Palermo Calling – Art and Science Residency Program (Switzerland)

Deadline: 18-Jan-2026

The Palermo Calling – Art & Science Residency Program by the Swiss Institute supports emerging artists and researchers to collaborate across disciplines. The program offers study trips, workshops, networking opportunities, and access to international platforms, with optional financial support up to CHF 1,500/month. The residency is open to Art & Science duos, pairing an experienced artist with a researcher, and aims to foster innovative, transdisciplinary projects at the intersection of art, science, and society.

Overview

The Palermo Calling – Art & Science Residency Program offers emerging artists and researchers a transdisciplinary platform to collaborate and develop innovative projects that bridge art, science, and society. Hosted by the Swiss Institute, the program encourages dialogue between creative and scientific disciplines, exploring new methods of inquiry and fostering international connections between Switzerland, Italy, and beyond.

Program Purpose

The residency seeks to:

• Support transdisciplinary research combining artistic and scientific practices.

• Facilitate exchanges and collaborations across Switzerland, Italy, and international contexts.

• Highlight innovative projects, experimental practices, and academic excellence.

• Engage residents in global discussions on art, science, and societal challenges.

• Strengthen and deepen collaborative models between artists and researchers.

Key Benefits

Participants gain access to a wide range of resources and opportunities:

• Study trips through the Roma, Milano, Palermo Calling program.

• Participation in events and presentation evenings hosted by the Swiss Institute in Palermo and Rome.

• Workshops, studio visits, and desk visits for hands-on collaboration.

• Support for programming an event promoted by the Swiss Institute, including online exposure.

• Access to the Istituto Svizzero network in Italy, Switzerland, and internationally.

• Exchanges with residents in Rome, Milan, and Palermo Calling.

• Digital resources of the Swiss Institute for research and creative work.

• Intensive Italian language course for better integration and engagement.

Financial Support

If residents cannot secure funding from cantons, municipalities, or foundations despite documented efforts, the program offers:

• Up to CHF 1,500 per month for part or all of the residency.
  This ensures residents can focus fully on their collaborative work and benefit from the academic and artistic ecosystem.

Who Is Eligible?

The residency is open to Art & Science duos:

• Artist: Master’s degree or proven professional experience in visual arts, design, architecture, cinema, literature, dance, theatre, performing arts, or music.

• Researcher: Master’s, PhD, or post-doctoral level in any scientific field, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, science and technology, affiliated with a higher education institution.

• Project Proposal: Must demonstrate the value of collaboration and its contribution to the Art & Science framework.

Why It Matters

The program is significant because it:

• Fosters innovative collaboration at the intersection of art and science.

• Encourages cultural immersion in Palermo, enhancing local and international engagement.

• Provides mentorship, networking, and global exposure for emerging professionals.

• Strengthens cross-disciplinary dialogue and collaborative skill-building.

• Contributes to the evolution of experimental artistic and scientific practices.

How to Apply / How It Works

1. Form an Art & Science duo consisting of an artist and a researcher.

2. Develop a project proposal demonstrating interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.

3. Gather documentation of professional or academic qualifications.

4. Submit the application following Swiss Institute guidelines.

5. If selected, participate in study trips, workshops, and events.

6. Engage with the Swiss Institute network and international collaborators.

7. Optionally request financial support if other funding sources are unavailable.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting proposals without clear collaboration between the artist and researcher.

• Lacking defined outcomes or innovative approaches.

• Omitting documentation of qualifications or relevant experience.

• Overlooking the residency’s Art & Science framework in project design.

• Not providing evidence of efforts to secure external funding if applying for financial support.

FAQ

1. What is the residency focus?
Transdisciplinary collaboration between artists and researchers to create innovative projects bridging art, science, and society.

2. Who can apply as a duo?
An experienced artist (Master’s or professional experience) and a researcher (Master’s, PhD, or post-doctoral) affiliated with a higher education institution.

3. Is financial support available?
Yes, up to CHF 1,500/month if other funding sources cannot be secured.

4. Are international participants eligible?
Yes, the program is open to participants from any nationality.

5. What types of activities are included?
Study trips, workshops, events, studio visits, digital resources, Italian language courses, and public presentation opportunities.

6. Do I need to have prior collaborations?
No, but the proposal must clearly demonstrate the value of collaboration between the artist and researcher.

7. Where does the residency take place?
Primarily in Palermo, with activities extending to Rome and Milan, and international networking opportunities.

Conclusion

The Palermo Calling – Art & Science Residency Program provides emerging artists and researchers with a unique platform to explore transdisciplinary innovation. By combining immersive cultural experiences, professional development, and collaborative opportunities, the program strengthens cross-disciplinary networks and empowers participants to make meaningful contributions to the evolving dialogue between art, science, and society.

For more information, visit Swiss Institute.