Open Call Residency Suriname 2026

This residency draws inspiration from the Surinamese concept of alakondre, meaning 'all countries'. The term embodies the art of living together amidst cultural diversity, celebrating the strength found in coexisting differences. In Suriname, alakondre manifests through the dynamic interplay of diverse traditions, languages and worldviews, sometimes harmonising, sometimes overlapping, and occasionally creating friction.

Rather than simply promoting harmony, alakondre acknowledges historical inequalities, cultural sensitivities, and tensions rooted in colonial and socio-economic realities. This context demands openness and critical awareness of your position as a creative practitioner. Personal narratives – whether family history or questions of identity – can provide powerful entry points for exploration. The residency locations challenge makers to expand their practice and create work that contributes to Suriname's evolving cultural conversation.

three locations

A network of local partners supports the residency across three unique sites: Paramaribo, Moengo and Frederiksdorp. Each location brings its own cultural, historical and social landscape.

Moving between these places creates opportunities for deeper engagement, meaningful encounters, and working from multiple perspectives—all essential for a residency focussed on connection, diversity and collective practice.

exchange with local makers

At each location, a local maker selected by Surinamese partner organisations will work alongside you during your stay. This simultaneous presence creates natural opportunities for creative exchange and dialogue.

• individual designers, cultural observers, and makers;
• practitioners working in design, architecture, or digital culture;
• those based in the Netherlands or the Caribbean territories of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten).

Not eligible:

• duos, collectives, or collaborative partnerships;
• current recipients of Talent Development Grant Scheme or the Open Call Self-taught Designer.

In order to prepare the application, it is important to acquire the right information based on the following documents:

open call residency suriname

Applications are assessed on the basis of the Open Call Residency Suriname. This describes the purpose and objective, key questions, criteria and procedure.

open call grant scheme

Applications are also assessed on the basis of the Open Call Grant Scheme, which describes the general conditions, grounds for rejection, manner of publication, submission procedure, assessment, the award and any grant obligations.

online consultation hour

The Creative Industries Fund NL organises an online consultation hour on Thursday, 14 August from 16:00 to 17:00 CEST about this new residency. The fund staff and local supervisor Bryan van 't Kruys will share more information about the open call, the Creative Industries Fund's working methods, and answer questions. Register.

All submitted applications that meet the formal requirements and are provided with all requested attachments will be presented to an external advisory committee. The advisory committee will make an assessment based on the following criteria:

• the artistic quality of the work;
• the quality of the proposed project;
• the motivation in relation to the goals of the residency.

acceptance

When you have submitted your application, the Fund will check if your application complies with the formal requirements of the Open Call Grant Scheme.

assessment

An independent advisory committee will evaluate your application on the basis of the criteria and requirements set out in the Open Call Residency Jatiwangi art Factory and the Open Call Grant Scheme. The committee advises the Fund’s Board.

ranking

The assessment of this open call takes the form of a tender: proposals are ranked based on the criteria and only positively assessed applicants are eligible for a residency position. The highest-scoring proposals will be awarded.

decision

The board takes account of the advisory committee’s advice in its decision on the rejection or provision of a grant. The fund will inform you of the decision no later than eight weeks after the closing date.

Open Call Residency Suriname
Open Call Grant Scheme