SAHA Studio Open Call: 13th Term, January – June 2027

SAHA Studio is a research and production programme in Istanbul for artists, curators and writers, run by SAHA Association. Its open call for the 13th term, from January to June 2027, invites visual artists to apply for a six-month place. Five artists are selected. Each receives a personal workspace at SAHA Studio's venues in the İMÇ building, an honorarium and a production budget, together with curatorial feedback, production support and networking opportunities. Applications close at 6 p.m. (GMT+3) on 14 November 2026.

There are no requirements for medium or age, and the programme aims to give opportunities to artists from outside Istanbul.

What Selected Artists Receive

• A personal workspace and shared workshop at SAHA Studio for six months
• Accommodation and transport for artists invited from outside Istanbul
• A budget of up to 200,000 TRY, including an honorarium and research, production, exhibition and event costs
• Basic equipment and crew for production and installation
• Curatorial, editorial and legal advice
• Participation in SAHA's art and learning programmes

How the Term Works

During the term, artists develop their practice alongside fellow residents and guests of the SAHA Curatorial Program, as well as curators, researchers and art professionals from Turkey. Studio meetings and visits to exhibitions and collections support the process. At mid-term gatherings, artists share research and early work and receive feedback. At the end of the term, SAHA Studio Open presents the new projects with public events.

Who Can Apply to SAHA Studio?

Artists working in the visual arts, of any age and medium. Duos and collectives can apply; projects with several participants, or with other support, must give details in the application. The jury considers how artists could benefit from the studio, the interaction they would bring, and opportunities for artists from outside Istanbul.

Selection

A preliminary jury of seven former SAHA Studio artists, Sibel Horada, Metehan Özcan, Merve Ünsal, Cansu Çakar, İrem Tok, Nadir Sönmez and Suat Öğüt, reviews all applications. Those highlighted by most of the jury go to the Selection and Advisory Board, artist Nuri Kuzucan, independent curator Duygu Demir and SAHA director Serra Yentürk, which interviews a shortlist and chooses five artists.

What to Submit

• The application form, available as a PDF on the call page
• A draft budget covering research, production and presentation
• A CV of up to two pages
• A portfolio of 10 to 20 pages, focusing on work from the last five years, with full captions and working links for video or sound

Building Your Portfolio

The portfolio should show your recent work clearly: one or two projects per page, with full captions giving title, medium, dimensions and date. Prioritise work from the last five years, and include earlier pieces only if they help explain your direction. Check that every video or sound link works and is public. In the application form and draft budget, describe what you want to research and produce during the six months, and how the studio, the budget and the people around you would help.

Timing

The application window is short, so prepare your portfolio and budget before the final week.

Things to Consider

• Six months in Istanbul.
• Five artists selected.
• Artists from outside Istanbul are encouraged.
• Deadline: 14 November 2026, 6 p.m.

Apply to SAHA Studio

Ready to spend six months developing new work?

Apply to SAHA Studio

The call and application form are on the SAHA website.

Looking for more open calls? Browse all competitions and opportunities on Good Stuff Weekly.

Last verified: November 4, 2026