Walpurgis provides space for the development, research, experimentation, and presentation of music theater. We do this through residencies, which are open to artists of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Residents can work for a certain period in our music theater workspace, a quiet place in the heart of Mortsel, just a stone’s throw from Antwerp.
Analogous to our own thematic approach, we propose three research tracks as a compass for applying for a residency. The tracks are open to broad interpretation and ideally lead to as many diverse projects as possible. It is, of course, not mandatory to work within these tracks. Any interesting project is welcome!
Our 3 tracks are:
- Conflict matters: These are projects in which conflict, in the broadest sense of the word, leads to a central research question. This can be thematic, but it can also relate to collaborations, a combination of different artistic languages, and much more.
- Heritage revisited: These are projects that place tradition in a contemporary or new urban context. The research question arises from the relationship between heritage and the present, and how they can inspire each other.
- Zoöperation: These are projects that start from a central question around ecology, (bio)diversity, and (living) environment. More specifically, they highlight a dialogue between human and non-human life, and how non-human life can have a voice in an artistic project or practice. (See also our Green Track page for more information about Zoöperation.)
RESIDENCIES
Walpurgis supports 4 to 5 residencies per year.
A residency means:
- Space for 1 to 2 weeks in one of the rooms of the Walpurgis music theater workshop to work on the research and development of your project.
- If desired, feedback from one of our staff members.
Walpurgis does not provide production or business support and is not responsible for distribution. However, we are happy to assist with suggestions for potential partners.
COPRODUCTIONS
Walpurgis supports 4 to 5 residents per year with a coproduction.
A residence with coproduction means:
- 1 to 2 weeks of space to work on the research and development of your project.
- Financial support to hire up to 2 people for a maximum of 2 weeks. Their remuneration will be based on seniority, as defined by the Belgian Collective Labour Agreement for the Performing Arts.
- If desired, a showcase/open studio during or at the end of the residency.
- A spot in the programming of our festival or our series Wat struikt er door het ruisgewas.
APPLY
If you would like to discuss an idea with one of our staff members, something you’re working on, or if you’d like to get to know our organization, don’t hesitate to send an email to info@walpurgis.be. You are always welcome for an exploratory conversation! Proposals for residencies or co-productions are welcome throughout the year. You can submit applications in Dutch, French, or English.
A FEW TIPS FOR WRITING YOUR PITCH:
- What is your artistic profile, and what have you created before? Visual material (via online links) is always welcome.
- Briefly describe what you want to research and in the context of which project you wish to conduct this research.
- How many people are working on your project? Are accommodations needed for any of them?
- Clearly state what you expect from your residency with us or what you need.
Indicate the period in which you would like to have your research residency.
- Keep your pitch short. Try to limit your text to one A4 page.
