【OPEN CALL】2026 ICCI ART VALLEY PROGRAM International Visiting Art Scholars
Organization:
USC–SJTU Institute of Cultural and Creative Industry (ICCI)
Location
International
Entry Fee
Free Entry
Deadline
July 15, 2026
Organizer: USC–SJTU Institute of Cultural and Creative Industry (ICCI), Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Co-organizer: MANA | Global New Media Art Platform
Location: Shanghai, China
Dates: November 1 – December 15, 2026
Disciplines: Digital Art / New Media Art / Installation Art / Painting, etc.
Application Deadline: July 15, 2026
Program Overview
The 2026 ICCI ART VALLEY PROGRAM – International Visiting Scholars Activities invites artists and scholars from around the world to engage in an innovative residency that explores artistic practice across multiple dimensions.
Through residency-based creation, participants will embark on a cross-media, cross-cultural, and cross-spatial exploration of contemporary art. At a time when technologies such as artificial intelligence and spatial computing are reshaping artistic expression, the program focuses on three key directions:
Art and Technology – exploring new creative boundaries through the interaction between digital and material forms;
Humanistic Dialogue – fostering cross-cultural understanding through artistic exchange;
Urban Engagement – responding to themes of urban transformation while strengthening the connection between people and the city.
ICCI is now publicly recruiting 5–6 international visiting artists or scholars to participate in the 2026 ICCI ART VALLEY PROGRAM. The residency will take place from November 1 to December 15, 2026.
Selected participants will present the outcomes of their residency through exhibitions held in art venues across Shanghai, online virtual exhibition spaces, or cultural landmarks such as the Shanghai Jiao Tong University History Museum.
Applicants are expected to
Have teaching experience at a university or art institution, or experience organizing public lectures or academic seminars;
Maintain an active artistic practice with experience in diverse artistic traditions or cultural contexts. Priority will be given to artists working in interdisciplinary media, digital art, easel painting, or other integrated media practices;
Organize 1–2 public events during the residency, such as lectures or workshops. Please briefly outline your proposed concept or ideas in the application;
Demonstrate fluent English presentation skills and strong cross-cultural communication abilities;
Donate two artworks for permanent collection at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (please provide a list of at least five works from which the committee may select);
Actively participate in activities organized by ICCI, including visits, lectures, workshops, and exhibitions;
Fully commit to the residency period (November 1 – December 15, 2026) and maintain a regular studio presence during working days.
What You Will Receive
Applicants selected by the organizing committee will receive a minimum project grant of RMB 8,000, which can be used for artistic production materials and materials for lectures or workshops during the residency.
Additional support includes:
a. Round-trip airfare (economy class) from the artist’s departure city to Shanghai;
b. Accommodation throughout the residency period;
c. Exhibition installation and setup costs for the group exhibition;
d. Opportunities to participate in artistic exchange and collaboration with local artists;
e. Opportunities to engage in dialogue with Chinese artists and gain insight into Chinese culture;
f. Organized visits to art museums, galleries, and exhibitions in Shanghai;
g. Promotion of artworks through ICCI ART VALLEY website, and official media channels;
h. Permanent exhibition of donated works at Shanghai Jiao Tong University;
i. Promotion and media exposure for participating artists and their artistic practice;
j. Support from 1–2 ICCI student assistants for lectures, exhibition preparation, and related activities.
Notes
Visiting artists/scholars are strongly encouraged to arrange personal insurance based on their individual needs.
How to Apply
Please send your application materials to email address: [email protected]
Email Subject: Visiting Artist/Scholar Application + Your Name
Application materials should include:
Curriculum Vitae, including: portrait photo, artistic philosophy, educational background, artistic practice and experience, residency work plan, representative works, and a list of works available for donation;
Teaching experience at higher education institutions;
Records of academic and artistic practice, exhibition experience, and artwork collections.
Collaboration & Sponsorship
We sincerely welcome universities, art academies, art institutions, and brands from around the world to collaborate with the ICCI ART VALLEY PROGRAM. If you are interested in partnering with us, please contact: [email protected]
About the ICCI ART VALLEY PROGRAM
Founded in 2015, the USC-SJTU Institute of Cultural and Creative Industry (ICCI) is an internationally oriented school of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU).
The ICCI ART VALLEY PROGRAM aims to enrich art education through creative industry thinking, foster innovative talent development models in arts and management within comprehensive universities, elevate public artistic literacy, and build an art ecosystem characterized by the integration of cultural industry and education.
