WIELS residency

The WIELS international residency program is designed for contemporary artists from around the world, offering a professional working environment and the opportunity to engage in artistic and theoretical dialogues related to contemporary art. During the six-month residency, participants are provided with a personal studio space and receive weekly feedback and discussions, along with opportunities to visit exhibitions and art events in Belgium and neighbouring countries. In addition, presentation evenings are organized where artists can showcase their work and engage with fellow residents’ projects. The goal of the WIELS residency is to help artists develop their creative practice and professional activities.

One Estonian artist will have the opportunity to participate in the WIELS art residency during the first half of 2026. The residency lasts for six months. Estonian Contemporary Art Development Center (ECADC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, will cover the residency fee and accommodation costs, as well as provide a monthly stipend. All Estonian artists (either of Estonian origin or residing in Estonia) are invited to apply. The deadline for submitting applications is September 15, 2025. Applications must be completed in English and submitted via Google Forms. Applications will be reviewed by a jury consisting of representatives from EKKAK and WIELS Art Center. The final decision will be made by WIELS Art Center.

The artists who have previously taken part in the WIELS residency program are Paul Kuimet, Jaanus Samma, Anna Škodenko, Tõnis Saadoja, Tanja Muravskaja, Anu Vahtra, Eva Mustonen ja Ingel Vaikla, Krista Mölder, Sandra Kosorotova, Hedi Jaansoo, Laivi Suurväli, Ruudu Ulas and Marita Liivak. From 2017 to 2023, WIELS collaborated with the Estonian Centre for Contemporary Art (CCA). Since 2024, the Estonian partner has been the Estonian Contemporary Art Development Center (ECADC).