Deadline: 15-Jul-2025
The ESC Biennale is now accepting applications for UK-based artists for 98B’s ESC Biennale 2025 titled Tambay Lang!
As such, they expect a project idea to not only respond to ESC Biennale’s curatorial direction of “tambay”, but they are also looking for a concept that is not fixed but malleable, an idea that has a capacity to grow or be further developed after interactions (or tambays) with the local community.
In their 2025 edition, they will play around the theme ‘tambay’, referring to the Filipino way of hanging out, often with no specific purpose. For ESC Biennale 2025, they will continue engaging with Escolta through installations, performances, and workshops that explore the role of art in building community.
Benefits
- One (1) UK-based artist will be selected for this open call. 98B will provide the following to the successful applicant:
- 20 days accommodation in Metro Manila, Philippines
- Airfare from UK to Manila, and vice-versa
- Artist fee amounting to £350
- Production fee (based on the approved project budget by the Selection Committee
- Logistical and curatorial support during project development and implementation
- Design and engagement support for collaterals/promotional material
- Modest daily allowance
- If needed, British Council and 98B will assist with visa processing and provide a recommendation letter if needed.
- Duos or collectives may apply, but only one representative will be provided airfare and accommodation.
Expectations
- During their residency, the artist will work with 98B to further develop their project. This includes meeting artists/ practitioners/locations/communities pertinent to the proposal
- The artist will implement their project during ESC Biennale 2025 in December 2025
- The artist will be given a modest daily allowance but is encouraged to have extra funds for additional/emergency expenses (e.g., food, commute, miscellaneous)
- 98B and the British Council will promote the artist’s residency through social media and other channels. The frequency and format of posts can be discussed, but updates will be shared throughout the residency and/or biennale
- The artist is expected to participate in marketing and documentation efforts during the residency. This includes sharing updates, insights, or materials that can be featured on 98B and the British Council’s social media and other channels.
- The frequency and format of posts can be discussed, but updates will be shared throughout the residency.
- At the end of the residency, the artist will provide feedback to help assess and improve future programming by 98B and British Council.
Eligibility Criteria
- This open call welcomes applications from UK-based artists with a project proposal that will be implemented in Escolta, Manila, during the ESC Biennale in December 2025. They are open to any kind of medium or form — visual arts, performance, recent media, workshops — as long as the proposal aligns with the ‘tambay’ concept envisioned for the biennale’s curatorial direction.
- Applicants must be based in the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland), but nationality is not a requirement. They welcome artists who travel frequently or work internationally, as long as they can demonstrate a strong connection to the UK as their home base. This is essential to fostering meaningful cultural exchange between the UK and the Philippines throughout the residency.
- The selected artist will undertake a month-long residency facilitated by 98B in a location within Metro Manila best suited to the applicant’s proposal. As such, they also expect a project idea that is not fixed but malleable, an idea that has a capacity to grow or be further developed after interactions (or tambays) with the local community.
- Duos or collectives may apply, but only one representative will be provided airfare and accommodation.
Application Requirements
- Interested applicants should prepare the following materials:
- Project proposal (max. 500 words)
- Artist portfolio
- Brief biography and CV
- Estimated project budget (up to £650)
- You may submit a proposal that is part of an ongoing project, or that was previously presented/exhibited in another art event.
For more information, visit ESC Biennale.
