FUTURES Research Residency
A self-directed residency for practitioners pursuing research, project development, and critical inquiry.


how it works
The FUTURES Research Residency is a self-directed residency for photographers, artists, writers, researchers, and curators working within the field of photography and image-making. Based at the FUTURES Hub in Amsterdam, the programme offers residents a private working and living space, dedicated research time, contextual grounding, and connection to the wider FUTURES ecosystem.
The residency is designed for practitioners who want to deepen an ongoing research-based project while being physically present in Amsterdam and connected to an international photography network. It supports independent work and contextual engagement, offering residents the conditions to develop their practice on their own terms.
Applications are welcome from both FUTURES artists and practitioners outside the FUTURES network.
WHAT WE OFFER
You will live and work in a private, fully equipped studio and living space at the FUTURES Hub in Amsterdam. The space is designed to support both daily life and focused research work, offering residents a calm and functional environment for research, writing, editing, and reflection.
The residency offers a focused one-month* period to focus on your artistic inquiry, process, and conceptual development. It is conceived as a self-directed framework that allows you to work independently, without the pressure of a fixed production outcome.
*Where appropriate, the duration may be adapted to accommodate the needs of the artist and the proposed project.
The residency provides an opportunity to situate your research within Amsterdam’s cultural landscape while remaining connected to international artistic and research communities. Whether your project is rooted in Amsterdam or elsewhere, the residency offers a context from which to engage with relevant people, institutions, archives, and initiatives that can inform and enrich your research.
As part of the wider FUTURES platform, the residency connects your research and practice to an international community of artists, writers, researchers, curators, partner organisations, and ongoing artistic research. Through FUTURES digital channels, your residency and research process are shared with audiences across the network, creating opportunities for visibility, dialogue, and exchange beyond the residency itself.
RESIDENCY LOCATION

Located at the FUTURES Hub in Amsterdam, the residency offers a private live-work environment that combines accommodation, workspace, and access to public facilities. Situated within the FUTURES headquarters, the Hub provides residents with a base from which to engage with Amsterdam's photography and contemporary art scene while developing their work within an international network.

COST
The residency fee is €2,500 including VAT for one month.
This includes:
- a private, fully equipped working and living space at the FUTURES Hub
- gas, electricity, utilities, and basic facilities
- use of shared facilities at the FUTURES Hub
- a letter of intent to support external funding, grant, or sponsorship applications (upon request)
- optional light-touch support from the FUTURES team
The fee does not include:
- travel to and from Amsterdam
- daily living expenses
- production costs
- insurance
- additional technical equipment or specialised materials
Selected residents can request a letter of intent from FUTURES to support external funding, grant, or sponsorship applications.
Residency Archive
The programme is open to photographers, artists, writers, researchers, and curators, whether or not they are part of the FUTURES artist network.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed by the FUTURES team.
The selection is based on:
• the artistic quality and clarity of your practice
• the relevance and feasibility of your proposed research or project
• your motivation to work within the FUTURES context and in Amsterdam
• the potential benefit of the residency for your practice
• your ability to be physically present for the residency period
• your capacity to secure the necessary funding
Applications must be submitted at least one month before your intended start date.
You will receive a response within two weeks of submitting your application.
To apply, please submit:
• a project proposal, maximum 500 words
• a motivation letter, maximum 300 words
• a CV or short biography, maximum 2 pages
• a portfolio or relevant writing samples
• confirmation that you are able to secure funding and be present in Amsterdam for the residency period