S+T+ARTS AQUA MOTION invites artists from all disciplines to apply for a unique interdisciplinary residency programme focused on the future of water in Europe. At a time when water scarcity, pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss are reshaping societies and ecosystems, AQUA MOTION supports artistic experimentation that engages with these challenges through collaboration with scientists, technologists, local communities, and water experts.

This Call for Artists seeks 25 artists to participate in a 9-month Residency, followed by a 4-month Scale-Up programme, hosted across four European regions: Portugal, Italy, the Netherlands, and Austria.

ELIGIBILITY:

Open to artists of any nationality able to travel to the country hosting the Residency

Applicants must have a valid fiscal ID (e.g., VAT number).

Applicants must be independent of AQUA MOTION consortium partners (no current employees or affiliates).

Not eligible if already granted a S+T+ARTS residency for 2025 or 2026.

Must have at least 5 years of artistic practice and a documented portfolio

Please carefully review the full section on the Admissibility Criteria in the Guide for applicants .

BENEFIT:

EUR 40,000 budget per artist residency, covering artist fees, costs associated with participation in exhibitions and public events, and other relevant expenses necessary for the successful implementation of the residency (including production of artworks or prototypes).

Access to specialised resources, technological infrastructure, and facilities provided by the residency host institutions.

Participation in an individualised Mentoring Programme

Expert guidance and support within the interdisciplinary 5-Helix structure, enabling artists to collaborate closely with business, academia, government, environment, and civil society representatives.

Access to the extensive Europe-wide S+T+ARTS network, including participation in community-building events, workshops, and networking opportunities (both online and in-person).

Opportunities to present artistic outcomes at prominent international exhibitions and events, including potential participation at a conference at the Ars Electronica Festival, Venice Biennale, Brussels-based pop-up events, and other high-visibility events.

Visibility through high impact communication activities to promote the artistic output and its innovation spillovers.