An international platform for artistic research and production connecting expanded photography, contemporary practices, local contexts, and transcultural exchange between FotoCreativaBA and China.
Deadline: December 30, 2026
1. Introduction
FotoCreativaBA is an independent platform dedicated to education, production, research, and curatorship in expanded photography and contemporary art practices.
In collaboration with OrganHaus (Chongqing, China), we present this specialized 6-month international program combining an online curatorial laboratory with an in-person research residency in China. OrganHaus serves as our exclusive hosting partner in Chongqing for selected international artists.
Note: As an independent and self-funded platform, this is a fee-based program designed for professional artistic development (enrollment fee + monthly installments).
2. Program Structure & Timeline
The program is structured in two main phases: a 6-month online laboratory (March – August) followed by a 1-month on-site residency and main exhibition at OrganHaus in Chongqing.
Phase 1: Online Curatorial Laboratory (6 Months — March to August)
- 100% Asynchronous Dynamics: Once a month, participants receive the study materials, curated viewings of contemporary Chinese artists, and practical exercises to explore the local visual imaginary.
- Personalized Feedback Schedule: Curatorial reviews by Natheim (conducted via written reports or video calls) are scheduled in agreement with each artist to seamlessly adapt to their personal availability and workload.
- Shared Drive & Peer Learning: Access to collective folders to share research progress and foster cross-cultural dialogue from anywhere in the world.
Month 1 (March): Cartography of the Territory and Chinese Imaginary
Objective: Initial conceptual approach to China's urban and cultural context.
Content: Curated viewings of key contemporary Chinese photography and art figures. Exploratory exercises intersecting with other artistic languages.
Month 2 (April): From Photography to Space (Site-Specific)
Objective: Expanding the two-dimensional medium into Chongqing's three-dimensional space.
Content: Curated viewings of key contemporary Chinese photography and art figures. Analysis of Chongqing's cyber-urban architecture, verticality, and landscape. Exercises in spatial intervention and visual installation.
Month 3 (May): Expanded Languages and Materialities I
Objective: Experimentation with new formats and cross-disciplinary methodologies.
Content: Curated viewings of key contemporary Chinese photography and art figures. Integration of video art, archives, objects, text, and unconventional materials. Exploratory exercises.
Month 4 (June): Expanded Languages and Materialities II
Objective: Experimentation with new formats and cross-disciplinary methodologies.
Content: Curated viewings of key contemporary Chinese photography and art figures. Integration of video art, archives, objects, text, and unconventional materials. Exploratory exercises.
Month 5 (July): Sketches, Writing, and Deepening Understanding of Chongqing
Objective: Articulating creative production with on-site logistics in Chongqing.
Content: Cultural, social, and territorial characteristics of the city, local production requirements (fine art printing, supplies in China), and in-depth work on project sketches and proposal writing. Curated viewings of key reference artists.
Month 6 (August): Final Production and Travel Preparation
Objective: Wrapping up the laboratory phase and logistical preparation.
Content: Finalizing the residency dossier—toolkit—on-site work schedule, and pre-travel briefing.
Phase 2: On-Site Residency & Exhibition — OrganHaus, Chongqing (1 Month)
- The In-Person Experience: A 1-month research stay in Chongqing (distributed in cohorts of 3 to 4 artists).
- Main Residency Exhibition: Group exhibition, public presentation, or open studio event directly at OrganHaus (200 m² studio/gallery space in Beibei Beiyuan Glass Factory).
- Local Support & Accommodation: On-site facilitation by the OrganHaus team for research, local networking, production and accommodation included.
3. Conceptual Framework & Chongqing Context
Chongqing is a visually stunning megacity built across steep hills at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers. Known as the "3D Mountain City," its dramatic verticality, multilayered infrastructure, neon lights and characteristic mist create a unique cyber-urban landscape.
The program focuses on expanded photography as an interdisciplinary field, integrating:
Contemporary photography & video art
Site-specific installations & spatial interventions
Artistic research & transcultural methodologies
4. Mentorship & On-Site Hosting
NATHEIM (Program Director & Curator): Visual artist, photographer, curator, and cultural manager. Founder and Director of FotoCreativaBA Gallery (Buenos Aires). She holds a Professional Photography Degree from the Andy Goldstein School of Creative Photography, a Bachelor's Degree in Social Communication (UBA), and is certified in Cultural Management at Matadero Madrid.
