About Standplaats Vlieland
Standplaats Vlieland is an artist-in-residence programme that invites artists to work in a site-specific manner in the unique context of the Wadden Sea region, with Vlieland as their base.
The programme was set up by the Hi-Lo Foundation, Museum Tromp's Huys and Into The Great Wide Open (ITGWO). Since 2009, Into The Great Wide Open has been held on Vlieland every late summer. Music is at its heart, but visual art has been a supporting pillar from the outset. Since its first edition, the festival has built a special relationship with Museum Tromp's Huys, which opened its doors in 1960 and is housed in the oldest building still standing on the island. While ITGWO exclusively presents art projects on the island of Vlieland, it has also initiated an organisation with a wider reach: since 2020, the Hi-Lo Art Foundation (Hi-Lo for short) has been developing art projects throughout the Wadden Sea region.
The island of Vlieland is not only a beautiful setting for experiencing art – as we have already demonstrated with our Into The Great Wide Open art route and Hi-Lo projects on Vlieland. Vlieland is also a very inspiring environment for artists to work in. The Wadden Sea region is an extremely vulnerable biotope and, at the same time, a source of strength and wealth. At this crossroads, we invite creators to develop projects in which the area plays the leading role.
Standplaats Vlieland facilitates long-term, location-specific and nature-inclusive work. The residency offers artists access to a strong local network, knowledge of heritage and nature, and opportunities to showcase their work during the residency. We invite artists to work with the island as a co-creator, both in terms of content and practice. As the effects of climate change are immediately noticeable on the Wadden Sea, Standplaats Vlieland is committed to guiding artists in developing a climate-neutral artistic practice, both in terms of content and in the use of materials and energy. A curator from Standplaats Vlieland provides artistic support and access to a group of experts from various construction and sustainability organisations who can guide residents in experimenting with bio-based materials and circular production methods.
How does it work
In 2026, we have space for three long residencies, each lasting between 6 weeks and 3 months. Each residency has space for 1 artist. If desired, a duo or collaboration is negotiable.
In addition, there are places available for short-term residencies of approximately one week. These short working periods are available to artists who are working on the final implementation phase of their project and already have an agreement for the presentation of their work.
A basic furnished guest room is available. In addition, a workspace/studio can de used.
During your stay at Standplaats Vlieland, you will not be working as a recluse, locked away in a studio on your own, but in interaction with everything the island, its organisations, institutions and inhabitants have to offer. The relationship with and to Vlieland during the stay is reciprocal: the artist is expected to document the stay, give a workshop (e.g. at the local school), or share previous work with the islanders, for example in the form of a temporary exhibition.
We will arrange an introduction to Vlieland and to parties such as Staatsbosbeheer, Lab Vlieland or other parties on the island that are relevant to the project, as well as a broad group of sustainability experts.
At the end of the residency, we will consult with you to find a suitable partner in the Northern Netherlands where the final result can be presented. Since the residencies at Standplaats Vlieland focus on research, experimentation and the development of new work, it is not necessary to conclude the residency with a finished work.
The selection of artists is carried out by a rotating committee, with a permanent core consisting of a representative from each of the three organising parties. This core is supplemented by external experts.
Who is eligible?
This residency is open to all forms of visual art, with preference given to artists working on an installation in public space. A concrete plan for collaboration with an art institution in the Wadden Sea region is an advantage.
You must meet the conditions set by the Mondriaan Fund for residencies: you have been working as a professional visual artist for one year and are registered with the Chamber of Commerce; or you have completed at least three years of higher professional education as a visual artist and have been working as a professional visual artist for at least one year; or you have been working as a professional visual artist for three years or more.
Working period
There are three places available for a work period of between six weeks and three months in 2026. This may be split into a number of smaller periods.
In addition, there are several places available for short-term residencies of approximately one week.
All residencies will take place between 9 March 2026 and 31 December 2026, and will be determined in consultation between the artist and the SV curator.
Renumeration
For long residencies, an artist's fee of €2,165 per month is available, as well as reimbursement for travel and working materials. This amount is fixed and is based on one artist per residency. In principle, no additional remuneration is available for duos or other collaborations. In addition, the selected resident is expected to contribute 10% of the costs. The contribution to residents based in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom may be increased to cover any higher travel costs. This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
For short residencies, only travel and accommodation expenses are available, as well as a small amount for material costs.
Plan
Write a proposal of no more than two pages, including:
A description of the intended project or research and an explanation of the possible end result you have in mind;
An explanation of why you have chosen this specific residency and how the project relates to the Wadden Sea region;
An explanation of your experience and/or ambition to make your practice more sustainable;
An explanation of your work and artistic or substantive principles;
An explanation of how you intend to showcase the residency on Vlieland;
Your preferred period for the residency.
Please submit your project plan in PDF.
And attach the following:
(Visueel) documentation material - in PDF, maximum 3 pages;
CV or biography containing the most important and relevant experience of the past 5 years - in PDF format, maximum 2 pages.
The documents may be submitted in either Dutch or English.
Please nore: Applications that do not comply with these guidelines will not be considered.
Application
Deadline for submission: 12 February
Results: 24 February
Duration: 9 March - 31 December
Contact and submission of proposals: sv@intothegreatwideopen.nl
Standplaats Vlieland is supported by the Mondriaan Fund. In addition, the project is still under consideration by other funds, which means that the activities described in this open call are subject to funding.
