Association for establishing an archive of critic-in-residence applications and will be deleted on your request.
If you have any questions, please contact: International Centre of Graphic Arts, dusan.dovc@mglc-lj.si
