Open call: TED and POSCA global artist residency programme

The residency, curated and coordinated by Fine Acts, differs from traditional residency programmes by allowing participating artists to remain in their own communities rather than relocating to a central location. Selected artists will work within a shared conceptual framework while developing projects that engage local audiences in public spaces.

For the inaugural edition, four artists will be selected to develop projects under the 2026 theme, Visible Mending. The theme draws inspiration from Kintsugi, the Japanese practice of repairing broken pottery with gold, and encourages artists to explore repair as a creative and civic process.

The selected projects will be developed during 2027 and are expected to encourage public reflection, dialogue and community participation.

Each selected artist will receive US$15 000, covering artist fees, production costs, community engagement activities and project documentation. Participants will also receive production support from POSCA, creative direction and storytelling support, and international exposure through TED and Fine Acts' platforms.

Who can apply?

Applications are open to artists from around the world working across a range of disciplines, including:

• Visual artists
• Muralists
• Interdisciplinary artists
• Designers
• Community-based practitioners
• Artist collectives
• Architects and spatial practitioners
• Other creatives whose work engages with communities and public spaces

Eligible project formats

Projects may include:

• Performances
• Public installations
• Participatory interventions
• Collaborative processes
• Temporary public activations
• Workshops
• Storytelling projects
• Hybrid artistic approaches

According to the organisers, preference will be given to proposals that are:

• Rooted in a specific local context
• Community-driven and participatory
• Conceptually strong and practical to deliver
• Visually and emotionally engaging
• Suitable for documentation and storytelling

Applicants are not required to submit fully developed projects. Successful candidates will refine their proposals in collaboration with the curatorial team following selection.

Key dates

• Applications open: June 2026
• Application deadline: 31 July 2026
• Selected artists announced: September–October 2026
• Residency period: 1 January to 30 June 2027

Although each residency lasts one year, the organisers said the initiative is intended to continue annually through 2029, expanding the cohort of artists while creating a growing archive of public art projects centred on civic engagement and creative collaboration.

Applications are open to artists worldwide, regardless of whether they have previously worked with TED, POSCA, Fine Acts or any affiliated organisations. According to the organisers, proposals will be assessed on their originality, relevance, feasibility and overall artistic merit.

Interested artists can apply here.