Situated Research Residency 2027 — Medialab Matadero

Overview

Medialab Matadero's fifth annual Situated Research Residency seeks 3 research and creation projects exploring relationships between contemporary art, design, science, technology, and society. The residency blends research and creation without requiring a finished project; a central goal is producing public knowledge within Medialab's ecosystems and the city of Madrid.

Eligibility

Open to individuals or collectives researching in design, art, architecture, urbanism, economics, film, photography, journalism, digital media, environmental science, philosophy, engineering, social studies, political science, programming, materials science, activism, or any other field consistent with the call's goals. Both expert and emerging profiles are welcomed.

Theme Requirements

Submitted projects must connect explicitly and coherently with one or more themes from Medialab Matadero's recent programs: LAB 1 Sentient Media, LAB 2 The Metabolic Sublime, LAB 3 Synthetic Minds, LAB 4 Weird/Strange Futures, and LAB 5 The Mechanics of Truth. Proposals should explore intersections between art, design, science, and technology to contribute creatively to contemporary challenges within the UN Sustainable Development Goals (2030 Agenda).

Program Requirements

The residency is in-person and cannot be carried out remotely. Residents do not need to be in Madrid for the entire period, but long stays—especially between March and June—are recommended. Resident projects must build links with Medialab Matadero's other activities, including documentation work and scheduled public learning, outreach, and feedback activities. Application and residency may be carried out in Spanish or English.

Benefits & Awards

€10,000 stipend (before tax); access to Medialab Matadero's material infrastructure including Fablab, technical materials, and individual workspace; support from Medialab's technical and administrative team throughout the residency; accompaniment from Medialab's curatorial team through all phases of research and creation; logistical and financial support for public activities; and conceptual, logistical, and material support for production of final outputs (manual, report, essay, documentary, or artistic documentation).

Key Dates

• Optional Q&A Session (recorded): 8 September 2026
• Application Deadline: 27 September 2026
• Residency Period: January–July 2027

Application

Online application with no entry fee. Selection and full application requirements are governed by the call's legal terms document; applicants are directed to read this document carefully, particularly for details on financial and legal conditions.

Contact

Questions about the application process or legal/financial conditions can be directed to [email protected].