February 2022 update: due to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Back Apartment Residency program has been suspended.

The ArtsLink Back Apartment Residency (BAR) program provides opportunities for US and international artists and curators to conduct research, create new work, collaborate with the local arts community, and create special projects in St. Petersburg, Russia. Each residency is individually designed to enable visiting artists and curators to learn about the Russian arts community, develop their own work, and share information about their work and perspectives with local audiences.

The BAR program invites artists and curators interested in learning about contemporary art in Russia and building relationships with the local arts community. Priority is given to artists and curators working in the fields of socially engaged art and public art, but artists working in other fields are also welcome to apply.

CEC ArtsLink currently funds residencies by artists and curators from the United States only. The duration of the Residency in St. Petersburg for artists is four weeks and for curators is 2 weeks. CEC ArtsLink provides international travel, visa support and insurance (if needed), accommodation, and per diem. Artists from other countries are welcome to apply, but will need to seek financial support to cover their expenses. CEC ArtsLink can provide lodging at the residency space and organizational support.