There is another of our creative residencies coming up this year

Water Tower Art Residency – WTAR# 10 ½ Troyan Ceramic Mentor Residency 2025
Dates: 15–25 September 2025
Location: Kaleitsa, Troyan, Bulgaria
Deadline to Apply: 31 July 2025
We are thrilled to announce an open call for the Water Tower Art Residency – Troyan 2025, a 10-day international decentralized residency dedicated to contemporary ceramics. This immersive program will host up to five artists whose primary practice involves ceramics or contemporary art incorporating ceramic media.
As a continuation of our long-standing commitment to socially engaged artistic practice in secluded and often overlooked areas of Bulgaria, the legacy of Water Tower Art Fest lives on—developing meaningful dialogue through art on both a national and international scale. Over the past eight years, we have cultivated deep partnerships with artists and local communities, bringing visibility to undervalued places and demonstrating the powerful social function of the arts.
With this specific residency, we aim to forge a vital connection between traditional (and at times rigid) ceramic practices and the expansive potential for experimentation and discovery within the medium. Through our mentor-led program, we invite artists to explore ceramics in fresh, contemporary contexts—pushing boundaries while honoring local craft.
While we honor the history and traditions of ceramics, our aim is to expand its horizons—reinterpreting its foundations through a contemporary lens. As one of the oldest material expressions known to humankind, ceramics unites the elemental forces of clay (earth), water, and fire. Rooted in our prehistoric discoveries of external representation and the synthesis of material and ephemeral qualities, ceramics carries a legacy we can continue to cherish—both now and into the future. Far from being bound by tradition, the medium offers vast and versatile possibilities—from sculpture, installation, and performance to conceptual and socially engaged practices. Whether durable or fleeting, the outcomes reflect the full spectrum this medium allows—inviting experimentation, transformation, and dialogue. We welcome applications from artists eager to explore and push the boundaries of ceramics in bold, innovative, and meaningful ways.
What we have yet to come to experience are the forces within matter itself. By bending and shaping the material—as if it unconditionally obeys us—we are made to feel grand, as it passes through water and fire into a new, justified and valid existence, one shaped entirely by our hands.
Set in the scenic village of Kaleitsa near Troyan—famed for its centuries-old ceramic traditions—the residency will offer accommodation in a beautifully restored stone house and access to a fully equipped ceramic atelier hosted by artist and mentor Neda Licheva https://www.instagram.com/nedaartistry/ , located just a short walk away.
Mentors & Participating Artists:
• Petra Hudcova- http://petrahudcova.com/
• Pedro Fortuna - https://www.pedrofortuna.com.pt/index.html
• Neda Licheva (host and mentor)
Residency Highlights:
• Intensive studio work with ceramics
• Mentor-led sessions and peer exchange
• Visits to local ceramic studios, including Керамик Студио Термодвойка
• Guided tours to Troyan Ethnographic Museum in Oreshak, Troyan Monastery, and meetings with local artists
• Visit to the Troyan Art School of Ceramics, including public presentations by residents about their work
Final Presentation:
The residency will culminate in a public showcase of artworks, live performance sessions, and a closing concert—offering participants an opportunity to share their creative outcomes with local audiences and the wider community.
What We Offer:
• Accommodation in a traditional stone house in Kaleitsa
• Working space and materials (clay and tools) at Neda Licheva’s atelier
• Mentorship and unique technical demonstrations by Mariana Licheva https://otskrina.com/product-brands/mariana-licheva/ , master ceramicist
• Group meals prepared by guest artist-chef Nicolas Taghniati (shared cost)
• Access to bicycles for local exploration
• Local transportation, including transfers from Sofia (bus or car depending on group size)
• Promotion, documentation, and organizational support by the Water Tower Art Fest team
• Visibility for participating artists through our public channels and partner networks
Application & Selection:
Applications are open until 31 July 2025. Selection will be conducted by our invited mentors.
Documents Required for Application:
1. Motivation Letter – outlining your interest in the residency and how your practice relates to ceramics and the aims of the program
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Portfolio – including relevant works and links, if available
3. Two References – contact details of two people familiar with your work (no letters required)
4. Application Fee – A € 20 administrative fee to be transferred via:
o Bank transfer (details provided upon request), or
o Donation via PayPal using the button on our website: https://watertowerartfest.com
o After successful selection process
Please send all application materials in a single email to: watertowerartfest@gmail.com
Subject line: Application – WTAR# 10 ½ Troyan Ceramic Mentor Residency 2025
Organized by Association IME with the support of the Ministry of Culture of Bulgaria.
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We are pleased to announce the artists to be present at our residency at Levochevo Rhododpe mountan this June 2025

