VHDG Connect

VHDG Connect is our new yearly program that focuses on support, guidance, and the development of emerging artists. During 2025, a number of trajectories will be launched for diverse groups of (starting) artists based in the North of the Netherlands (Friesland, Groningen & Drenthe), establishing new networks for exchange, growth, inspiration, and support. 

VHDG CONNECT: In residence

This program offers space and support within a specific timeframe for artists to further develop their practice, research, and reflection. During 2025, 2 artists will be able to apply for a one-month residency period, provided with:

A physical living and working space equipped with internet, heating, electricity, kitchen, and shared bathroom, located in the city center of Leeuwarden, where to develop during the residency period, including potential collaborations with local initiatives and studios, such as the Grafisch Atelier Friesland.

Support from VHDG’s team during the whole trajectory, in the form of periodic one-on-one sessions, collective meals, organized group moments, and a peer buddy system with members of Club VHDG. 

Access to VHDG’s network of professionals: its team, external curators, artists, partners, and its surrounding community of people from Leeuwarden, as well as in the North and nationally. 

Financial support through a living allowance of €2250 exc VAT, a material budget of €1000, plus the reimbursement of potential travel costs. 

This residency program extends beyond a one-month individual working period. It aims to provide fertile grounds for artists to explore their artistic practice and expand their knowledge and experience, alongside others throughout the year. Through facilitated moments where the artist in residence can meet members of the Club and VHDG’s team, we aim to create temporary spaces for peer-to-peer learning and support.

The program is for both, studio-based and embedded practices, and is suited for Dutch and English speakers. We see this program as a potential start for future collaborations. 

A follow-up to this process can be continued by becoming a member of Club VHDG, an active group of young artists and creatives which is all about  peer-to-peer support, self-organized events and exhibitions. The Club offers space to show your work, connect with peers, and engage in constructive feedback—essential elements for any artist’s development.

Format

The program consists of two parts: individual development within the time frame of a one-month residency period; and a side program of activities and public events, which is not mandatory but optional for you to join and engage in, which extends during the length of the whole program.

Timeframe 

AiR #1 (08/09 – 03/10)

AiR #2 (04/11 – 07/12)

Program of activities 

• Group field trips, mapping the cultural scene of Friesland, Drenthe, and Groningen
• Collective lunches and dinners with Club VHDG 
• Organized feedback sessions for participants to introduce their work
• A reading group 
• Potentially joining VHDG’s program and specific sessions for artistic and professional development
• Consultation hours with VHDG’s team and the Club

Find the requirements and selection criteria HERE.

Apply by sending the stated documents to connect@vhdg.nl no later than Sunday 22nd of June by midnight NL time.

Selection criteria

• You live and work in the north of the Netherlands (Friesland, Groningen, and Drenthe; also temporarily)
• You have studied art or are self-taught, and have been actively making work during the past years, being part of several public presentations where you bring your work outside of your working space, or need a restart after maternity leave, illness, or are new in the Netherlands 
• You have the intention or wish to engage in presentations and exhibitions with your work in the coming years
• You’re motivated to dive into peer-to-peer support and learn together with other VHDG residents .

Requirements

• An artist statement/explanation of your work, sharing what you make, your motivations, and inspirations (max 200 words)
• What would you like to do/develop during this residency period? (max 200 words)
• Why does this program come at a good time for you and your development as an artist? (max 150 words)
• A link to your website or an updated portfolio in PDF (max 20 pages) with an overview of your work from the past 4 years (max 300 MB) 
• A CV in PDF (max 2 pages)
• State your availability for one or both residency periods: AiR #1 (08/09 – 03/10) & AiR #2 (04/11 – 07/12)
• Would you be interested in expanding your residency by joining Club VHDG? Only if the answer is yes, explain why (50 words)

We will look into

• Your motivation to be part of this program
• At which stage of your career  / your trajectory you are
• Your ambitions to develop professionally
• If you meet all the aforementioned selection criteria and if you are available for a month’s time to be physically involved in this residency

Applications can be done in Dutch or English. 

Apply by sending the stated documents to connect@vhdg.nl no later than Sunday 22nd of June by midnight NL time. Please! Name all your files as follows: FULLNAME_CV ; FULLNAME_MOTIVATION

Do you have any questions? Feel free to contact us via connect@vhdg.nl. On the 30th of June the residents will be confirmed.

Professional advice sessions

Part of the Connect program is to facilitate monthly Professional advice sessions for the local creative community of Leeuwarden every first Friday of each month. People can reserve a timeslot and pitch an idea, share their portfolio, or ask for advice from one of the team members of VHDG. You can sign up here!