Trinacria Festival Residency

What we’re looking for: 

For the 2026 Trinacria Festival Residency, we will be offering five to six spots for individual artists (or small collectives of up to three people, provided all are key creative contributors). We aim to create a balanced cohort of performing and visual artists, encompassing practices such as theatre, music, dance, painting, sculpture, street art, installation, land art, and more.

The program is designed to balance process with product. Artists are asked to propose either a new project in its initial development phases, or a project in need of time and space for development. Each selected artist or collective will then present their work at the conclusion of the residency, during the Trinacria Arts Festival 2026. Festival events are selected for their ability to bring together artists, community members, and visitors in a celebratory, participatory environment.

We are seeking artists whose proposed projects engage with or respond to the Pezzolo community in meaningful ways. This may include collaboration, dialogue, participation, or works inspired by the local environment, people, or culture.

The ideal applicants will:

• Share our enthusiasm for using the arts as a tool for community building, place-making, and intercultural exchange.

• Be curious, adaptable, and generous collaborators who approach the residency as a two-way exchange with the community.

• Demonstrate a responsive and site-aware practice, drawing inspiration from their surroundings.

• Clearly articulate how they hope to grow through the residency and how their work may, in turn, benefit the community.

While the residency welcomes international applicants, as our community is primarily Italian-speaking, we can provide translation and interpretation support as needed. However, projects that do not require extensive translation will be prioritized.

What to Expect:

Artistic Development
Each participant will use the residency to develop a new or evolving project that culminates in a public presentation during the Trinacria Arts Festival. While the focus remains on creative process and experimentation, residents are encouraged to arrive with a clear concept or direction to shape into a meaningful public sharing by the end of the program.

In the spirit of Trinacria’s philosophy of collaborative and community-centered creation, each participant will lead a 90-minute skill-sharing workshop during the first week of the residency. This exchange encourages inspiration through one another’s practices and builds a foundation for cross-disciplinary dialogue.

Throughout the residency, participants will take part in regular group sharing sessions to receive feedback and support, along with individual check-ins with the residency director. Each artist or collective will be provided with an appropriate workspace based on the needs of their project, and will be encouraged to explore non-traditional or site-responsive spaces throughout the village. A small materials budget will also be provided.

Community Engagement
Community connection lies at the core of this residency. In addition to the festival, Trinacria will organize informal opportunities for artists and residents to collaborate and exchange—through shared meals, workshops, and village events that foster creativity and mutual learning.

Daily Life
Residency days balance focused creative time with communal rhythm. Mornings begin with short creative warm-ups or workshops, followed by individual work time. After a shared mid-day meal and a traditional afternoon break, participants often resume work or join group check-ins for reflection and feedback. Trinacria also arranges occasional excursions to nearby sites based on the group’s interests.