VV Foundation is pleased to announce its new PAiR Residency Open Call for Baltic artists – the winners will be invited to work at PAiR in June 2026.
We invite applications to join the PAiR Residency 2026 cohort and become part of an internationally recognised group of artists exploring the theme of amber — its materiality, symbolism and cultural resonance, as well as its connection to the Baltic landscape and coastal heritage, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens. We welcome artists whose practices engage with this subject through research, experimentation or conceptual inquiry. Applicants should submit a portfolio and a motivation letter outlining their interest in working at PAiR. Selected residents will stay at PAiR in June 2026, work closely with the VV Foundation team, receive curatorial support, and take part in studio visits and professional consultations with Krist Gruijthuijsen, Director of EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art. The application deadline is 31 January 2026.
Our goal:
The aim of this Open Call is to offer artists the freedom to explore amber through the lens of their own practice. We do not expect a completed project by the end of the residency; rather, we wish to provide space and time for artistic research and experimentation. The intention is to introduce a theme while allowing each artist to define their own approach.
Eligible disciplines:
Artists working across various fields (painting, drawing, installation, performance, sculpture, photography and others) from Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.
Fees and support:
The PAiR residency offers a studio, living space, access to a library and gallery, curatorial and administrative support, and, when needed, workshops, materials, tools and research resources. The residency is free of charge; applicants are responsible for covering their personal (daily and travel) expenses.
Expectations towards the artist:
During the residency, artists are welcome to organise an optional exhibition or workshop. We are open to discussing any form of public activity they may wish to propose — whether a workshop with amber as a material, a performance, an open studio, a talk, or another format.
The residency:
PAiR Residency is an international interdisciplinary residency where creative professionals can develop their projects in a focused environment that encourages dialogue and research. PAiR provides a balance between undisturbed work, constructive peer exchange and site-specific exploration, supporting the development of reflective and world-engaged artistic practices.
Accommodation:
PAiR is located on the Baltic Sea coast in Pāvilosta. The 500 km coastline has played an important role in Latvia’s geography, culture and history, shaping the habits and traditions of the local community. The residency sits within a 42-hectare Grey Dune area, the largest dune in Latvia, and is housed in a historic wooden building built in 1901 and fully restored in 2021. Facilities include four private resident rooms, two studios, a library with workspaces, an art gallery, and a weaving studio used by local weavers. Each room is equipped with necessary amenities, and the building features a shared kitchen and dining room.
Application:
To apply, please email your portfolio (PDF) and motivation letter to info@vvfoundation.org. The application should include your preferred residency period (up to 4 weeks). All applications must be received no later than 31 January 2026. Candidates will be evaluated by the VV Foundation team together with Krist Gruijthuijsen, with results announced in February 2026.
