Rules

OFFICIAL REGULATIONS

Open Call

International Artist Residency

Guyan Painting Village International Artist Residency Program

Article 1 – Purpose

These regulations define the conditions of participation in the open call for the Lishui International Artist Residency (Zhejiang, China).

This residency aims to support contemporary artistic creation, foster intercultural exchange, and encourage artistic dissemination within an exceptional cultural and natural environment located at the Guyan Huaxiang Art Center in Lishui, Zhejiang Province, China.

Article 2 – Organizers and Partners

The open call is promoted and coordinated by Art Confidential, partner of the project.

The operational organization of the residency, coordination with Chinese institutions, and direct follow-up with selected artists are managed by LooLooLook Gallery, a Paris-based gallery and partner of the program.

Art Confidential acts solely as a communication and coordination partner for the open call.

Article 3 – Residency Overview

The residency takes place in the Guyan Huaxiang artist village, located in Lishui, a city renowned for its cultural heritage and exceptional natural environment.

With over 80% forest coverage, Lishui is considered one of the most ecological cities in China and a major source of inspiration for artists.

The residency aims to:

  • support contemporary artistic creation

  • encourage artistic research

  • foster intercultural exchange

  • develop an international artistic network

This residency is part of an international program offering visibility in both Europe and China.

Article 4 – Number of Participants

Five (5) artists will be selected for the residency.

Five additional artists will be selected for subsequent sessions organized from September 2026 onwards.

Artists will participate together while benefiting individually from:

  • a private room

  • a dedicated or shared studio space

  • round-trip international flights

Article 5 – Duration and Sessions

The residency is organized into multiple sessions.

A first session of one (1) month will take place in June 2026.

A second session of one (1) month will be organized after summer 2026.
The exact dates will be determined based on the availability of the selected artists.

Participation dates will be confirmed individually with each artist, depending on logistical and administrative constraints.

Article 6 – Eligibility

The open call is open to all artists and artisans, regardless of age, nationality, or career stage.

All artistic disciplines are welcome.

The following practices are particularly encouraged:

  • photography

  • painting

  • ceramics

However, all artistic and craft disciplines are eligible.

Article 7 – Application Process

Applications must be submitted exclusively online via the dedicated website.

The application must include:

  • a portfolio in PDF format

  • a presentation of the artistic project to be developed during the residency

  • all required information in the application form

Applicants must also indicate their availability (full months and specific dates) to allow selection across different residency sessions.

Article 8 – Timeline

The timeline is as follows:

  • Opening of applications: March 28

  • Application deadline: April 19

  • Announcement of selected artists: between April 26 and May 8

Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

Participation and departure dates will be confirmed individually with selected artists.

Article 9 – Application Fee

To cover:

  • the organization of the open call

  • communication of the program

  • administrative management and coordination

An application fee of $33.90 is required.

50% of the application fee will be refunded to Art Confidential artists (Allure or Privilège members as of March 25).

Applications will only be considered complete upon receipt of payment.

These fees are non-refundable, except in cases outlined in Article 17.

Article 10 – Selection Process

Artists will be selected by a committee including:

  • members of the residency organizing team

  • representatives of LooLooLook Gallery

  • representatives of Art Confidential

Selection criteria include:

  • artistic quality

  • relevance of the proposed project

  • motivation

  • ability to engage in intercultural exchange

Candidates may be selected for different sessions depending on their profile and availability.

The committee’s decision is final and not subject to appeal.

Article 11 – Residency Conditions

The residency includes:

  • round-trip international flights (economy class)

  • transportation within China

  • private accommodation

  • individual studio space (50–80 sqm)

  • three meals per day

  • support from a local coordinator (including assistance with material sourcing, administration, and local organization), a translator, and an artistic director

Artists must provide a list of required materials in advance.
The residency will purchase and prepare these materials on site.

The residency does not include:

  • personal expenses

  • individual travel

  • international health insurance

Article 12 – Residency Activities

Artists may participate in:

  • cultural visits

  • meetings with local artists

  • conferences or public presentations

  • a final exhibition

Article 13 – Artists’ Commitments

Selected artists agree to:

  • actively participate in the residency program

  • produce at least one artwork during the residency

  • take part in public activities and intercultural exchanges

  • contribute to the final exhibition

Artists must also donate one artwork to the residency or local institutions to contribute to the program’s collection and archives.

Article 14 – Intellectual Property

All artworks created during the residency remain the property of the artists.

Artists authorize the organizers to use images of their works and creative process for:

  • communication

  • documentation

  • exhibitions

  • publications

  • archives

  • cultural dissemination

The artist’s name must always be credited.

Article 15 – Documentation and Communication

The residency may document:

  • the creative process

  • studio work

  • meetings

  • exhibitions

These materials may be used to promote the residency and its artists.

Article 16 – Cultural Considerations

Artists agree to respect:

  • the laws of the host country

  • the local cultural context

  • social and cultural sensitivities

The residency encourages respectful artistic dialogue with the local culture.

Article 17 – Postponement, Cancellation, Force Majeure

17.1. Art Confidential and LooLooLook Gallery reserve the right to postpone or cancel the residency if necessary.

17.2. Neither organizers nor applicants shall be held liable in cases of force majeure (natural disasters, war, pandemics, administrative decisions, etc.).

17.3. In case of cancellation not due to force majeure, application fees may be refunded.

17.4. Organizers are not liable for consequences of postponement or cancellation.

17.5. Organizers reserve the right to cancel an application and refund the fee without justification.

Article 18 – Applicable Law

18.1. These regulations are governed by French law.

18.2. Any dispute shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts where Art Confidential is based.

Article 19 – Acceptance of the Regulations

19.1. Participation implies full acceptance of these regulations.

19.2. No application will be considered without prior acceptance of the regulations during submission.

Applications are open until April 19, 2026.

Apply