In 1962, Picelj initiated a series of his self-published “Edition a” art booklets, having released a total of seven publications up until 1964. Each issue of “Edition a” featured the work of one artist —mostly of a colleague whose work he admired.
In 1962, Picelj initiated a series of his self-published “Edition a” art booklets, having released a total of seven publications up until 1964. Each issue of “Edition a” featured the work of one artist —mostly of a colleague whose work he admired.
New places, new perspectives
OmenaArt Foundation’s International artist residency programme supports artistic development through work in new cultural contexts, the exchange of experiences and direct collaboration with artistic communities in different countries.
Launched in 2024, the project combines individual artistic exploration with the building of relationships between Poland, other European countries and Africa. To date, residencies have taken place in Malta and Ghana.
We believe that supporting art also means creating the conditions in which new ideas can emerge. That is why we see a residency as more than time spent away from one’s own studio. It is an opportunity to experiment, discover different ways of working and meet people whose experiences offer fresh perspectives on one’s own practice. For us, the creative process, the knowledge gained and the relationships that can continue to grow long after a residency ends are just as important as the artworks produced.
Support that creates opportunities
The programme enables artists to develop projects in an international setting, explore local heritage and connect with fellow artists. Past residencies have included ceramics and printmaking workshops, experiments with natural materials, visits to cultural institutions and studio visits. This approach combines the development of artistic skills with the discovery of contexts that may become starting points for future works.
We are committed to exchange rooted in partnership and reciprocity. We do not see the host location simply as a source of inspiration – we encourage thoughtful engagement with its history, contemporary life and communities. In this approach, artists both gain new experiences and contribute their own knowledge, sensibility and ways of seeing the world.
Malta – contemporary art in dialogue with heritage
LuginsLand of Art in Malta is a key partner in the programme. Ida Karkoszka was the first artist to take part in the jointly organised residency, spending three months working on her sculpture “Mamma” using local limestone. The completed work was presented in OmenaArt Foundation’s pavilion, “Other Geographies, Other Stories”, at the inaugural Malta Biennale in 2024.
The following edition, held in 2024, welcomed Agata Słowak, Monika Falkus, Emilia Kina and Zofia Pałucha. In 2025, Kinga Burek-Domżalska, Karolina Jarzębak and Lia Kimura joined the programme. Their time in Malta and Gozo allowed the artists to discover the local art scene, take part in workshops and pursue their own artistic explorations through engagement with the islands’ heritage.
Ghana – art, collaboration and education
OmenaArt Foundation’s first residency in Ghana took place in October 2024. Its participants were Ida Karkoszka and Igor Dobrowolski, who had previously supported the TOP CHARITY Gala by donating their works to the auction. The residency enabled them to develop projects and ideas in a new cultural setting.
The Foundation’s work in Ghana brings artistic collaboration together with education. One example was the workshops held at Kids Haven School during Accra Cultural Week 2025, developed by Marta Nadolle, Eliza Proszczuk and Ernestina Mansa Doku in collaboration with local artists. Focusing on the textile traditions of Poland and Ghana, these sessions formed part of a collaboration that subsequently continued in Malta.
From residency to international exhibition
The programme’s outcomes extend beyond the residencies themselves. During their residency in Malta, Marta Nadolle, Eliza Proszczuk and Ernestina Mansa Doku created large-scale textile works presented in the exhibition “Redefining. Polish-Ghanaian Textile Narratives”, curated by Natalia Bradbury. OmenaArt Foundation’s pavilion received the Best Pavilion award at Malta Biennale 2026. The project demonstrated how sharing experiences and working together can lead to an exhibition that brings together different traditions and individual artistic languages.
We are developing the International artist residency programme as a long-term form of support for artists. The programme’s next destination is Italy, where activities planned around Torre San Marco include residencies, exhibitions and initiatives bringing together art, literature and heritage.
We want future editions of the programme to create opportunities for collaboration across disciplines and communities. For us, growth means more than expanding the geographical reach of our residencies; above all, it means deepening relationships, supporting bold artistic exploration and creating the conditions for continued work.
We invite artists interested in the programme to get involved, alongside cultural institutions, organisations and partners who would like to help shape future residencies or support their delivery. Please get in touch to learn more about upcoming editions, participation requirements and opportunities to collaborate on artistic and educational projects. Contact: [email protected].
