Creators OPEN CALL 

A4 Residency Art Center located in Chengdu, China, the A4 Residency Art Center is a multidisciplinary global exchange platform that integrates creation, networking, and resources. It is dedicated to fostering cross-cultural creative collisions and innovation through residency programs while promoting the deep integration of creative culture with commerce and communities.

Since its establishment in 2011, A4 has collaborated with 192 creators from 36 countries and regions, spanning diverse fields including artists, scientists, writers, poets, scholars, musicians, architects, designers, brand founders and beyond. The residency provides interdisciplinary creative support and facilitates meaningful connections between resources, fostering opportunities for transformation and collaboration. As an active advocate for social responsibility, A4 continues to explore innovative intersections between communities and creative culture, shaping new lifestyle experiences for the public while driving commercial innovation. Through the organic integration of creativity and business, A4 offers creators an expanded platform for visibility and collaboration, cultivating a sustainable ecosystem for business and creative collaboration.

Project application deadline:

The deadline of 2026-2027 recruitment is currently located on the end of October.

Our open call lasts through out the year.

The submission after the end of October will be considered to the following year.

2026-2027 International Residency Program – Open Call

A4 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENCY PROGRAM

Residency Description

//One.

Resident artists will be participating in a unique context comprised of the art center, the community and the characteristics of the city, which includes the development of a rapidly changing and evolving southern side of a tranquil city as well as the tension between its long history and fractured modernization. The residency’s working ecosystem also engages with diverse themes, spanning the individual and the emotional, the local and the external, the localization and the globalisation, as well as an extensive array of social groups and community practices in China. All of these elements contribute to a layered, dynamic ecosystem for resident artists, offering rich inspiration and interactive space.

// Two.

A4 Residency Art Center respects creative outcomes in various forms and disciplines, encouraging artists to use diverse media and approaches to forge connections and collaborations with the local environment, with a focus on interdisciplinary integration and innovation. At the same time, the residency will offer multiple public platforms for showcasing creative works and actively seeks to create opportunities for resource networking and promotion, enabling artists to gain broader exposure and support for their work.

//Three.

The residency program the residency strives to achieve localization, openness, collaboration, and participation, and expects resident artists to approach the program with the same mindset, engaging actively with the community and urban life, sharing collaborative methods, utilizing tools and expertise, and growing alongside the team and external participants. The residency team will fully support artists’ work, offering access to the center’s resource library and assisting with connections to local resources. Meanwhile, through the unique “Super Agent” system, artists will be paired with local residents to gain authentic perspectives on daily life, helping them quickly understand the area, integrate into the community, and establish their creative direction.

//Four.

The residency program has established a comprehensive documentation and research system,involving multiple interviews and discussions throughout the project, with creative outcomes recorded and summarized. Additionally, the Art Center’s “Super Agent” system and “RE Expansion Program”will launch two levels of cooperation to build a deeper relational network: on one level, involving residents to enrich the diversity of local life; and on the other, sharing documentation with external scholars to enable observation and discussion on a broader scale and from a wider perspective.

Who Can Apply:

We welcome applications from:

1. Multidisciplinary artists: Including but not limited to visual arts, performing arts, music, film, sound, and architecture.

2. Curators: Engaged in cross-disciplinary exhibition-making, curation, and project development.

3. Designers: Spanning product design, fashion design, spatial design, interactive design, and related fields.

4. Others: Creatives with interdisciplinary backgrounds capable of integrating art, business, and cultural sectors.

Program support：

1. Studio & Accommodation: Access to a dedicated creative workspace and living quarters.

2. Travel Support: Round-trip airfare (economy class) or train ticket (second class) within a set budget.

3. Production Grant: RMB 10,000 per person/team for creative production and material costs (excluding living expenses).

4. Resource Network: Engagement with local communities, commercial brands, and cultural institutions.

5. Cultural Immersion: Exclusive guided experiences exploring Chengdu’s cultural landscape.

6. Media Exposure: Promotional support via official online platforms.

7. Events & Networking: Participation in salons, talks, and open studio events.

8. Presentation Opportunities: Showcasing residency outcomes through exhibitions, performances, publications, and public art projects.

Process Residency Activities:

1. organize and initiate 1-2 small public events

2. studio open

3. RE- SALON sharing meeting

4. Residency daily shooting and recording

5. Residency group gatherings and parties

During the residency, creators are required to initiate one to two participatory local activities to facilitate communication with the city and community. Concurrently, A4 Residency Art Center will organize a plethora of group activities and intimate sharing and exhibition opportunities to foster understanding among creators, encourage integration and co-creation, and facilitate links and cooperation with local resources.

Residency Duration：

Spring 2026: April – June

Autumn 2026: July – October

Spring 2027: April – June

Each residency lasts 8 to 10 weeks, with a minimum commitment of 8 weeks.

Time of Outcome Display:

Autumn 2026:  September – October

Spring 2027:  May – June

Possible Residency Outcomes:

1. Public artworks (temporary/permanent)

2. Display of artworks or projects

3. Large-scale public activities or performance

4. Literature research outputs or publications

Selection Criteria:

1. Creativity & Innovation: Uniqueness and originality of the proposed project and its potential to push artistic, design, or commercial boundaries.

2. Cross-disciplinary Collaboration: The applicant’s ability to engage with local communities and commercial brands, generating sustainable impact.

3. Feasibility & Execution: The application can efficiently execute the project within the specified time and achieve the expected results.

4. Social & Cultural Impact: Potential contributions to the local community and cultural landscape.

Application Requirements:
 

1. Personal Resume and Portfolio: Please provide your latest resume, including various relevant art practice cases and examples of your participation in collaborations.

2. Project Proposal: A detailed plan outlining the intended project, objectives, methodology, and how it will engage with local communities or commercial partners.

How to apply：

Applicants must submit all materials in both English and Chinese, including:

Personal photo

Portfolio

CV

Project Proposal

Please email your application to:

a4residency@a4am.cn with the subject”A4 International Residency Application – [Your Name]”.

2026驻留申请表 Application Form.doc

Brand collaboration：

Collaborations & Partnerships

For cultural institutions, governments, foundations, or business leaders seeking to enhance brand identity and cultural engagement, we welcome collaboration opportunities. Please contact us at: huangwensha@a4residency.com.cn.