Rezidenční pobyt na Tchaj-wanu spojený s tvorbou skleněné plastiky pro Magistrát města Hsinchu

The result of the residency will be the creation of a glass sculpture to be installed in a public space in the city, and ceremonially unveiled during the Hsinchu City Glass Art Festival. The residency is scheduled for autumn 2026 in the city of Hsinchu and includes a two-week research trip taking place from November 14 to 27, 2025.

The residency (including research trip)

• 2 round-trips economy-class airfare from the Czech Republic to Taiwan (one for trip in 2025, second for residency in 2026)
• Round-trip transportation between Hsinchu and the airport
• Accommodation and three meals per day in Hsinchu City (provided by the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Hsinchu City)
• Access to a local glassmaking studio
• Participate in an exchange event with Taiwanese artists to share ideas and techniques related to glass art creation. Alternatively, give a live demonstration at a glass studio to showcase the artist’s exquisite skills for the audience to appreciate.
• A fixed daily fee of NT$5,000 will be provided, up to a maximum of 14 days, calculated based on the actual number of days (November 14-27, 2025)
• Public art (a glass sculpture) production costs for second trip in 2026:
• Based on the outcomes of this visit, the artist is expected to propose a public art project and submit a budget that includes production costs, labor, assistant fees, materials, and other related expenses. The Cultural Affairs Bureau, Hsinchu City will review the proposal and discuss a feasible budget together. If both parties reach an agreement, the artist can proceed with the work. Additionally, for the second trip in 2026, the costs of travel, accommodation, and meals during the stay will be covered for the artist.

Hsinchu and Glassmaking Tradition

Hsinchu City is located in northern Taiwan and is rich in silica sand, a key raw material for glass, as well as natural gas. In 1939, to meet military and medical research requirements, Japan established Taiwan’s first high-quality glass manufacturing company in Hsinchu. Thanks to easy access to raw materials and skilled glass artisans, Hsinchu gradually became a hub for glass factories.

By 1950, the industry focused on producing bottles, glass tubes, light bulbs, lampshades, and household glassware. At its peak between the 1960s and 1970s, production of decorative items, lighting fixtures, vases, and Christmas ornaments flourished—providing roughly one-third of Hsinchu City's jobs. However, the 1980s oil crisis and other societal changes led to a decline in the industry.

In 1991, the Hsinchu City Cultural Affairs Bureau designated the glass industry as a key part of local cultural heritage. With support from both national and municipal levels, glass art gained recognition, attracting artists and enthusiasts alike. The city established the Glass Museum of Hsinchu City, organized the Hsinchu City International Glass Art Festival, and launched the Golden Glass Award, fostering artistic and cultural revitalization of Hsinchu’s glassmaking tradition.

Time schedule

• The research trip will take place in November 14-27, 2025. It must be completed in one continuous stay and cannot be split into multiple periods.
• The residency itself will take place in 2026. The exact time and length will be specified.
• Note: Dates may be slightly adjusted depending on the development and needs of the project.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants´ requirements:

• Citizenship of Czechia
• Verifiable professional portfolio in the field of least 2 years (including solo/group exhibitions or realized project proposals)
• Completed studies
• Good spoken and written knowledge of English – at least level B2
• Availability for the full duration of the residency 

Residency Details

• The residency is organized in collaboration with the Hsinchu City Cultural Affairs Bureau.
• The primary purpose and condition of the residency is to create a glass sculpture that will be publicly unveiled in a formal ceremony and handed over to the city of Hsinchu during the 2026 Hsinchu City Glass Art Festival
• There is no age restriction for applicants
• Priority will be given to applicants who have received awards in glass art, held solo exhibitions at art museums, or had teaching experience in glass art.
• The selected artist is also expected to organize at least one professional workshop during the residency

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted in English and include:

• Applicant´s  CV
• Applicant´s portfolio
• A motivation letter (max. 1,800 characters), outlining the applicant´s interest in the residency, and optionally, a proposed sculpture and concept for its realization
• Proof of awards, exhibitions, teaching experience, or official certifications

Selection Process

• Applications will be evaluated by a committee composed of representatives from the Hsinchu City Cultural Affairs Bureau, curators of the Czech Centres’ residency programs, and the Czech Centre Taipei.
• The committee reserves the right to reject any project without providing justification.
• The committee’s decision is final and not subject to appeal.
• The partner institutions reserve the right to suspend, shorten, extend, or postpone the open call

Submission of applications

• Submission of applications: Please send your applications to the email address of the Director of the Czech Center in Taipei, Ms. Markéta Záhumenská at zahumenska@czechcentres.cz / Subject line: “OPENCALL Glass Hsinchu 2026”
• Application deadline: August 31, 2025 (inclusive). Applications submitted after this date will not be considered
• The results will be announced by September 30, 2025 via the Czech Centre Taipei website: https://taipei.czechcentres.cz/
• Applicants will not be notified  by e-mail  of the outcome of the selection

Contact for inquiries

Markéta Záhumenská / zahumenska@czechcentres.cz