Hidden Narratives Residency 2026
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Opens7 Mar 2026
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Deadline13 Apr 2026
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Link
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Entry feeFREE
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Author
The Royal Geographical Society, in partnership with Photoworks and the Italian Cultural Institute in London, is seeking Italian photographers with an interest in and focus on archives and archive research.
Overview
Artists are invited to immerse themselves in the historic collections of the Royal Geographical Society and engage with materials related to the environment and humanitarian issues. The outcome of the residency would be to develop presentations and works that resonate with the themes of hidden narratives, loss, and human impact.
The Royal Geographical Society holds a collection of a million pieces of original photography which documents the study of Geography and reaches back to the inception of the photographic medium, focused on the period between 1845 – 1945. This collection includes not only the acts of Western colonial exploration but also sincere scientific and personal observations of our physical and human habitats.
Practical Info
To apply, you need to complete the online form and upload a single PDF document. The file should include a 300-word expression of interest detailing your research area, your interest in archives, and how this opportunity will benefit your practice. Additionally, your PDF must include a short biography with relevant web links, 5–10 examples of recent work, and a confirmation of your availability for the specified dates. If you prefer, you may submit a 3-minute audio or video recording in place of the PDF via a link in the form.
The residency is open to Italian visual artists and photographers over the age of 18 who are proficient in English and have a demonstrated interest in photographic archive research. Applications will be evaluated based on the originality and quality of your portfolio, as well as the relevance of your proposal to this specific residency.
The residency would be roughly 1 year in length, but run over 2026 and 2027. It includes three research and presentation visits to the UK, an initial archive visit scheduled for May 2026, as well as the opportunity to give a talk and share their process at Summit Photo, 17-19 July 2026. The final presentation of the residency and the exhibition of the developed work will take place at Summit Photo 2027.
Selected artists will receive a fee of £1,500, with travel, accommodation, and production costs fully covered.
About the Royal Geographical Society
The Royal Geographical Society is an organisation whose goal is to champion and advance the discipline of geography through supporting geographical research, education, and fieldwork and expeditions, as well as by advocating on behalf of the discipline, supporting geographers in professional practice, and promoting geography to public audiences.
About Photoworks
Photoworks is an international photography platform that has provided opportunities for artists and audiences since 1995. Its programme brings new experiences to audiences and opens up new ways to encounter photography.
About the Italian Cultural Institute
The Italian Cultural Institute in London is the official Italian governmental body dedicated to promoting Italian language and culture in England and Wales.