She has an extensive international trajectory curating and directing artist residencies across Asia, Europe, and the Americas—including residency coordination for IDEA R LAB (Kurashiki, Japan), NY20+ Culture (Chengdu, China), alongside guest curatorial roles for the Experimental Photo Festival (Barcelona, Spain) and Santa Rosa Arts & Healing (Canada).
Her deep engagement with the Chinese contemporary art scene encompasses solo exhibitions, research stays, and residencies at Dimensions Art Center (Chongqing), A4 Art Residency (Chengdu), NY20+ (Chengdu), Tianyi-Nongyuan (Chengdu) and Mil Gotas Gallery (Beijing).
Her artistic production has been recognized as a Finalist at the Salón Nacional de Artes Visuales (Argentina, 2025), recipient of Fondo Metropolitano Creation Grants, Winner of the IILA-Fotografía Prize (MACRO Museum, Rome), and FELIFA finalist, with works exhibited across Latin America, Asia and Europe.
ORGANHAUS TEAM (On-Site Hosts): A collective of local artists and curators dedicated to managing studio space, residency logistics, context-based research and connecting international creators with Chongqing's contemporary art scene.
5. Financial Terms & What's Included
As an independent, self-funded international platform, this is a fee-based program designed for professional artistic development.
USD 200 enrollment fee + 6 monthly installments of USD 200 (March to August 2027).
What’s Included:
- 6-Month Online Curatorial Laboratory: Monthly study materials, curated viewings of contemporary Chinese artists, and 6 personalized curatorial feedback reviews by Natheim (written or via video call).
- 1-Month On-Site Residency: Accommodation included in Chongqing, China (scheduled in cohorts of 3 to 4 artists).
- Studio & Gallery Facilities: Access to OrganHaus's 200 m² shared studio space and exhibition gallery.
- Logistical Support & Closing Event: On-site assistance from the local OrganHaus team for research, networking, exhibition setup, promotional brochure, and opening reception.
- Global Promotion: Promotion and circulation of the project across partner institutional channels.
What’s NOT Included:
- International or domestic airfare to and from China.
- Visa processing and application fees.
- Mandatory travel insurance.
- Personal art supplies and production materials.
- Daily living expenses and meals during the stay in China.
6. Key Dates & Application
- Application Deadline: December 30, 2026
- Selected Artists Announcement: January 15, 2027
- Enrollment Fee Payment: January 15–20, 2027
- Program Start: March 2027
- Online Phase: March - August 2027
- In-Person Residency: Scheduled cohort-based stays in Chongqing (2027–2028).
- Who can apply: Visual artists, photographers, videomakers and researchers from anywhere in the world.
- Application Form: https://forms.gle/tDZxCubNaazgnnrH6
- Inquiries: hola@fotocreativaba.com
Residency Eligibility
Residency Experience Summary
Application Information
Open to visual artists, videomakers, installation artists, and researchers from anywhere in the world interested in expanded photography, interdisciplinary practices and transcultural research.
Financial Terms & What's Included
As an independent, self-funded international platform, this is a fee-based program designed for professional artistic development.
USD 200 enrollment fee + 6 monthly installments of USD 200 (March to August 2027).
What’s Included:
- 6-Month Online Curatorial Laboratory: Monthly study materials, curated viewings of contemporary Chinese artists, and 6 personalized curatorial feedback reviews by Natheim (written or via video call).
- 1-Month On-Site Residency: Accommodation included in Chongqing, China (scheduled in cohorts of 3 to 4 artists).
- Studio & Gallery Facilities: Access to OrganHaus's 200 m² shared studio space and exhibition gallery.
- Logistical Support & Closing Event: On-site assistance from the local OrganHaus team for research, networking, exhibition setup, promotional brochure, and opening reception.
- Global Promotion: Promotion and circulation of the project across partner institutional channels.
What’s NOT Included:
- International or domestic airfare to and from China.
- Visa processing and application fees.
- Mandatory travel insurance.
- Personal art supplies and production materials.
- Daily living expenses and meals during the stay in China.