BOLSA PADA
2026 open call
Applications for BOLSA PADA 2026 are now open. Application deadline is the 10th of August 2025 and artists will be notified by 22nd of August 2025.
BOLSA PADA 2026 is a bursary for artists with Portuguese nationality and/or permanent residency in Portugal participate in PADA's international residency programme.
Our international residency programme welcomes artists from different disciplines to stay from 1 or 2 months. We will favour artists who have researched and propose projects suitable to the residency and the surrounding environment.
The residency periods for the international programme in 2026 are as following:
PADA 55: January (2nd - 29th January)
PADA 56: February-March (3rd February - 31st March)
PADA 57: April-May (7th April - 2nd June)
PADA 58: June-August (9th June - 3rd August)
PADA 59: September (1st - 28th September)
PADA 60: October-November (6th October - 30th November)
Preferred dates are asked on the application form. If you would like to apply for alternative dates please let us know. Your flexibility in dates is greatly appreciated and helps us schedule.
Make sure you read and familiarise yourself with the residency programme and guidelines before applying.
The residency includes
Programme of Activities and Support
We believe dialogue is important for a rich studio practice, and the residency programme has been developed with this in mind. By organising monthly activities, artists have the opportunity to engage with each other and develop new contacts. The activities include:
Group presentations and critiques
Curatorial guidance
Final exhibition in the gallery at PADA
Technical assistance and workshop induction
Documentation of the group show
Production of individual films for each artist documenting their studio practice
Visits to museums, galleries and/or art studios in Lisbon led by PADA
History Presentation by the Industrial Museum and Tour of the Industrial Park
Opportunity to propose site-specific projects, presentations, workshops and other projects
Facilities
36 m2 open studio
Accommodation in a private double bedroom
Access to all PADA Studios facilities, including gallery and workshop
Access to the restricted areas of the Industrial Park
The Bursary
In 2025 PADA launched a residency bursary exclusive to Portuguese artists (or artists with other nationality, but permanently living in Portugal), after several years of refining and solidifying its activity. This bursary covers the international residency participation fee, however, does not include a pecuniary grant, materials nor meals.
How to apply
Application is done via an Open Call.
This Open Call deadline is 12th February and artists will be notified by 21st February, 2025.
This is what you will need to apply and begin your preparations:
Personal details and contacts
Proof of Portuguese nationality (or permanent residency in Portuguese territory)
Preferred period
Cover letter introducing yourself and your motivation (max. 300 words)
Artist statement describing your practice/research and areas of interest (max. 300 words)
Project proposal indicating any particular project you would like to propose for the residency (max. 300 words)
Portfolio (max. 10 pages, 10MB)
CV
A few sentences about how your project will minimise its impact on the environment
As an international residency, artists applying must be comfortable communicating in English and application must be written in English. However, artist statement and project proposal may be written in Portuguese, as long as an English translation is provided.
Selection criteria
Quality and commitment of work
Applications that take into consideration PADA´s unique location and facilities
Unique perspective and approach
Interest and willingness to work and live in a community of artists
Clarity and focus of proposal
After applying
Artists will be informed by the 22nd of August about the success of the application.
After receiving the invitation, a two-part agreement between the prospective resident and PADA will be signed. A copy of that agreement can be requested in advance should you have any questions. Cancellations have to be announced with as much notice as possible.
By the time artists start their residency, a security deposit of €150 will be charged. Any damages or incurred costs shall be deducted from the deposit. The security deposits return shall take place after the termination of the artists involvement in the residency, if its retention is not justified.
Residencies are for an agreed period of 1 or 2 months and will begin and end in the indicated dates. Recipients of this grant may hold commitments outside the residence. However, they are still expected to use the studios regularly and participate in all the programme’s activities. The Check-In and Checkout shall happen within PADA’s team working hours (Monday to Friday 11am to 5pm).
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
Photo by Manuel Lino.
Other images: exhibition photos by Manuel Lino and Alex, open studios by Samuel Duarte, tour to the industrial park by Francisco Pinto de Almeida.