In a cultural landscape seeking new connections, the Fellowship Programme proposes a renewed alliance between artists and those who support the emergence of their work. A new cultural model based on an expanded mecenat: more open, more engaged, and more attentive to the shifts in the creative world.

Conceived by iMAL, and in a context marked by profound ecological and social urgencies, the Fellowship programme invites us to imagine a different way of supporting and accompanying artistic creation, based on co-responsibility, shared experience, and commitment. The financial support for the Fellowship Programme will come every year from a different art collector. The project was developed in cooperation with Frédéric de Goldschmidt, the founder of Cloud Seven, who will back the first edition.

Here, "collecting" means becoming involved in a process, being present at the moment the work takes shape, participating in the ecosystem that makes it possible, and supporting culture as a universal right.

The objective of this annual call is to award a production residency for a project led by an artist. The residency emphasizes the process of research and experimentation with digital tools and the intellectual exchange between the artist and iMAL.

The residency will last a maximum of 8 weeks (October – December 2026). The artist will receive accommodation, a workspace, and a budget of €8,000 taxes included (€4,000 in fees and €4,000 for production).

Acquisition & Dissemination:
The Collection may acquire the produced work, via a separate agreement. Both the Collector and iMAL will actively foster the work’s dissemination within Belgium and beyond.

The work resulting from the residency is meant to be shared with the public. However, this restitution is understood as a stage in a continuous process. The final presentation or exhibition will not necessarily take place immediately following the residency. Dates and locations (at iMAL or in another public or private institution in Brussels or elsewhere) will be defined according to the project’s maturity and needs.

Originality: Projects must be original, previously unreleased, and created specifically for this residency. Works already exhibited or awarded prizes will not be accepted.

Public Activities: The artist and iMAL may agree on organizing public activities during the residency (studio visits, talks, workshops).

Promotion: Selected artist authorizes iMAL and the Collection to document and share the residency for promotional, educational, and research purposes.

Selection: The winning project will be chosen by a jury consisting of the iMAL team, a representative of the Collection, and an external expert. The decision is final.

Financial Support: €4,000 in fees (incl. VAT) and €4,000 for production (incl. VAT) (upon validation of the project and budget). Accommodation is provided, as well as travel assistance up to a maximum of €1,000 (incl. VAT).

This programme is specifically designed for professional artists who wish to shift or deepen their practice through technology. We are looking for candidates who:

• Have a solid background in contemporary art but limited experience with digital tools. Artists that while rooted in contemporary art, demonstrate an initial exploration of technological tools and show a strong interest in deepening this approach through a committed project requiring curatorial and technical support within iMAL.

• View this residency as a learning opportunity rather than a standard production slot.

Are seeking curatorial mentorship and technical guidance to explore new territories.

Note: Artists with extensive experience in digital arts may be considered overqualified, as the programme's primary goal is to provide a space for growth, experimentation, and the acquisition of new technical and critical skills.

• Artistic Potential: Value of the project within the contemporary art field.

• Learning Impact: How much the artist stands to gain from iMAL’s specific technical and curatorial mentorship.

• Contextual Relevance: Alignment with iMAL’s and the Collection’s focus.

• Feasibility: Practicality in terms of budget and the 8-week timeframe.

Via the dedicated form.

Application Deadline: April 19, 2026

Residency Period: October – December 2026

Exhibition: Results will be published on the iMAL's websites and communicated to the press.

Selected artists will sign an artistic residency contract with iMAL defining the conditions, deadlines, and payment terms, as well as communication and dissemination rights for educational and research purposes.

Questions: ipo@imal.org

Participation implies full acceptance of these regulations.