Nicolas Tagnati

Ira RZ

John McGarity

Sandra Zanetti

Irene Anton

Haruka Tomatsu

Leah Hawker

Big Big Thank you to all involved in this magical endeavor of ours in search of the sacred healing private space that resonates with nature, myths and past and presentas much as our internal landscape! Always in state of conscious generousity and inquisitiveness giving us the strenght to be in everlasting creative flow of energy- this helping others as well when needed!

Thank you to all of you!

Respect and Goodbye

Soon a documentary film will follow!

Yours

Nia & team

Selection completed – we had great proposals, but limited places- so 8 artists will be part of our incredible journey in magical Rhodope mountains this june!

Stay tuned to find out what is to become!

We are excited to announce an open call for up to five artists to participate in a unique and transformative residency in Levochevo, a peaceful village nestled in Bulgaria’s Rhodope Mountains—the legendary homeland of Orpheus and the ancient Thracian civilization, rich with myths, legends, and mysteries.

As part of the Water Tower Art Fest / Residency, this program invites artists to immerse themselves in the local community—engaging with musicians, singers, and storytellers encountered during the stay—while exploring the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Through collaboration and dialogue, participants will create interactive artworks inspired by the area’s traditions, history, and mythology.

The residency will culminate in a documentary film, produced by Association IME, blending fictional narrative and immersive art. Artists will have the opportunity to contribute to this collective storytelling experience, weaving together their creative vision with the voices and traditions of the local people.

About the Water Tower Art Fest / Residency
The Water Tower Art Fest has long been committed to the idea of art as an agent of change, connection, and community. Each year, our initiatives bring together artists from around the world to explore and engage with unique environments, collaborating with local communities to create artworks that are deeply embedded in the local culture. The Nomadic Residency is a continuation of our mission to bring artists closer to the people, history, and stories that make a place unique. The interaction is dediacted to socially engaged artistic expression, where art gas function in the society.
Past editions of the festival and residency have resulted in impactful, immersive works that intertwine contemporary art practices with the ancient traditions and customs of the locations. Our previous initiatives have inspired a renewed dialogue around cultural preservation and environmental and social engagement at places where prevails sense of abandonmenet. Now, we invite you to be part of a new chapter in Levochevo, Smolyan region, where art is not just created, but also experienced in the context of a living, evolving cultural landscape.

https://watertowerartfest.com/en/resuslts-from-residency-at-gradets-2024/

https://watertowerartfest.com/en/results-water-tower-art-residency-lom-2024/

In Levochevo, the residency will bring artists into direct interaction with the community and local traditions. The aim is to create works that preserve and elevate the heritage of the Rhodope region while also reflecting contemporary concerns such as the impact of modernity on cultural practices and ecological sustainability.

About Levochevo and the Rhodope Mountains
Levochevo is a small village surrounded by the magnificent landscapes of the Rhodope Mountains, a region steeped in mythology, history, and natural beauty. The area is home to ancient traditions, rituals, and stories that have been passed down through generations, many of which are now at risk of disappearing in the face of modernization.
The Rhodope Mountains are rich in biodiversity and ecological significance, with deep forests, rivers, and cultural sites that have long been central to the local people’s way of life. The village of Levochevo holds an important place in this heritage, making it an ideal setting for an artist residency focused on cultural exchange, environmental dialogue, and the preservation of disappearing traditions. Like most little villages in the area, it has inevitably been marked by a sense of abandonment, with young people leaving for bigger cities. This makes our intervention even more valuable in transcending the values of the past, demystifying myths, and making them relevant to our contemporary world through the arts.

Residency Focus and Opportunities
The residency provides a unique opportunity to engage with the region’s rich folklore, mythology, and local customs. Artists will work alongside the community to explore the myths and stories of Levochevo, translating them into interactive art forms that bridge the gap between past and present.