The program brings together outstanding artists from diverse fields, including painting, sculpture, photography, film, video, new media, installation, and architecture. Since its inception, more than 100 artists and researchers from around the globe have joined the program, contributing to the ongoing exchange of ideas and deep integration of art with education.
Co-organizer: MANA | Global New Media Art Platform
Location: Shanghai, China
Dates: November 1 – December 15, 2026
Disciplines: Digital Art / New Media Art / Installation Art / Painting, etc.
Application Deadline: July 15, 2026
Program Overview
The 2026 ICCI ART VALLEY PROGRAM – International Visiting Scholars Activities invites artists and scholars from around the world to engage in an innovative residency that explores artistic practice across multiple dimensions.
Through residency-based creation, participants will embark on a cross-media, cross-cultural, and cross-spatial exploration of contemporary art. At a time when technologies such as artificial intelligence and spatial computing are reshaping artistic expression, the program focuses on three key directions:
Art and Technology – exploring new creative boundaries through the interaction between digital and material forms;
Humanistic Dialogue – fostering cross-cultural understanding through artistic exchange;
Urban Engagement – responding to themes of urban transformation while strengthening the connection between people and the city.
ICCI is now publicly recruiting 5–6 international visiting artists or scholars to participate in the 2026 ICCI ART VALLEY PROGRAM. The residency will take place from November 1 to December 15, 2026.
Selected participants will present the outcomes of their residency through exhibitions held in art venues across Shanghai, online virtual exhibition spaces, or cultural landmarks such as the Shanghai Jiao Tong University History Museum.
Applicants are expected to
Have teaching experience at a university or art institution, or experience organizing public lectures or academic seminars;
Maintain an active artistic practice with experience in diverse artistic traditions or cultural contexts. Priority will be given to artists working in interdisciplinary media, digital art, easel painting, or other integrated media practices;
Organize 1–2 public events during the residency, such as lectures or workshops. Please briefly outline your proposed concept or ideas in the application;
Demonstrate fluent English presentation skills and strong cross-cultural communication abilities;
Donate two artworks for permanent collection at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (please provide a list of at least five works from which the committee may select);
Actively participate in activities organized by ICCI, including visits, lectures, workshops, and exhibitions;
Fully commit to the residency period (November 1 – December 15, 2026) and maintain a regular studio presence during working days.
What You Will Receive
Applicants selected by the organizing committee will receive a minimum project grant of RMB 8,000, which can be used for artistic production materials and materials for lectures or workshops during the residency.
Additional support includes:
a. Round-trip airfare (economy class) from the artist’s departure city to Shanghai;
b. Accommodation throughout the residency period;
c. Exhibition installation and setup costs for the group exhibition;
d. Opportunities to participate in artistic exchange and collaboration with local artists;
e. Opportunities to engage in dialogue with Chinese artists and gain insight into Chinese culture;
f. Organized visits to art museums, galleries, and exhibitions in Shanghai;
g. Promotion of artworks through ICCI ART VALLEY website, and official media channels;
h. Permanent exhibition of donated works at Shanghai Jiao Tong University;
i. Promotion and media exposure for participating artists and their artistic practice;
j. Support from 1–2 ICCI student assistants for lectures, exhibition preparation, and related activities.
Notes
Visiting artists/scholars are strongly encouraged to arrange personal insurance based on their individual needs.
How to Apply
Please send your application materials to email address: [email protected]
Email Subject: Visiting Artist/Scholar Application + Your Name
Application materials should include:
Curriculum Vitae, including: portrait photo, artistic philosophy, educational background, artistic practice and experience, residency work plan, representative works, and a list of works available for donation;
Teaching experience at higher education institutions;
Records of academic and artistic practice, exhibition experience, and artwork collections.
Collaboration & Sponsorship
We sincerely welcome universities, art academies, art institutions, and brands from around the world to collaborate with the ICCI ART VALLEY PROGRAM. If you are interested in partnering with us, please contact: [email protected]
About the ICCI ART VALLEY PROGRAM
Founded in 2015, the USC-SJTU Institute of Cultural and Creative Industry (ICCI) is an internationally oriented school of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU).
The ICCI ART VALLEY PROGRAM aims to enrich art education through creative industry thinking, foster innovative talent development models in arts and management within comprehensive universities, elevate public artistic literacy, and build an art ecosystem characterized by the integration of cultural industry and education.
The program brings together outstanding artists from diverse fields, including painting, sculpture, photography, film, video, new media, installation, and architecture. Since its inception, more than 100 artists and researchers from around the globe have joined the program, contributing to the ongoing exchange of ideas and deep integration of art with education.