[OPEN CALL] Artist-in-Residence Programme in Ningbo, China
DATE
13 Feb 2026 – 15 March 2026
SUN, 18:00 (SGT)
Submit your application to:
admin@deck.sg
DECK, in collaboration with Jiazazhi Press, invites applications for an international Artist-in-Residence programme in Ningbo, China, focusing on the development of a photobook project.
This residency recognises the photobook as an essential extension of contemporary photographic practice — a space where sequencing, design, materiality, and narrative converge. The programme offers a dedicated platform for photographers to deepen their engagement with book-making while expanding the possibilities of photographic storytelling.
The selected artist will participate in a three-week residency in Ningbo, which includes:
• An exhibition showcase as part of the Spring Art Festival
• Studio discussions with publisher and designer
• Development of book concept and maquettes
• Insight into the full photobook production process
The residency culminates in the publication of a completed photobook.
This residency recognises the photobook as an essential extension of contemporary photographic practice — a space where sequencing, design, materiality, and narrative converge. The programme offers a dedicated platform for photographers to deepen their engagement with book-making while expanding the possibilities of photographic storytelling.
The selected artist will participate in a three-week residency in Ningbo, which includes:
• An exhibition showcase as part of the Spring Art Festival
• Studio discussions with publisher and designer
• Development of book concept and maquettes
• Insight into the full photobook production process
The residency culminates in the publication of a completed photobook.
About
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be a Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident currently residing in Singapore
- Be at least 21 years of age at the time of application
- Have a minimum of five (5) years of sustained professional practice as a photographer or artist
- Demonstrate at least basic conversational proficiency in Chinese
- Be capable of travelling independently and managing their own accommodation, schedule, and daily living arrangements during the residency period
Application Requirements
Please submit:
- Bio, CV, and website or Instagram URL
- A photobook project proposal (PDF), including:
- Project statement
- Portfolio in pdf
- Photobook project concept or works you wish to translate into photobook.
- Images of book project mock up (if available)
- Optional: video of a book mock-up (if available)
Submit your application to admin@deck.sg , with the subject title“Application for AIR, Photobook_## your name##”
Important to Note
- Please do not send physical materials. DECK and Jiazazhi Press will not be responsible for unsolicited physical submissions.
- Final selection will be made jointly by DECK and Jiazazhi Press. The decision is final.
- Selected recipient (1 project) will be notified by 27 March 2026.
- Residency will start from 10th – 31st May 2026
Support & Benefits
The selected artist will receive:
- Round-trip economy airfare (Singapore–China)
- Accommodation in Ningbo for up to three weeks
- Exhibition production support at Spring Art Festival
- Programming and editorial support
- Photobook development mentorship
- SGD 5,000 production budget (up to 500 copies)
- Distribution by DECK and Jiazazhi Press
- 100 complimentary copies or 20% of the printed copies for the artist.
The photobook will be published by 31 January 2027.
