OPEN CALL: BUILDING BRIDGES 50 Years of Derby - Osnabrück twinning

Calling all artists and creative practitioners based in Derby, Derbyshire and the East Midlands!

As part of the landmark celebrations marking 50 years of the twinning relationship between Derby and Osnabrück (1976–2026), Artcore invites applications from four artists (Derby, Derbishire and the East Midlands-based) to participate in an ambitious international residency and exhibition programme as part of its long-running Building Bridges initiative.

This programme forms part of a year-long series of cultural celebrations (2026–2027) commemorating both the golden jubilee of the Derby–Osnabrück twinning and Derby’s city status, bringing together artists, communities, and institutions across borders.

About the Residency
The selected artists will take part in a two-phase international residency designed to foster exchange, dialogue, and collaboration:

2-week residency in Osnabrück, Germany – 8–22 May 2026 in partnership with our partner Kunstraum Hase2, non-profit association Dreidimensional eV, and Osnabrück Sculpture Gallery

2-week residency at Artcore, Derby – 25 May-8 June 2026

During this period, the selected artists will engage with four artists from Osnabrück, whose reciprocal visit to Derby will take place in June 2026. Together, the eight artists will share studios, ideas, processes, and experiences across both cities.

The programme will culminate in a major group exhibition at Artcore, Derby, presented as part of the official 50-year twinning celebrations, showcasing new works developed through this shared journey.

About Building Bridges, 2026
Building Bridges is Artcore’s international cultural exchange programme celebrating the enduring relationship between Derby and Osnabrück. Since its inception, the programme has supported artist residencies, exhibitions, educational initiatives, and community-led projects, reinforcing the belief that art plays a vital role in sustaining long-term international friendships. Osnabrück is a historic city in north-west Germany, long associated with trade, peace-making, and cultural exchange. Osnabrück and Derby have been officially twinned since 1976, forming a partnership grounded in friendship and post-war reconciliation. Over the past five decades, this relationship has enabled ongoing exchanges across culture, education, and civic life. Artist residencies and collaborative projects continue to strengthen connections between the two cities.

As the twinning partnership reaches its 50th year, this special edition of Building Bridges looks forward, not only to celebrating the past but also to actively shaping the future of cultural collaboration between the two cities. At the heart of this edition of Building Bridges is the theme of sharing and camaraderie.

Artists are invited to reflect on:

• What it means to share space, time, resources, and stories
• How artistic practice can nurture friendship, solidarity, and mutual understanding
• The role of long-term cultural relationships in shaping empathy across borders
• This theme is intentionally open-ended. Artists may respond through any medium, practice, or methodology they are comfortable with, whether individual or collaborative, process-led or outcome-driven.

About Derby & Osnabrück
Derby is a city in the East Midlands of England, shaped by a strong industrial legacy and a growing contemporary cultural and creative sector. It is socially diverse and economically driven by engineering, manufacturing, education, and the arts. Osnabrück is a historic city in north-west Germany, strategically located along key European trade routes and known for its civic commitment to culture and peace-building. Its economy combines industry, education, and a vibrant cultural landscape.

City twinning between Derby and Osnabrück, established in 1976, is rooted in post-war reconciliation and long-term international friendship. The partnership enables sustained cultural, educational, and civic exchanges, strengthening connections between communities through shared experiences.

What We Are Offering Each Artist
Each selected artist will receive:

• A 2-week residency at Artcore, Derby
• A 2-week international residency in Osnabrück, Germany
• Opportunities to work alongside artists from Osnabrück
• Accommodation in Osnabrück for the duration of the residency
• Studio space in Derby and Osnabrück
• Curated visits to galleries, museums, and cultural spaces in Osnabrück
• Opportunities to engage with local communities in both cities
• An Open Studio / public sharing event in Osnabrück
• Participation in a final group exhibition at Artcore, Derby
• Publicity and marketing support
• Your own artist blog documenting the residency
• Opportunities to deliver talks, workshops, or participatory sessions
• Mentoring and curatorial support throughout the programme
• A cash bursary (details to be confirmed) of £1000 to support travel and materials.
• Professional documentation and inclusion in project publications

Residency Timeline (Indicative):
Open Call Deadline: 6 March 2026
Shortlisting & Interviews: 13 -18 March 2026
Announcement of Selected 20 March 2026

Residency Periods:
Osnabrück Residency: 8–22 May 2026
Derby Residency: 23 May-10 Ju 2026 (2 weeks)

Final Exhibition:
Off-Site Pop-up exhibition in Osnabrück: tentatively scheduled for 22 May 2026 (date subject to confirmation) 
Exhibition at Artcore Gallery in Derby, UK: tentatively scheduled for 10 July 2026 (date subject to confirmation)

Eligibility
Applicants must be based in Derby, Derbyshire and the East Midlands
Applicants should have a passport with at least 6 months' validity
Open to artists and creative practitioners from all disciplines
Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in collaboration, exchange, and international dialogue

What we expect:
Be present for the whole duration of the residency in Derby and Osnabrück.
Follow the agreed programme itinerary to support smooth coordination.
Submit clear documentation (photos, videos, and text) from both residencies.
Provide a short reflective report on how the residency supported their practice.
Participate in public-facing activities (open studios, talks, workshops, or discussions).