Open call for artists 2026
We invite artists to apply with a research proposal for participation in the fifth edition of the LIVING ROOM residency.
LIVING ROOM is a residency programme focused on the development and production of research within experimental, process-oriented, and interdisciplinary artistic practices. The residency lasts from April 25th until May 30th, and takes place in Zagreb and Pula (Croatia).
The selected artist will develop their research in Zagreb at KUĆĆA's project space. During this time, the artist will have the opportunity to connect with the local art scene, as well as host open studios and other public formats. As part of the residency, a visit and public presentation of the research process is also planned at the international festival Media Mediterranea 28, which KUĆĆA opens in Pula, organised by the association Metamedij. The outcome of the residency will be presented as a solo exhibition in autumn 2026.
Through this programme, we aim to provide artists with time, space, and support for experimentation— through production conditions, curatorial guidance, dialogue, exchange, and local and international networking.
Theme of the call
In 2026, KUĆĆA operates under the thematic framework CUTE BUT PSYCHO, which is also the title of the 28th edition of Media Mediterranea. We are interested in research-based and interdisciplinary proposals that take a critical position towards contemporary technological, social, and political phenomena.
CUTE BUT PSYCHO explores the emotional and often surface-level intensities of contemporary culture, such as cute, cringe, zany or weird content circulating online. These are phenomena involved, among others, in platform aesthetics of social media, algorithmically produced identities, generative visual and narrative systems, parasocial relationships, digital intimacy, and attention economies. These are aesthetics that move between carefree pleasure and exhausting performance, and that in a contagious way subvert the boundaries between authentic and fake, attractive and repulsive, created and generated.
We are interested in how such aesthetics can produce critical and engaged imaginaries, open up new forms of intimacy, and challenge established understandings of corporeality and subjectivity.
LIVING ROOM includes
– Artist fee of 1.000,00 €
– Production budget for artistic research and presentation of 2.800,00 €
– 25 m² studio space in Zagreb at KUĆĆA
– Travel and accommodation in Zagreb (24th of April - 25th of May 2026)
– Travel and accommodation in Pula during Media Mediterranea 28 (25th - 30th of May 2026)
– Solo exhibition at KUĆĆA in autumn 2026 (travel and accommodation expenses covered)
– Curatorial collaboration and mentorship
– Local and international networking
Eligibility
The residency is open to all artists based in Europe, with a particular focus on early-career artists.
Application process
– The call is open from February 13th until March 13th 2026
– Applications must be submitted via an online form that will open on February 13th
– Shortlisted proposals will be invited for an interview with KUĆĆA by March 18th
Online application includes
– Project title
– Short biography (max. 100 words)
– Short description of the project (max. 400 words)
– Proposed work plan for duration of residency (max. 400 words)
– Sketch, collage or photo relating to the proposed project (in .pdf format)
– Portfolio (in .pdf format or link to webpage)
For additional questions, contact us at: hello@kucca.hr