Invisible Cartographies 2027: Funded Sensory-Art Residencies at Buinho in Portugal
Invisible Cartographies, a Creative Europe cooperation project, is inviting artists to apply for two funded residencies at Buinho in Messejana, southern Portugal. Each residency runs for six weeks, from 11 January to 21 February 2027, with an application deadline of 26 October 2026 at 23:59 Lisbon time. The programme centres on how students and communities experience public and educational spaces through sound, light, texture and other sensory dimensions. Artists are expected to co-create knowledge with the school community, not merely use the residency as a private studio holiday.
Who can apply and how neurodivergent experience is considered
The opportunity welcomes practitioners at different career stages and working in different disciplines, including digital fabrication, interactive installations, film, sound, performance and socially engaged art. The project particularly encourages neurodivergent artists. Self-identification is sufficient and the organisers say that no formal diagnosis or documentation is requested. Applicants from any country can apply, although European applicants may be easier to host because of visa logistics. Working English is important and Portuguese or Spanish is an advantage when communicating in schools.
Two places with artists working alongside school students
Selected artists work with the Agrupamento de Escolas de Aljustrel to explore the sensory character of classrooms, routes and other learning environments. The indicative plan includes school sessions during 11–29 January, studio and FabLab production during 1–10 February, and additional school collaboration with a public presentation during 11–19 February, before departure on 21 February. The organisers arrange school liaison, support and local transport for these activities. Applicants must be able to stay in Messejana for the full period.
Funding and costs
Each artist receives a fee of €1,200 for the six weeks, a private bedroom in shared accommodation free of charge, and reimbursement of eligible travel up to €300 against receipts. Production support and access to Buinho's FabLab and other technical spaces are included. The application and residency have no participation fee. Meals are not provided, however, and the artist should budget for food and any personal expenses or travel above the reimbursement cap. The funded call is distinct from Buinho's ordinary paid residencies advertised elsewhere.
Creative work across sound, digital fabrication and mapping
A proposal may explore how a corridor sounds at different times, how a classroom's light levels change, or how textures and crowding affect navigation. The resulting work might be a participatory digital map, an installation, a tactile model or another form chosen by the resident. What matters is that the process gives students and other community members meaningful agency while respecting consent and privacy. The programme asks artists to document their methods and reflections so they can contribute to guidelines for more inclusive environments.
Safeguarding and accessibility
Because the work involves minors, successful applicants must provide the relevant criminal-record documentation and follow school safeguarding and data-protection procedures. The application includes an optional 'access rider' where applicants can describe working, travel, communication or accommodation needs. The programme states this information is kept separate from artistic assessment. Artists should nonetheless ask detailed questions about the suitability of buildings, quiet spaces, travel and support where an accommodation arrangement is essential.
Written, audio or video applications are equally valid
The official form accepts a written expression of interest of up to 500 words and a proposed approach of up to 750 words. Instead of writing, applicants can submit audio or video responses, subject to the organisers' limits of five and seven minutes. The form also asks for a portfolio or work links; attachments sent through the upload fields must total less than 10 MB, so large video samples should be shared by link. There is no need to present a fully predetermined artwork, but the relationship between the applicant's practice and the school setting should be evident.
Selection and contact
Following the 26 October closing date, the organisers plan discussions with shortlisted applicants in early November and final decisions by approximately 10 November. Questions about the process or practical access requirements can be directed to info@buinho.pt. Use the current official form to confirm the exact closing time and to provide availability for the full six-week period.
Official application
Information verified 18 October 2026. This article refers only to the currently open Buinho call; residencies at the Spanish and Serbian partner organisations are separate opportunities that have not yet opened.