SWIT Platform Residency 2026

This is an open call to invite two Italy-based creatives (artists, writers, curators, and critics) working with photography for a 2-week research-based residency in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 2026.

Overview

Depending on your professional background, you may apply for one of two residency periods. The first period runs from 20 April to 3 May 2026 and is open to writers, curators, and critics working with photography.

The second period takes place from 1 to 30 June 2026 and is open to artists working with photography. This period marks the beginning of Gothenburg’s early summer. This period also includes Midsummer, Sweden’s most significant holiday, when much of the city closes and many locals leave to celebrate in the countryside. For those primarily interested in networking, June may therefore be less suitable.

Practical Info

Artists, writers, curators, and critics working in photography and based in Italy (regardless of nationality) are welcome to apply. SWIT Platform welcomes process- and research-based projects, with no expectation to produce a final work or to prepare a presentation by the end of the residency. To get the most out of it, the participant must be comfortable communicating in English. Applications must be submitted using the online form, including a biography, intent with the residency, a CV, and a portfolio or a PDF that makes them understand the practice.

SWIT Platform offers free roundtrip flight Italy-Göteborg, free accommodation with a working desk, free access to Göteborgs Bildverkstad, a collective workshop for image production, curatorial support by Stefano Conti, the possibility of carrying out gallery visits, attending openings, connecting with locals, etc. Local transportation, shipping of artworks, subsistence, and insurance are not included.

The residency is self-directed, meaning artists are expected to work independently. However, if they wish, they can collaborate with Stefano to structure a program for their time in Gothenburg based on their interests. There are no other participants in residence at that time. However, at the co-working space Bildverkstad, there will surely be the opportunity to meet other creatives.

The jury is composed of Stefano Conti and Giada Renzo. In February, four applicants will be invited for an interview. After that, only two will be granted the residency and will receive a binding contract to sign. In March, all the applicants will receive notification of their application results.

About SWIT Platform

SWIT is a curatorial and research project founded in 2022 by Stefano Conti, with the aim of strengthening the cooperation between Sweden-based and Italy-based emerging artists working with photography, supporting them through cultural exchanges. Through the establishment of informal opportunities for the dissemination and production of knowledge (such as exhibitions, residencies, talks, publications, and online activities), the platform aims to stimulate a continuous process of mutual enrichment between Sweden and Italy. The ultimate goal of the cultural exchanges activated by SWIT is twofold. On one hand, they allow artists to gain exposure and establishment in new contexts abroad. On the other hand, they ensure that different audiences in different cities can access unique and original knowledge through collaborative and informal frameworks.