OPEN CALL 2026
MQ Writer-in-Residence Program
A space for literature at MQ
Since 2010, in cooperation with the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA), the MuseumsQuartier has invited international writers to apply for a two-month residency in a living studio on the MQ premises as part of its MQ Artist-in-Residence Program. This year’s OPEN CALL for the MQ Writer-in-Residence Program is aimed at authors from the following countries:
- Albania
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Croatia
- Kosovo
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Serbia
- Slovenia
The invitation is intended to provide authors from the Western Balkans with the opportunity to connect with the Austrian arts and literary scene, further develop their literary work during the residency, and present it to an Austrian audience.
Application deadline for the OPEN CALL: July 1, 2025.
Applicants for the MQ Writer-in-Residence Program must have published at least one independent work through a publishing house in their home country since 2024.
MuseumsQuartier Vienna
With 90,000 m² and over 50 cultural institutions, the MQ is not only one of the largest art and cultural complexes in the world, but also an oasis of peace and relaxation in the heart of the city. Historical architecture meets contemporary design, high culture meets subculture. The spectrum ranges from visual arts, architecture, music, fashion, theatre, dance, literature, children’s culture, game culture, to design and photography.
MQ Artist-in-Residence Program
The international Artist-in-Residence Program at MQ, realized in cooperation with various partners, has been offering around 60 international artists from diverse disciplines the opportunity each year since 2002 to live and work at MQ, further develop their artistic projects, and engage with the local art and cultural scene. One of the core aims of the program is to enrich Vienna’s cultural landscape with new perspectives from abroad and to foster artistic exchange.
Support provided by MuseumsQuartier Vienna in cooperation with BMEIA
- Accommodation in a living studio for the duration of the residency. The living studios are located directly on the MQ premises.
- A monthly grant of €1,300 to cover living expenses.
- Travel allowance: €300 flat rate for travelers from EU countries, €500 flat rate for travelers from non- EU countries.
- Networking events with other MQ Artists-in-Residence and local cultural and literary professionals.
- Networking meetings with representatives of the local art and literary scene.
- Support in establishing contacts with institutions located within MQ and other cultural institutions in Vienna.
- Opportunities to present literary work during the residency in coordination with the MQ curatorial team and the BMEIA.
Responsibilities of the MQ Writer-in-Residence
- Independent organization of travel to and from Vienna.
- Independent organization of visa. (Selected authors will receive an official invitation letter but are responsible for securing a valid residence permit for Austria for the duration of the residency. Authors from the Western Balkans must submit the residence permit no later than one month before the start of the MQ residency.)
- Presentation of their own literary work at an event.
- Documentation of the residency after completion.
- At least 80% attendance during the MQ residency period is required.
- Travel and health insurance must be arranged independently.
Residency Periods
Please let us know which time periods you would prefer to participate in the MQ Writer-in-Residence Program
- We cannot guarantee the preferred periods but will do our best to accommodate your wishes.
- January + February 2026
- March + April 2026
- May + June 2026
- July + August 2026
- September + October 2026
- November + December 2026
Application Requirements
Application documents (in English or German) must include the following:
- Biography (max. 2 pages)
- Portfolio presenting your literary work, including a project proposal and list of publications. Optional: links to websites, videos or audio, press materials, etc. (max. 15 pages, max. 10 MB)
- Submit all application documents by July 1, 2025 (11:59 PM) to the following two email addresses:
- AbtV2@bmeia.gv.at and elisabeth.hajek@mqw.at
- The selection of authors from the Western Balkans for the MQ Writer-in-Residence Program will be made by a jury composed of representatives from the literary field.
- Announcement of the selected fellows by the jury: September 1, 2025.
We look forward to receiving your applications!
