HMK Open Call for Proposals 2015

Artist-run residency Hotel Maria Kapel offers research- and project based residencies for individuals or groups (max 4), and invites artists, curators and researchers to submit proposals the 2015 residency- and exhibition programme.

About HMK
Hotel Maria Kapel is an artist-run residency and project space located in a 15th century chapel in Hoorn, the Netherlands; a small historic town 40 kilometres north of Amsterdam. Hoorn was founded in 716, and rapidly grew to become a major harbour town. During Holland's 'Golden Age', Hoorn was an important home base for the Dutch East India Company (VOC) and a very prosperous centre of trade. Hoorn is currently a city with a small touristic centre and larger sub-urban area and has a high number of commuters to Amsterdam for work and studies. HMK offers artists a stay in a concentrated work space, where dialogue and collaboration inform experimental, context based exhibitions and projects. The programme invites artists and curators working in a wide range of media, but mainly focusing on installation and context based work and video.

Who may apply:
Artists (individually or as a group), curators and researchers.

We offer:
> Project-residencies
During a stay at our guesthouse the artist/group of artists is invited to develop, execute and present a new project in the exhibition space (the chapel). Residencies vary in length and depend on the nature of the work; usually between one and two months. The exhibition with the residents´ work is open to public, and lasts around one month.

> Research residencies
During a longer stay at HMK the artist/curator is hosted to research and/or develop a specific project or subject that is part of their artistic practice. HMK aims to host around 2 research-residencies in 2015, culminating in one event, exhibition, presentation or publication from the researcher. Expected outcomes are outlined in the second selection round/ after selection and depend on the nature of the research.

All residents are offered:
Full and free use of all accommodation and living / working facilities (a.o. wireless internet, shared kitchen, washing machine / dryer, basic tools, some audio & video equipment ).

Funding
HMK aims to secure funding in collaboration with the artist to provide a travel/living/production budget. Amounts depend on individual projects, and HMK strongly advises artists to secure additional funding elsewhere. HMK always offers full and free use of the guesthouse and its facilities. Furthermore, HMK is responsible for all mail-outs and promotional activity in relation to the shows, which include regional, national and international contacts. In 2014 HMK is kindly supported by several local and national foundations.

HMK is looking for:
Context-specific projects that make full use of the unique opportunities offered. The long stays at HMK lead to intensive local and international collaboration. Projects are developed both in (response to) the surroundings of Hoorn, public space and in the exhibition space. Projects may be presented outside the Maria Chapel, or can take on other forms (events/seminars/screenings/etc.). HMK is keen on artistic projects that do not only focus on art itself but that, in content or practice, are able to step outside the box and make connections outside an art-context. HMK focuses and facilitates collaborations; preferably you work with artists or others with whom you haven't (extensively) worked with before.

Things to consider when applying:
We strongly advise you to read into the wider context of Hoorn and HMK prior to submitting a proposal. The context of HMK includes the geographical positioning; a small town setting (e.g., absence of a University or a large local art scene/discourse); the combination of a locally rooted art-initiative with exhibitions of (inter)national appeal.

Proposals must focus mainly on content of the work and the process of working resulting in a presentation in our chapel/exhibition space, please do not propose to exhibit pre-existing work. HMK does not usually host residents working with theatre or dance as their main medium.

Projects must have a strong international component (i.e. cooperation with artists from different countries). We consider it to be an advantage when a group has one Dutch component, although this is not obligated. Do not take this too literally, feel free to propose the unexpected, and be bold!

Application Fee
In order to apply, HMK requests a small application fee of €15,-. Collected funds cover basic administrations costs as well as our Independent Satellite Program (ISP). Through ISP we send one artist, curator or writer to the country of one of the 2015 participants for an obligation-free period of research, networking and exploration; completing the circle of cultural exchange.

The application fee should be transferred to our PayPal account with email address [email protected]. Fees paid are non-refundable. Without received payment your application will not be considered.

Selection procedure
The HMK curatorial team selects an artist in 2 rounds; after sending in a first, short project proposal, you may be asked to submit more information.

How to apply:
1. Read our info and application guidelines (above)
2. Fill in our application form. (see www.hotelmariakapel.nl)
3. Send in your application (PDF) to: [email protected]

More information? See the HMK-info pack (background-info, pictures, floor-plan etc.) For questions about the Open Call, please email to [email protected].