Šilainiai Project artist residency

The Lake Twins in Šilainiai, 2016

PLEASE NOTE, THAT DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC WE ARE CURRENTLY UNABLE TO RUN ŠILAINIAI ARTIST RESIDENCY AS WE USED TO, main changes being accommodation and showing of work – extra funding is required for rental of separate accommodation for artists and all work sharing is done outdoors.

What is Šilainiai Project?

Šilainiai Project is a creative platform in Kaunas, Lithuania, run by a community of local creatives. It has many parts, one of which is an artist mini-residency program in Šilainiai micro-district. International artists stay with a host family in Šilainiai up to two weeks and make works in public spaces. There are opportunities to work with local schools/ community groups and exhibit works in local venues. The residency is by invitation and we also accept project proposals throughout the year.

To learn more about the project please browse the website www.silainiaiproject.com and for up-to-date news have a look at our Facebook page and its video section.

To see more of Šilainiai, please visit community photography project page www.silainiaiphoto.com.

Are you looking for artists working in a particular medium?

We would like to hear from artists working in any medium. What is important for us is how would you use Šilainiai as your studio, as you’ll be working in open public spaces most of the time.

Accommodation and facilities

Each artists is provided with a private room, whereas bathroom and cooking facilities are shared with the host family in Šilainiai. There is wifi and washing machine in the apartment. There is an extensive list of tools and equipment that we can arrange for the artist to have access to, depending on the individual needs. For example: laptop, tripods, drills, hammers, etc. Each artist provides the list of equipment a month before arrival.

Depending on funding that year, sometimes we may be able to cover travel, material and food costs whilst here, but usually the travel costs, food and insurance is covered by the artists themselves.

Will I get assistance?

There will always be somebody on site to help you, whether it is translation (a lot of people here speak English!), transport, woodwork or simply advice of what to see in town. You will be introduced to local artists and galleries.

When and how long can I stay?

The residency runs throughout the year, each artist usually staying from two weeks up to three months. The exact timing would be discussed individually and we are happy to discuss your project requirements.

Will my work be shown?

At the end of your residency you will participate in an artist talk in the local library and the work you produce will be part of an exhibition in Lithuania. [The exhibition timings vary, please check for plans that year.] You may see 2016 exhibition documentation here.

I would like to participate! What do I need to do?

Please send us an email to silainiuprojektas (eta) gmail.com (put ‘Artist Residency’ in the title) describing your practice and what would you like to do in Šilainiai. Do attach links to your website or blog that show documentation of your work.

If we see that your project is appropriate for Šilainiai, we would contact you to talk online and discuss whether this residency is right for you.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Artist Shota Kotake talking about his experiences as Šilainiai artist-in-residence.

Moments from Šilainiai Project end of the year exhibition, 2017.