--- title: SIXI AiR OPEN CALL 2027 SPRING & AUTUMN description: >- 3-month artist residency in Nanjing, China (spring/autumn 2027) with travel, housing and production support covered. url: 'https://www.artsume.com/programs/72e89112-4a7b-45ed-a306-524b35c180d0' type: program status: open createdAt: '2026-09-29' updatedAt: '2026-10-06' programType: Residency organization: Sixi Museum organizationUrl: 'https://www.artsume.com/o/sixi-museum' deadline: '2026-11-15' location: 'Nanjing, Jiangsu, China' isOnline: false compensationRange: >- Covers visa, round-trip flights, insurance, accommodation, personnel/technical assistance, and a material allowance careerStages: - Emerging artist --- # SIXI AiR OPEN CALL 2027 SPRING & AUTUMN **Hosted by:** Sixi Museum **Type:** Residency | **Location:** Nanjing, Jiangsu, China | **Deadline:** November 15, 2026 ## About This Program > "Flux and Imprints: Contemporary Echoes of Migration History; Folds of Text: Cross-Media Intertextuality and Intervention" ### About SIXI AiR Sixi Museum is a non-profit art institution that integrates the functions of collection, exhibition, academic research and public education in Nanjing, China. Launched in 2024 to support emerging artists, the Sixi International Artist-in-Residence Project is committed to facilitating exchanges between artists from different backgrounds and helping them achieve creative breakthroughs and personal growth in their creative work. The Sixi AiR program welcomes applications from artists of all disciplines and cultural backgrounds. Capable of accommodating two artists concurrently, the program provides living and studio spaces, staff assistance, and financial support for production based on the specific characteristics of each project, catering to diverse creative and research needs. Nanjing is a distinctive Chinese city that combines traditional and contemporary culture, where contemporary art is vibrant in the midst of its rich history. As one of the few local art residency programmes, the Sixi AiR Project hopes to provide artists with the opportunity to engage in dialogue with the city. We are dedicated to help the artists to engage with the local art scene, encouraging cultural research, experimentation, and exhibitions grounded in both cross-cultural and local contexts. Sixi International Artist-in-Residence Project is recruiting 4 artists for a three-month residency in Nanjing, China, scheduled for the spring and autumn of 2027. This open call features two themes. Applications may address either theme. 1. Flux and Imprints: Contemporary Echoes of Migration History This theme focuses on cross-regional mobility, cultural reconstruction, and memory. We welcome research and artistic projects that explore topics such as the family histories of overseas Chinese, the legacy of colonialism in Asia, and identity formation within global geopolitical frameworks. Artists are encouraged to examine the tension between historical archives, oral histories, personal memories, and grand narratives, redefining these historical imprints within a contemporary context. 2. Folds of Text: Cross-Media Intertextuality and Intervention This theme conceptualizes “text” as a fluid, dynamic medium extending far beyond literal signs. We invite interdisciplinary explorations that span literature, linguistics, music/sound, and the visual arts. By deconstructing, rearranging, or translating varied medium languages, artists are expected to break traditional boundaries, uncovering hidden narrative possibilities and sensory experiences within the “folds of text”. ### Duration of residency Three months for each residency. For both 2027 Spring (March – May) and 2027 Autumn (September – November) Application Deadline: 15 November, 2026 (GMT+8 / Beijing Time) *The specific dates of the residency will be finalized based on the selected artists' preferences and the schedule of Sixi Residency Project. ### Accommodation One private studio or private apartment. ### Disciplines, work equipment and assistance The Sixi AiR program welcomes applications from artists of all disciplines and cultural backgrounds. Capable of accommodating two artists concurrently, the program provides living and studio spaces, staff assistance, and financial support for production based on the specific characteristics of each project, catering to diverse creative and research needs. ### Fees and support Sixi AiR Project runs on a non-profit basis, and will cover fees of - Visa application - Travel expenses (Round-trip flights) - Insurance for the duration of the stay - Accommodation (one private apartment or one private loft studio) - Residency personnel assistance - Technical assistance - Material allowance *Personnel assistance including airport pickup, a welcome packet (local maps, sim card, etc.), orientation, welcome dinner, translation (English-Mandarin), project liaison, facility assistance, notification of local art events, etc. Working languages at Sixi Residency will be Chinese Mandarin and English. ### Expectations towards the artist During the residency period, residents should participate in events including artist talk, workshop and open studio. At the end of each residency, Sixi AiR Project expects for tangible and presentable outcome and residents have the opportunity to have an exhibition at the end. The artist is expected to donate a selection of the artworks created during the residency to Sixi Museum. ### Application information Artists from all disciplines are welcome to apply. Please refer to the themes of this open call when submitting your application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of applying, fully capable of completing the entire residency program; there are no restrictions on nationality. Sufficient Chinese Mandarin or English language skills in speaking and writing for research and communication. The application addresses one of the two themes listed above; the applicant demonstrates a compelling rationale for the residency, a concrete residency plan, and the capability to execute the project. Artists are requested to send following documentations in English (and in Chinese if possible). - CV with profile photo. The authenticity and integrity of personal information must be guaranteed. - Artist Portfolio. Should include artistic experiences, representative works and projects, professional characteristics, etc. - Residency Proposal. Should include motivation of application, envisions of the residency, preliminary draft of the residency plan, the overall concept, potential demands of materials and equipment, wished residency period, preference for apartment or studio space, etc. International artists should allow sufficient time for visa processing at the time of application, usually at least 2-3 months in advance. Upon receipt of an application, documents will be assessed by Sixi AiR Committee. A video interview may be conducted if necessary. Applicants will receive a final response no later than mid-February 2027. Please package all application documentations into one PDF or ZIP file and send it to info@siximuseum.com, and indicate “Residency Application” in your email subject line. Please note that application materials that do not meet the specified requirements will not be reviewed. ## Eligibility & Requirements - **Career Stage:** Emerging artist - **Geographic Eligibility:** International - **Disciplines:** All disciplines - **Age Requirements:** 18+ years old - **Note:** Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of applying, fully capable of completing the entire residency program; there are no restrictions on nationality. Sufficient Chinese Mandarin or English language skills in speaking and writing for research and communication are required. The application must address one of the two themes listed, with a compelling rationale for the residency, a concrete residency plan, and the capability to execute the project. International artists should allow sufficient time for visa processing, usually at least 2-3 months in advance. ### Additional Requirements - CV with profile photo - Artist Portfolio - Residency Proposal ## Compensation & Benefits Covers visa, round-trip flights, insurance, accommodation, personnel/technical assistance, and a material allowance **Includes:** Travel grant, Materials budget Sixi AiR Project runs on a non-profit basis and will cover fees of visa application, travel expenses (round-trip flights), insurance for the duration of the stay, accommodation (one private apartment or one private loft studio), residency personnel assistance, technical assistance, and material allowance. Personnel assistance includes airport pickup, a welcome packet, orientation, welcome dinner, translation, project liaison, facility assistance, and notification of local art events. ## What's Provided - **Housing:** Provided - One private studio or private apartment provided for the duration of the residency. - **Travel Support:** Available - Round-trip flights covered by the program. - **Materials Support:** Available - Financial support for production and a material allowance provided based on the specific characteristics of each project. - **Studio Access:** Provided - One private studio or private apartment. ## Timeline - **Opens:** September 29, 2026 - **Deadline:** November 15, 2026 - **Program Start:** March 1, 2027 - **Program End:** November 30, 2027 ## Contact **Email:** info@siximuseum.com ## How to Apply