2026: ALCHEMY
What if:
We pause and closely look at the elements at hand.
We try new constellations.
We refuse the inherited ways.
We forge new economies, a new grammar.
We share the formula for a dignified ‘NO’.
We opt for collaboration.
We finally turn that dire dirt to gold.
The Artist Residency Schloss Balmoral invites artists, curators and writers to hand in project suggestions and portfolios resonating with our thematic call for the year 2026.
Alchemy, defined as a way to cleanse, experiment and recombine, is seen as an aesthetic, as well as a philosophical process: a strategy to change or transform something. For the year 2026, we are looking for bold recipes and strategies to respond to the need to re-enchant (or dis-enchant) the world: “In the life of every human being, there is a need for magic and enchantment, but not always: at certain moments, we should disenchant the world, moments, situations, negative emotions and paradigms.”, as Małgorzata Mirga-Tas’ work suggests.
We invite proposals that speak to the idea of ALCHEMY.
Our call for 2026 is embedded in our larger vision for the Artist Residency Schloss Balmoral. We envision a table of artists, makers, thinkers and healers that fills in the years to come. In 2025, we invited the tricksters (the fellows of 2025 to join the table). They are here with us right now. In 2026, the alchemists join. In the years to come, we will invite those who contemplate and practice love deeply, the poets and those who make us laugh to form part of this imaginary table, from which other worlds emerge and become possible. As the poet Joy Harjo writes in her poem Perhaps the World Ends Here: “The world begins at a kitchen table. No matter what, we must eat to live.”
Our year together will be interwoven with experiences, trips, lectures, dinners and a reading group – and for sure looking in awe at the Alchemy Lecture hosted by Prof Christina Sharpe. You find the book in our library (yes, we do have a beautiful library!)
Our residency period extends between April and November 2026. We offer the following fellowships:
- For international artists, we offer:
- 3 x 4-months fellowships in Bad Ems
- 2 x 8–moths fellowships in Bad Ems
- 1 x 4-months fellowships in Bad Ems for an artist who is at risk, threatened by persecution, war, in exile, unable to work in their context due to oppression
- For international curators, we offer
- 2 x 4-months fellowships in Bad Ems
- For one theorist/writer, we offer
- 1 x 4-months fellowship in Bad Ems
Application process
Artists, curators and theorists are invited to apply for the Artist Residency with their portfolio. In 2026, we are offering our new fellowship for ‘Theorist in Residence’ (for 2026) alternating annually. One 4-month scholarship is also specifically aimed at artists who are affected by persecution, war and threats. For all applications, please apply via the following link to our application platform.
Pets are not permitted. Assistance animals for sure are permitted.
An international jury will decide on the selection of applicants in October 2025. Successful applicants are contacted by us in November 2025.
Before you apply, please make sure you read these notes on our the residency programme:
Kindly note: Bad Ems is a small town in Germany. A very small town. Do make sure you are aware of the location of the residency.
Our residency thrives on a communal spirit, while respecting privacy and individualism. You will share a kitchen with other fellows, but you will have your own apartment, bathroom and atelier. We host regular tables with all fellows to exchange, forge ideas and connect.
We are aware of the role we can play as a serious playground for an open society. We therefore have a public programme running at the Artist Residency Schloss Balmoral: Exhibitions, a Balmoral Salon, Summer Schools, a children’s art festival, and some more. There will be people in the castle at certain times, which you’ll find clearly marked in your calendar.
We love care. You can bring your child(ren). Discuss with us about arrangements that work for all of us.
Unfortunately, our historic building is not yet as accessible-free as we want it to be, but we are in the process of re-imagining the Artist Residency Schloss Balmoral in the spirit of inclusive aesthetics. We encourage artists, writers and curators with disabilities to apply and get in touch with us regarding making it all work. Please contact the Director, Dr. Katharina Fink (director@balmoral.de) directly. She’s looking forward to hearing from you!