The residency at Tihany Abbey, for three to six months between 1 August 2026 and 30 April 2027, focuses on hosting artists whose work responds to the Benedictine rhythm of life, the cultural–spiritual heritage of Tihany Abbey, in the specific landscape of the Balaton Uplands, Hungary, developing site-sensitive works that activate dialogue between monastic tradition, contemporary culture, and the seasonal flow of visitors. The key aim is to develop a practice rooted in observation, sensitivity, and resonance – to listen to the abbey’s layered histories and its present-day life.
Artists will be encouraged to explore the spiritual heritage, liturgical life, and community roles of the Benedictine monks, along with the lavender cultivation, while also reflecting on the site’s evolving identity as an important cultural landmark.
Forms of interaction can include co-creative workshops in museum or education rooms (e.g. around the Deed of Foundation, local historical stories, lavender and herb practices), small-scale making sessions, and collective mappings of memories and routes.
Participatory art and storytelling are also potential ways of interaction, in connection with guided tours, concerts, and lavender events, where visitors contribute sounds, texts, drawings or simple actions that feed back into ongoing artistic research. Collective actions in outdoor areas (mindful walks, seasonal garden tasks, simple ecological gestures) that connect spiritual exercises, ecological care, and artistic reflection, can act as further options for interaction.
The selected artist will receive a compensation of 1,000 EUR per month, covering all transport and accommodation expenses and as recognition for the work carried out during the residency period, including research activities and engagement with the local community. Travel, accommodation and production costs are covered by the host organisation.
