open call for socially engaged arts in the mediterranean

MedSEA – Socially Engaged Arts in the Mediterranean Area, a European cooperation project, launches an open call addressed to emerging artists and cultural professionals working — or wishing to work — with participatory and socially engaged artistic practices.

The call will select 12 participants who will take part in a structured programme combining training, artistic residency, and fieldwork, in Larnaka (Cyprus) and Sfax (Tunisia).

Selected applicants will participate in a Cyprus (05 October 2026 2027 – 02 May 2027)– fourweek residency in either Larnaka, 01 November 2026) OR Sfax, Tunisia (05 April . The residency includes:

The programme develops over several phases. It begins with a preparation and capacity-building phase, including webinars and workshops focused on community-based artistic practices, sustainability, and cultural project design. It then continues with a four-week residency, during which participants engage in fieldwork and co-creation processes with local communities, supported by project partners.

The residency periods will take place between October 2026 and May 2027, with two main phases:

RESIDENCY & FESTIVAL PERIODS:

• Larnaka, Cyprus (Mahallart Festival)
  Residency period: 05/10/26 – 01/11/26
  Festival dates: 26/10/26 – 01/11/26

• Sfax, Tunisia (Hors-Lits Festival)
  Residency period: 05/04/27 – 02/05/27
  Festival dates: 26/04/27 – 02/05/27

The works developed during the residency will be presented within two established festivals: Mahallart Festival in Larnaka and Hors-Lits Festival in Sfax, both focused on the relationship between art and communities.

TIMELINE

• 05 June 23:59:59 CET: Application Deadline

• mid June 2026: Selection Period & candidates Interviews with shortlisted candidates

• mid June 2026: Results Announcement

•  1 July 2026: Selected to applicants will get to know join an online each other meeting and discuss of their participation.