The ArQuives is thrilled to partner with FILE NOT FOUND as one of ten participating archives around the world.
Develop an artistic research project in dialogue with an archive and take part in an on-site residency as part of File Not Found, an initiative that reflects on the importance of archives as sites of cultural resistance.
This is an open call to participate in FILE NOT FOUND, a project that explores the risks and challenges archives face as sites of cultural memory, resistant knowledge, and alternative perspectives under growing political pressure.
Ten practitioners – artists, thinkers, activists, theatre makers, dancers, and musicians, etc. – will be selected for residencies at ten cultural archives around the world. During their time on site, they will engage with existing archival practices, explore both safe and not-so-safe spaces, investigate traditional and experimental methods of archiving, and ideally develop artistically subversive approaches. These approaches aim to strengthen the resilience of archives against external influence, both now and in the future.
Who can apply: Artists worldwide (all disciplines)
Residency: On-site, 2 weeks to 2 months
Period: between August 2026 and May 2027
Fee: 4,000€ (2,000€ artist fee + 2,000€ production budget)
Travel & accommodation: Covered up to 2,000€ (1 person)
Outcome: Artwork + Residency Report
Exhibition: The opportunity to present the work in Toronto and then Germany
Application deadline: June 7, 2026, 12pm (GMT+1)
Working language: English
Apply and read more: goethe.de/filenotfound
For general inquiries about the project FILE NOT FOUND please contact filenotfound@goethe.de
File Not Found – Protect Archives. Defend Democracy. is an international initiative led by the Goethe-Institut, in collaboration with Gerador.