Call: AIR @ Galerie Schloss Wiespach: Galerie Sophia Vonier X Schmiede Hallein

We are happy to announce a new cooperation in the making an artist in residence opportunity in the framework of Galerie Schloss Wiespach (Hallein), Galerie Sophia Vonier (Salzburg) and Schmiede Hallein.

For September 2026, visual artists are invited to apply for an Artist-in-Residence opportunity at Schloss Wiespach — a chance to work in a unique setting while becoming part of a wider exchange between artistic practice, place, and community.

The selected artist will not only receive access to the residency space at Schloss Wiespach but will also be invited to participate in Schmiede26: ai ai ai, opening the possibility to connect an individual artistic process with the temporary, collaborative environment of Schmiede.

The residency and participation in Schmiede are intentionally linked: one creating room for sustained attention, the other offering intensity, exchange, and unexpected collaborations. Together they form a temporary corridor between retreat and encounter.

Players are scarce in the regional cultural landscape, making it all the more relevant to join forces and create critical mass. In this first step, we seek common ground between three independently successful initiatives and hope to create synergies in the process, especially for artists.

We encourage experimentation, support emerging practices and media, and foster dialogue between concentrated work and collective exchange.

AIR @ Galerie Schloss Wiespach – Galerie Sophia Vonier X Schmiede Hallein
is aimed at visual artists who wish to live and work at Schloss Wiespach during the month of September. For an agreed period, the artist(s) will have access to one living space (including shower, toilet, kitchen, bed linen, towels, washing machine, and dryer) as well as one studio space. Shared accommodation and studio use for two people (duos, couples, etc.) is possible.

Following the residency, an exhibition will take place on the third floor of Schloss Wiespach (two rooms). The exact parameters, which apply equally to all residents, will be discussed in advance.

Travel to and from Schloss Wiespach is at the artist’s own expense. The artist(s) will receive a fee of €35 per day; in return, they are asked to contribute a representative work to the collection.

Schmiede26: ai ai ai
September 16–26, 2026
Schmiede is a festival focused on peer-to-peer exchange within a ten-day community process. We envision a self-assembling, participant-driven environment. We are our audience, though public events are welcome. The Schmiede group process moves from inspiration through exchange towards work and presentation. Feedback and self-determination, grounded in respectful coexistence, form our baseline. Schmiede has taken place annually since 2003.
Selected artist(s) will become Smiths for 2026
Selected artist(s) will hold a public artist talk during Schmiede Saturday September 19. at 14:00

Open Call Facts

Who can apply Visual artists working across disciplines and media.

Residency period September 2026, including the Schmiede26 period.

Send Application to office@schmiedehallein.com
Subject: AIR – Schloss Wiespach x Schmiede
deadline: July 30th, 2026
Submission requirements: Portfolio plus Motivation letter (one page)

Selection will be made by an independent jury.
Applicants will be notified early August, 2026.