Today Art Initiative NGO is based in Armenia, working with international and local artists in frame of artists in residency program. The founder of it Lilit Stepanyan has recently secured funding to do a international artists in residency program in rural areas . So we are now on the search for a fellow artist, who is living outside of Armenia and interested in taking part in this exciting opportunity to travel, live and work in Armenia for (25 days). After the project we need to send one artist from Armenia who you can host in your country as part of this residency exchange.

An Exchange opportunity in rural Byurakan/Talin/Armenia.

If you are a contemporary artist living overseas you may be perfect for this project. We are looking for an artist/organisation who is willing to share their art studio and who has a clear proposal idea of their project, which can be realised in Armenian rural areas. The artist will come and stay in Armenia for 25 days in Byurakan village and Talin town and work on the proposal. You will be expected to produce a new body of work while taking part in the exchange, this will be inspired by your shared experience and in response to a new working and living enviroment. 

Various activities will take place during the exchange, including delivering workshops, talks and networking with artist communities in each location. The exchange will end in Byurakan with a final presentation/show.  You will be required to facilitate workshops and networking during your staying with us. 

The Armenian part of the exchange will be 25 days between September and October in both Talin town and Byurakan village. 

The living costs, travel expenses and studio costs will be covered by the hosting organisation.

You will be expected to provide free accomodation and transport for the Armenian artist, Ideally you will live together so that the exchange will be a life sharing experience and therefore be able to observe the similarities or differences of rural living as artists. 

Artists who are not able to host an Armenian artists can also send a proposal about their project in Armenian rural areas. If they are accepted we will contact them.

Purpose of the exchange: 

• Inspire each artist with new ways of creating and thinking through the sharing of methods and concepts. 
• To create new artist connections and communities through networking. 
• Inspire other young creatives living in rural areas that it is possible to have a creative career while living rurally. This will be through workshops in local schools and volunteering oppportunities. 
• Promote the creative industries as being an important part of the rural community. 
• Discover new models of how to grow the reputation, attractivness and economy of an area through the arts. 
• Demonstrate how it is possible to forge a creative career in a rural context. 

If you have any contacts you think may be interested in this opportunity OR you think you may be the perfect fit then please do get in touch with Lilit, she would love to hear from you.