Collaborate with Local Ecological Art Centers and Guardians of Tradition:
Partner with local ecological centers, such as Gudevica, dedicated to preserving the region’s natural and cultural heritage. These centers play a crucial role in maintaining the ancient knowledge and environmental wisdom of the Rodopi Mountains. Artists will work with these custodians of tradition to better understand and represent the natural environment, ecological sustainability, and the intertwined relationship between the local people and the land.
Participate in Enyovden, the Ancient Midsummer Ritual:
One of the highlights of the residency will be the opportunity to participate in the Enyovden (21st June), an ancient tradition celebrating the summer solstice. This ritual, rich in mysticism, is believed to protect the health and well-being of the community. The residency invites artists to experience this powerful event and, through their work, find contemporary ways to interpret and transcend these ancient traditions, fostering new connections between old and new, tradition and innovation.
Create Interactive Artworks:
The residency culminates in the creation of artworks that invite participation from the local community, exploring themes such as cultural preservation, ecological balance, and the fusion of tradition with contemporary artistic practices. These may include installations, performances, soundscapes, visual art, or mixed-media works.
Collaborative Research and Cultural Exchange:
Artists will collaborate with each other and the community to research and document disappearing traditions such as ancient songs, oral stories, rituals, and crafts. These collaborations will be woven into the artworks, providing new perspectives on local history and customs.
Outcomes of the Residency
Interactive Artworks: Final artworks will be shared with the local community, engaging them in the creative process and celebrating the region’s myths, stories, and traditions.
Documentary Film & Fictional Narrative: A documentary film will capture the artists’ journey, including their collaboration with the local community, the process of creating the works, and the cultural insights gained during the residency. A fictional narrative will also emerge, reflecting the contemporary resonance of ancient traditions.
Public Presentations: The final works will be showcased through exhibitions and performances, allowing the wider public to experience the intersection of local traditions and contemporary art.

Duration of residency

Application Deadline: [10.04.2025]Residency Dates: [11-22.06.2025]Location: Levochevo, Rhodope Mountains, Bulgaria

Accommodation

What We Offer: – Accommodation in Levochevo, where you will live and work during the residency period. https://www.thepineliving.com/ (breakfast included) – Transport to and from Sofia. – Transport to visit and explore the area while in residence. – Creative space to develop your work, including access to local materials and resources. – Collaboration opportunities with local ecological centers, cultural guardians, and the community. – Technical support for artworks *preliminary discussed. – Documentation and promotion of your work through the final documentary film and other media. – Invitation letter to secure individual fundings for artists outside Bulgaria.

Disciplines, work equipment and assistance

All disciplines

Studio / Workspace

Accommodation in Levochevo, where you will live and work during the residency period. https://www.thepineliving.com/ (breakfast included)

Fees and support

We do not charge a participation or accommodation fee; however, artists are responsible for covering their own travel expenses to and from Bulgaria, as well as their food, art materials, and personal expenses during the residency. Additionally, a €30 administrative fee is required upon application, payable directly to our bank account.
IBAN BG56FINV915010BGN094XSSWIFT CODE FINVBGSF or https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ngoime

Expectations towards the artist

Selection Process: Applications will be reviewed by a selection panel based on artistic quality, relevance to the residency’s themes, and the ability to engage with the local community. Successful applicants will be notified by 15.04.2025 to the latest! Join Us in Levochevo! Be part of a unique, creative journey that will deepen your connection to the land, its people, and their traditions. This residency offers the rare chance to transcend time through art and cultural exchange, making a lasting impact both on the local community and your artistic practice. We look forward to welcoming you to Levochevo for a transformative experience

Application information

How to Apply: Please submit the following:

1. Artist Statement: Explaining your practice, interest in cultural exchange, and how you would approach the themes of the residency.
2. Portfolio: A selection of 5-10 images/videos of your recent work, or relevant examples of your artistic practice.
3. Project Proposal: A brief description of what you aim to create during the residency, including how you plan to engage with the local community and incorporate elements of Levochevo’s culture, mythology, and traditions.
4. CV/Resume: An up-to-date CV or resume outlining your artistic experience and relevant exhibitions, performances, or projects.
5. References: Contact information for at least two professional references who can speak to your artistic practice and previous collaborative work.

Send all applications to [watertowerartfest@gmail.com] by [10.04.2024].