Art & Science Residency
Astronomical Observatory of UNamur
2025
📅 Dates: Aug 25 – Sept 17, 2025
đź“© Apply by: April 28th, 2025 by filling out this form !
The KIKK galaxy, which promotes digital and creative cultures at the crossroads of art, science, technology and society, along with its Creative Hub: TRAKK, in collaboration with UNamur (University of Namur) Astronomical Observatory and the Delta, the cultural space of the Province of Namur is launching an Arts & Sciences residency program around astronomy.
Two artists and/or collectives will be welcomed in residence (one international and one from the Wallonia-Brussels Federation – resident in Brussels or in Wallonia) in the beautiful residency studios (2 apartments that can each accommodate up to 4 people) located on the rooftop of the Delta in Namur, Belgium.
Each artist (or collective) will receive a grant of 5.000 € to develop a new media art or art & science project on the theme of astronomy, along with curatorial and scientific support.
🚨 Important: This residency is exclusively open to visual artists working in the fields of new media arts, art & science, and art & technology. We do not accept proposals in music, performance art, theater, dance, music, or other live art forms.
The Delta rooftop - picture by architectura.be
Residency : Astronomy
The residency invites artists to explore the cosmos through the lens of art, science, and technology. Hosted at the Antoine Thomas Astronomical Observatory of the University of Namur, the program provides a unique setting where scientific exploration meets artistic imagination.
Observing the Universe: Science & Exploration
The observatory, equipped with four telescopes—including Wallonia’s only high-definition solar telescope—enables the observation of celestial bodies, from the Sun-Earth-Moon system to distant galaxies. By filtering light pollution, it allows a deeper engagement with astronomical phenomena, revealing the hidden layers of the universe beyond human perception.
Artistic Research & Creation
The residency encourages artists to reinterpret scientific data and explore cosmic themes such as:
Exoplanets, black holes, and gravity
Space debris and the movement of celestial bodies
Time, light, and space on a cosmic scale
By using AI, expanded light spectrum analysis, sound, and data-driven visuals, artists can transform astronomical observations into immersive visuals, sculptures, or sonic experiences. How might we rethink our relationship to the cosmos through artistic creation?
Picture taken by the telescope of the UNamur Observatory
Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing
Artists will engage in dialogue with astrophysicists and researchers from the observatory and the wider scientific community. This exchange fosters a space where scientific precision meets artistic experimentation, enabling new ways to visualize and question the universe.
Like a dome embracing the stars, this residency is an open invitation to reimagine the infinite—offering new perspectives on time, space, and the mysteries of the cosmos.
Antoine Thomas s.j. Astronomy Observatory at UNamur
Residency Support & Facilities
This program is a collaboration between four key partners:
UNamur (University of Namur) – providing access to the Antoine Thomas Astronomical Observatory and its scientific community.
The Delta (Cultural Center of the Province of Namur) – offering dedicated residency spaces.
KIKK Festival – coordinating and mentoring the residency program, fostering intersections between art, science, and technology.
TRAKK Creative Hub – a multidisciplinary co-creation space offering access to the Protolab (Fab Lab) and Medialab for digital fabrication, sound, and media production. Residents must be autonomous in using these tools, as the TRAKK team will provide assistance only depending on their availability.
The residency accommodation on the Delta rooftop
Residents will receive
A €5,000 grant for project development, covering materials, food, and travel expenses.
Accommodation in a fully equipped studio at the Delta, including a kitchenette, workspace, bedroom, bathroom, and internet access.
Curatorial, scientific, and technical guidance, including exchanges with astrophysicists and researchers from the observatory.
Access to the Protolab and Medialab at TRAKK
A potential opportunity to present their work at KIKK Festival or Le Pavillon, the digital art space managed by KIKK.
Public Engagement Requirement : During the residency, each artist will participate in a public event (e.g workshop, talk or discussion) to share insights about their artistic practice and research.
TRAKK Creative Hub & Fab Lab. Picture by: Melting Prod - Olivier Anbergen
Application
🔗 Apply by April 28, 2025 – before midnight Central European Time!
To apply, fill in this form : https://airtable.com/appBKajWzI7Jo33Ab/shrbweMcae8Buwp3i
The form needs to include the following documents in french or english:
- Project description, including images and technical drawings.
- Artistic positioning statement.
- Provisional budget.
- CV.
- Portfolio.
We accept projects in progress for which the residency budget would allow the project to be finalised or an existing project that warrants an additional budget to improve it. In this case, a justification will be requested in order to understand how this additional budget will improve the project.
The two selected artists or collectives will be notified by the end of May.
For more questions, please contact marie.dg@kikk.be
