Deadline: 12-Apr-2026
Applications are open for the first edition of “Ninety Percent of Everything”, an international research residency in Genoa, Italy, for artist collectives under 35 working in sound, visual, and data-driven artistic practices. Selected collectives will receive €4,000 per collective (or €8,000 for one interdisciplinary collective) plus access to mentoring, scientific resources, and an immersive port-and-sea research environment.
About the Residency
The “Ninety Percent of Everything” residency is an immersive artistic research programme by U-BOOT Lab that explores the relationship between:
- Maritime logistics
- Climate crisis
- Ecological systems
- Global consumption
- Data-driven artistic practices
The project investigates ports as spaces where:
- Ecological forces
- Social systems
- Geopolitical dynamics
- Commercial infrastructures
all intersect.
The residency is organized in collaboration with Fondazione Palazzo Ducale Genova and supported by Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo.
Focus Areas
The residency supports research and artistic experimentation around:
- Data-driven sound practices
- Data-based visual practices
- Maritime logistics
- Climate crisis
- Ecological systems
- Social and geopolitical dynamics
- Interdisciplinary artistic research
- Community engagement
- Critical reflection on global consumption systems
Research Tracks
The programme is built around two connected research fields:
1. Sound-Based Practices
Artists may explore:
- Field recordings
- Listening practices
- Translating data into sonic experiences
- Sound as a tool for environmental and logistical interpretation
2. Visual/Data Practices
Artists may explore:
- Data visualization
- Interpretation of datasets
- Visual analysis of maritime and ecological systems
- Data as a cultural and political construct
Residency Structure
The residency combines three phases:
- Online preparation phase
- In-person residency in Genoa and aboard cargo vessels
- Final remote production stage
The in-person phase is the core of the programme and includes access to:
- Operational port areas
- Cargo vessels of the Grendi Group
- Palazzo Ducale
- Scientific institutions such as the CNR-IAS experimental marine station
- Maritime communities and industry contexts
Funding and Support
Selected participants will receive:
- €4,000 per collective
(for two collectives of up to 3 artists each)
or
- €8,000 for one interdisciplinary collective
(of up to 6 artists)
This is an all-inclusive contribution intended to cover:
- Artistic research
- Travel
- Accommodation
- Subsistence
Participants will also receive:
- Access to relevant datasets
- Mentoring
- Curatorial guidance
- Scientific support
- Technical resources
- Logistical support
Who Can Apply?
The call is open to:
- Artist collectives under the age of 35
- Applicants from all countries
- Collectives working in:
- Sound practices
- Visual practices
- Data-driven or interdisciplinary artistic research
Eligible formats include:
- Existing/formally established collectives
- Newly formed collectives created specifically for this opportunity
Collective Size
Applicants may apply as:
- Two collectives of up to 3 artists each, or
- One interdisciplinary collective of up to 6 artists
Important:
- Individual artists may apply, but only by forming a collective within these limits
Residency Dates and Location
- Location: Genoa, Italy
- Residency dates: 15–30 May 2026
Activities will take place:
- At Palazzo Ducale
- Within the Port of Genoa
- At sea aboard operational cargo vessels
Expected Outcomes
The residency will lead to public and research outputs including:
- A multichannel installation at Palazzo Ducale
- A performance within the operational port
- A publication compiling interdisciplinary contributions from the programme
These outcomes aim to encourage:
- Reflection on global consumption systems
- Greater awareness of environmental sustainability
- Critical dialogue around logistics and climate
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
This is a highly distinctive residency because it combines:
- Art + data
- Climate research + logistics infrastructure
- Port access + at-sea experience
- Curatorial + scientific mentorship
It is especially valuable for young collectives interested in:
- Experimental sound
- Data visualization
- Environmental humanities
- Critical infrastructure studies
- Socially engaged and research-based art
Quick Facts
- Programme: “Ninety Percent of Everything”
- Lead Organizer: U-BOOT Lab
- Partners: Fondazione Palazzo Ducale Genova
- Supporter: Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo
- Location: Genoa, Italy
- Dates: 15–30 May 2026
- Eligibility: Artist collectives under 35 from all countries
- Funding: €4,000 per collective or €8,000 for one interdisciplinary collective
- Collective Size: Up to 3 artists per collective, or up to 6 in one interdisciplinary collective
FAQ
1. Who can apply for this residency?
Artist collectives under 35 years old from any country can apply. Individual artists may also apply if they form a collective.
2. What kinds of artistic practices are eligible?
The call is aimed at collectives working in:
- Sound-based practices
- Visual/data-based practices
- Interdisciplinary artistic research
3. How much financial support is offered?
Selected participants receive:
- €4,000 per collective, or
- €8,000 for one interdisciplinary collective
4. What does the funding cover?
The contribution is intended to cover:
- Artistic research
- Travel
- Accommodation
- Subsistence
5. Where does the residency take place?
The residency takes place in Genoa, Italy, including work at Palazzo Ducale, inside the port, and aboard cargo vessels.
6. What are the final outputs?
Outputs include:
- A multichannel installation
- A port-based performance
- A publication of interdisciplinary contributions
Conclusion
The “Ninety Percent of Everything” residency is an exceptional international opportunity for young artist collectives under 35 interested in climate, logistics, data, and experimental artistic research.
With immersive access to Genoa’s port infrastructure, scientific collaboration, and up to €8,000 in support, the programme is especially suited for collectives seeking to create ambitious, interdisciplinary work that critically engages with global trade, ecology, and the climate crisis.
For more information, visit U-BOOT Lab.