**Annual theme 2025: InterGeneration**

  
"I hope I die before I get old!" sang The Who in their 1965 song My Generation, capturing the defiantly rebellious spirit of their generation. Today, as the baby boomers retire, we read almost daily about «Generation Z», described as media­ savvy, eco-friendly, but also rather non­ committal and work-shy. Does it have something to do with the attitude to life of an entire generation, or are these characterizations merely gross simplifications'? What defines a generation, and what is the point of categorizing people by age'? Or does it divide us unnecessarily'? Do we have to feel that we belong to our own generation, or is it just a concept that we can safely ignore'?

  
What could a more intergenerational relationship look like'? And how do other cultures deal with this issue and how does it evolve'? These questions can also be linked to Villa Sonnenberg and artistic expression. The 250- year-old Villa Sonnenberg has been a country estate, a family residence, a restaurant and, most recently, the artist's residence of the composer, painter, and writer Peter Mieg. Several generations have lived under the same roof, exchanging experiences, ideas, and perspectives. Through this dialogue, the house has been constantly filled with new ideas and revitalized so that it is still with us today. This process should continue and develop.

You are responsible for your own meals, for organising your own travel to and from the Foundation as well as any necessary entry visa.

**Studio residencies at Villa Sonnenberg usually last three months:**

* Mid-January to mid-April 2025
* Mid-May to mid-August 2025
* Mid-September to mid-December 2025

Please indicate all time slots that are possible for you in your application. Attendance of at least 80 % is a prerequisite.

  
**The place**

  
Villa Sonnenberg is in Lenzburg, a small town between Zurich and Bern with a rich cultural life. The property is a 10-minute walk from the old town and shopping facilities, with a view of Lenzburg Castle, and is surrounded by a picturesque garden and features a natural water source.

  
**Living and working**

  
You will stay in a modern studio on the top floor of the main house with a small, equipped kitchen and private bathroom. Bed linen, bath towels and cleaning materials are provided. You are responsible for the maintenance and cleaning of the studio and the infrastructure used. The studio has a WIFI connection. Smoking is prohibited in the entire house and all outbuildings. We cannot accept pets. The studio is for single use. As an artist in residence, you may use _the studio house_ which offers a workshop, a music rehearsal room and the garden.

  
**Contributions**

  
The foundation pays a contribution ofCHF 20 per day (CHF 600 per month).

  
**Return journey incl. entry visa**

  
The foundation offers organisational support. If possible, the journey should be made by train.

  
**Personal contribution**

  
During your stay, you will contribute in the form of high-profile events (workshop, exhibition, reading, concert, etc.). The Foundation also enables you to bring in your interests and skills to the daily life of the Sonnenberg, for example in the form of a cooking event, gardening, or similar. We look forward to receiving your written proposal (optional).

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Villa Sonnenberg