BienCuadrado Artist Residency — Open Call
Residency dates: 1 April – 23 April 2026
Exhibition / Presentation: 23 – 30 April 2026
Application fee: 25€ (non-refundable)
BienCuadrado invites applications for its upcoming month-long artist residency, taking place in our front gallery space in the heart of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. The residency offers the opportunity to develop new work in a highly visible, professionally recognised arts environment, culminating in a solo exhibition or public presentation.
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Who Can Apply
The residency is open to:
• Painters
• Illustrators
• Artists working in two-dimensional media
• Performance, multimedia, or time-based artists whose work does not require large installations or heavy construction
Please note:
To maintain a clean, functional working environment for all artists in the building, we cannot accept sculptural practices requiring dust-heavy processes or large physical structures.
No solvent-based spray paint or toxic resin work is permitted.
Applicants must be over 18 years of age.
• Artists currently associated with BienCuadrado — including studio members, or regular collaborators and gallery artists are not eligible to apply.
• Applicants must have at least intermediate English or Spanish, as communication with staff, visitors, and studio members is required.
Any questions regarding eligibility can be directed to BienCuadrado@gmail.com.
Please contact us before paying, as application fees are non-refundable.
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Studio Environment
This residency takes place within a shared studio building. Applicants should be comfortable working in a lively, communal space with regular visitors, artists, and creative activity.
Additional considerations
The selection panel will consider:
• Quality and clarity of artistic practice
• Feasibility of the proposal within the studio environment
• Ability to work safely and respectfully in a shared space
• Commitment to experimentation or research during the residency
Further notes:
• A friendly dog is frequently present in the studio; residents must be comfortable with dogs.
• Absolutely no smoking inside the building.
• The residency is located in a high-footfall area in the Gothic Quarter, offering regular interaction with visitors and public groups.
• Work area approx. 15ft × 12ft (4.5m × 3.6m).
• The space has limited natural light and relies on artificial lighting — please consider this if colour accuracy is essential to your practice.
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Facilities & Practical Information
• No Wi-Fi is available in the studio.
• A desk and chair can be provided upon request.
• Open studio environment — no lockable personal storage.
• Toilet and sink access is available.
• Close to all major amenities.
• Approximately 800 metres from the Picasso Museum, the sea, and MOCO Museum.
• A short distance to the Sagrada Familia.
• The studio facilities are currently not wheelchair accessible. This is something we hope to improve in the future.
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What We Offer
• A dedicated workspace for one month in BienCuadrado’s front gallery
• A solo exhibition or public presentation of work created during the residency
• Visibility within a reputable Barcelona contemporary art space
• Opportunities to meet and connect with local and international artists
• Regular engagement with visitors, tour groups, and the wider creative community
• Support and visibility from a space recognised both locally and internationally, including participation in events such as Urvanity Art Fair (Madrid)
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What Is Not Included
• Accommodation
• Travel expenses
• Materials or equipment
• Specialist tools or technical support
• Wheelchair-accessible facilities
There is no additional residency fee beyond the application fee and refundable deposit.
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Commitment
Selected artists are expected to:
• Use the space actively throughout the residency period
• Maintain a respectful, clean working environment
• Work without hazardous or dust-producing processes
• Be present for their exhibition and any open-studio moments
• Maintain professionalism throughout
• Leave the space in a similar condition to when the residency began
The selection panel will include four international artists and one previous resident artist.
Applications will be capped at 250.
Application deadline: 18 January 2026 (payments must be received by this date)
Selected artist notified: 1 February 2026
Public announcement: Mid-February
Please note: Due to the volume of applications, no individual feedback will be provided to unsuccessful applicants.
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How to Apply
Applicants must submit:
• Full legal name
• Artist name (if different)
• Date of birth
• Contact phone number
• e-mail address
• Artist bio (150–250 words)
• Portfolio of 6–12 images (PDF or direct links)
• Social media or website (optional but helpful)
• A proposal outlining the work you intend to create or the direction of your investigation during the residency (300–500 words)
Please compile written materials into a single PDF where possible.
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If Selected
Accepted artists will be required to provide:
• Passport details (for administrative and contractual purposes)
• A €250 deposit, returned in full provided the space is left in good condition, no damage occurs, and the residency and exhibition are completed as agreed
• Proof of personal insurance for equipment and artworks — BienCuadrado cannot accept liability for loss or damage
Studio access: 9:00–22:00 daily (alternative hours may be discussed).
Basic assistance with final exhibition installation is provided.
The gallery’s online platforms will be used to promote the event.
A 30% commission (after tax) applies to any sales made through BienCuadrado during the residency.
Applications must be submitted via email to:
BienCuadrado@gmail.com
with the subject line:
Artist Residency Application April 2026
Please ensure the email includes the name used for payment.