In 2025, the nine museums in Súdwest-Fryslân will join forces for the first time to present a collaborative project: De Siel fan Súdwest (The Soul of Súdwest). Who, what or where is it? We invite artists to explore this question and search for answers. The resulting works will be showcased in a series of exhibitions across the participating locations from May 17 to August 24. (www.museumzuidwestfriesland.nl)
CONTEXT - The Siel fan Súdwest project is part of the Arcadia 2025 program (May 17–August 24), which revolves around the theme Grûn (Ground). At eight locations in the municipality of Súdwest-Fryslân, artists will explore this theme from regional and historical perspectives. They will delve into the concept of grûn as physical soil, cultural foundation or the basis of traditions. Through their work, they will contribute to the collective narrative about the region.
APPROACH - At each of the participating museums, an artist will be invited to create work. In February or March, artists will spend two weeks in residence near their assigned museum. Artists are expected to arrive prepared for the residency. While the creative process will take place during the residency, the works may be completed in the following period.
COMPENSATION - Participants will receive a fee of €2,480 (excluding VAT), along with additional compensation for accommodation, materials and expenses. Both Siel fan Súdwest and Arcadia strive for sustainability, encouraging the reuse of materials where possible. Collaborative gatherings will be organized to allow participants to connect, exchange ideas and share information.
SELECTION CRITERIA - The artist has been working as a professional visual artist for at least 1 year and is registered with the Chamber of Commerce; OR the artist has completed at least 3 years of higher education (HBO) in visual arts and has been working as a professional visual artist for at least 1 year; OR the artist has been working as a professional visual artist for 3 years or more.
SELECTION PROCESS - Artists will be selected for each location through discussions between the artistic director and the respective museum. While each museum has expressed a preference for certain artistic disciplines, applicants are welcome to propose alternative ideas and concepts.
REQUIREMENTS - Interested artists are asked to specify their artistic discipline and, if applicable, indicate their preferred location.
APPLICATION - Applications are open until January 19, 2025. Selected participants will be announced in early February.
CONTACT INFORMATION - To apply for the Artist in Residence project Siel fan Súdwest, please email your application to info@museumzuidwestfriesland.nl , with the subject line “AIR Siel fan Súdwest / Preferred Location.” We kindly request a motivation letter (maximum one A4) and your CV.
Participating Museums:
BOLSWARD - De Tiid
Museum De Tiid is a contemporary museum where the history of Southwest Fryslân and the trading city of Bolsward comes to life. In the monumental town hall, you’ll discover stories of icons like Titus Brandsma, Gysbert Japicx and Grutte Pier, bringing the past closer. In addition, the museum offers rotating exhibitions featuring Frisian art, culture, and stories from local creators. Each exhibition provides a fresh perspective on the region's heritage. Visual and media artists are welcome in this cultural hub for the city and region.
HYLPEN - Museum Hindeloopen
Museum Hindeloopen has recently undergone a thorough renovation. It tells the story of the unique Zuiderzee town of Hindeloopen, one of the eleven Frisian cities, with its own unique and fascinating history. The permanent exhibition covers Baltic trade, regional costumes, Hindelooper painting and its own language. Multimedia artists are invited to apply.
IJLST - Museum and Workshop Houtstad IJlst
Houtstad IJlst showcases the history of IJlst, focusing on the role of the wood industry and shipbuilding. The museum houses the Nooitgedagt collection: an impressive array of tools, ice skates and toys. The museum seeks a new narrative design for the upstairs exhibition space, with a preference for artists who have an affinity with wood (installation).
KORNWERDERZAND - Kazemattenmuseum
The Kazemattenmuseum preserves stories from the construction of the Afsluitdijk through the Cold War. It keeps the historical events around Kornwerderzand alive. An outdoor installation or sculpture(s) could symbolize themes like history, protection, or borders.
SNEEK - Frisian Maritime Museum
This position has already been taken by photographer Gitte Brugman, who was previously commissioned for this role. For several years, she has been exploring the Siel fan Súdwest (Soul of Southwest) in her own unique way. Her work serves as a connecting link to other exhibitions and locations.
SNEEK - Model Railway Museum
Sneek antique dealer and appraiser Piet Scheltema amassed a collection of Dutch model trains, forming the foundation of the Model Railway Museum. The connecting quality of the railway, or the relationship between railroads and Friesland, serves as inspiration for the artist, preferably one working in two-dimensional mediums.
WOMMELS - 't Tsiispakhûs (The Cheese Warehouse)
The artist paired with Museum ’t Tsiispakhûs can explore the connection between dairy farming and the Frisian landscape. The soil serves as a foundation for both sustenance and culture. The resulting work will become part of a seasonal exhibition on the 1943 Milk Strike, running from April to October, longer than the other exhibitions.
WORKUM - Jopie Huisman Museum and Museum Warkums Erfskip
In Workum, two museums collaborate to inspire artists. The Jopie Huisman Museum showcases themes such as nature, compassion and sustainability, derived from Jopie Huisman’s works. Museum Warkums Erfskip offers a treasure trove of archaeological and historical materials about the region. Preference is given to a ceramic artist willing to collaborate with local artists (pottery guild). Exhibition spaces include the Sint-Gertrudiskerk and potentially other locations.