In autumn 2025, Bethlen Square Theater will host its first art residency as part of the OASis project.
The residency will take place in the theater’s historic foyer, located in Budapest’s diverse former “Chicago” area—a neighborhood with a rich cultural past, now quieter but full of potential. The goal is to transform this space into a visible, inclusive, and vibrant meeting point for local residents, students, expats, and visitors, working closely with the local community and the theater’s team to co-create artistic, social, and spatial interventions.

For this residency, Bethlen invite artists to help reimagine the new café area as a cultural gateway—a social and intellectual hub that embodies co-creation, hospitality, and urban connection.

Bethlen is seeking 8 artists (5 international and 3 local – based in Hungary) from the following fields:

• Visual arts / Functional design (painting, light art, street art, mixed media)

• Performing/visual storytelling (theatre, videomaking, photography, etc.)

• Music, songwriting, or creative writing
  

Requirements for International Artists

• Fluency in English (mandatory)

• Availability for a 15-day residency between 30/11 and 14/12 2025 (mandatory)

• Experience in community-based or art education projects will be strongly valued
  

What we Offer

• ~€1300 gross artist fee

• Up to €200 travel contribution (only international artists)

• Accommodation (only international artists) and meals provided

• Shared €3000 budget for artistic and production materials

• Technical support throughout the residency

How to Apply

Send your application to medvegyandrea@bethlenszinhaz.hu including:

• Application form (available on the call page)

• Statement of intent (max 2 pages), describing your motivation to participate, how you plan to work with the local community and team, your artistic project ideas and your relevant skills.

• Portfolio/website/social links showcasing your previous work

• Short bio or CV

• One clear, high-quality photo with your face visible (for communication use on our website and social media)

Applications will be evaluated based on artistic merit, the feasibility and impact of the proposed co-creation strategy, and the artist’s ability to connect with and engage the local community. It is also expected to have an online open house 17/07/2025 at 17:00 (CET).
The application deadline is set at 31/07/2025 and results will be announced by 15/08/2025.

Bethlen Open Call - Budapest (Hungary) - Deadline 31/07/2025