RUЯALCREA 2025 Artist Residency Open Call
Nectar launches the open call for the 1st edition of its artist residency program RUЯALCREA, with the aim of revitalizing cultural life in rural communities through the active presence of artists and creators in residence. The program promotes direct exchange between artists, local inhabitants, and the surrounding environment, positioning small rural towns as spaces for research, creation, and cultural dissemination.
The residency is aimed at ongoing projects—visual, performing, or research-based—that seek a meaningful connection with the territory, either as a source of inspiration or as part of the creative process.
We are especially excited to announce that this first edition will take place in La Nou de Gaià (Tarragonès, Tarragona), a small and welcoming town just a few kilometers from the Mediterranean Sea.
📍 About the 2025 Residency 📍
Nectar launches the open call for the 1st edition of its artist residency program RUЯALCREA, with the aim of revitalizing cultural life in rural communities through the active presence of artists and creators in residence. The program promotes direct exchange between artists, local inhabitants, and the surrounding environment, positioning small rural towns as spaces for research, creation, and cultural dissemination.
The residency is aimed at ongoing projects—visual, performing, or research-based—that seek a meaningful connection with the territory, either as a source of inspiration or as part of the creative process.
We are especially excited to announce that this first edition will take place in La Nou de Gaià (Tarragonès, Tarragona), a small and welcoming town just a few kilometers from the Mediterranean Sea.
📍 About the 2025 Residency 📍
- 4 artists will be selected
- Selected artists will receive a 100% grant
- The RUЯALCREA program will last a total of three months, from September to November 2025
- The stay will be divided into two 6-week periods (2 artists per period)
- The residency will take place in La Nou de Gaià, in the Tarragonès region (Tarragona)
The Residency
Accommodation:
The selected artists will stay in a private house located in the village of La Nou de Gaià. Each artist will have their own private room.
Food:
Every week, artists will receive a basket of locally-sourced, organic fruits and vegetables (Km 0). Additionally, they will receive a one-time starter pack of basic food and hygiene products. All other food expenses will be covered by the artist.
Workspaces
The workspaces are located in the same house where the residents are accommodated: spacious, multipurpose areas with natural light. Depending on each project’s needs, it will also be possible to use other spaces in the village for specific or community-oriented activities
Transport:
A pick-up service from the nearest train station will be available if needed
The selected artists will stay in a private house located in the village of La Nou de Gaià. Each artist will have their own private room.
Food:
Every week, artists will receive a basket of locally-sourced, organic fruits and vegetables (Km 0). Additionally, they will receive a one-time starter pack of basic food and hygiene products. All other food expenses will be covered by the artist.
Workspaces
The workspaces are located in the same house where the residents are accommodated: spacious, multipurpose areas with natural light. Depending on each project’s needs, it will also be possible to use other spaces in the village for specific or community-oriented activities
Transport:
A pick-up service from the nearest train station will be available if needed
Calendar
SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2025
The residency is divided into two 6-week periods:
*****
Application period:
May 12 – July 16, 2025
Announcement of results:
July 23, 2025
The residency is divided into two 6-week periods:
- 1st period: September 3 – October 15, 2025
- 2nd period: October 17 – November 28, 2025
*****
Application period:
May 12 – July 16, 2025
Announcement of results:
July 23, 2025
Terms and conditions
The residency is open to artists, creatives, and researchers working in the fields of visual and performing arts, both local and international.
To apply, candidates must submit a PDF document (up to 10 MB) with the following information using the online application form (documents in Catalan, Spanish, or English are accepted):
SELECTION CRITERIA
Jury:
The jury will be composed of professionals from the arts and cultural sector and the Nectar team.
To apply, candidates must submit a PDF document (up to 10 MB) with the following information using the online application form (documents in Catalan, Spanish, or English are accepted):
- Project Proposal
- Short bio/CV
- Portfolio
SELECTION CRITERIA
- The project proposal must include, at a minimum: a description of the project, a tentative timeline, and its objectives. Additional relevant information may also be included.
- Artistic or research projects must integrate the village’s cultural, historical, social, or landscape identity, using somehow the local context as a source of inspiration or reflection.
- Special consideration will be given to projects that encourage interaction with residents and the community, through workshops, participatory activities, collaborations with local organizations, or other formats that promote active engagement in the creative process.
- Selected artists will have access to appropriate infrastructure for the development and presentation of their projects, as well as guidance from the RUЯALCREA team and opportunities to build connections with the local community.
- RUЯALCREA invites artists and creators residing in La Nou de Gaià to apply. A specific open call will be launched for 2 local artists.
Jury:
The jury will be composed of professionals from the arts and cultural sector and the Nectar team.
Grants
Nectar will award 4 full grants (100%) that include:
Creation support:
Each artist will receive a small financial contribution to support the creation and production of the project developed during the residency, including a possible public presentation.
Confirmation of participation in the residency must be made within one week of the selection announcement.
- 6-week artist residency
- Accommodation (private room)
- Private/shared work studio
- Interactions with local and international professionals
- Public event at a cultural space in La Nou de Gaià
- Weekly basket of local organic fruit and vegetables (Km 0) and a one-time starter pack of basic food and hygiene products
- Communication and social media support
- Transport from the nearest train station
- Mentoring and studio visits by the Nectar team
Creation support:
Each artist will receive a small financial contribution to support the creation and production of the project developed during the residency, including a possible public presentation.
Confirmation of participation in the residency must be made within one week of the selection announcement.
Loaction
The first edition of the RUЯALCREA residency will take place in La Nou de Gaià, a charming small village in the Tarragonès region (Tarragona) with just over 600 inhabitants. Located only 1 hour from Barcelona, 15 minutes from Tarragona, and 3 km from the Mediterranean coast, it offers a peaceful, inspiring, and well-connected environment.
The village has regular public transportation (buses with direct connections to Tarragona and nearby towns) and train stations within close proximity.
For more information about La Nou de Gaià, click here.
The village has regular public transportation (buses with direct connections to Tarragona and nearby towns) and train stations within close proximity.
For more information about La Nou de Gaià, click here.
With the collaboration of:
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Ajuntament de La Nou de Gaià |
