The evaluation and approval of projects proposed for residency follows specific criteria that vary according to the defined area of work, the objectives of the artist and the curatorial team, and the PENSÃO programme itself. These criteria are mainly based on:
Clarity, relevance and originality
The project must be well-structured, with a clear and relevant concept. The idea or artistic proposal must be original and innovative, preferably with a new perspective or creative approach.
Viability and planningThe project must be well-structured, with a clear and relevant concept. The idea or artistic proposal must be original and innovative, preferably with a new perspective or creative approach.
It will be crucial to demonstrate the feasibility of the work plan, with a clear definition of the strategy, resources and organisation of the tasks within the timeframe set for the residency. The candidate must present a chronology of the work process, with the necessary spaces and materials, and explain how they intend to deal with any challenges that may arise.
Potential for exploration and experimentation
Proposals that demonstrate a high level of exploration and experimentation with new ideas, formats, techniques and materials are valued. The proposal should reveal the applicant's interest in exploring new approaches, challenging intellectual and creative barriers, and pushing their artistic boundaries.
Potential impact of the residency
The proposal should indicate how the residency project can contribute to the artistic and intellectual growth of the author, the curator and the public, whether through an exhibition, talk, conference, workshop, performance or other form of involvement. The exchange of experience between the residents and the community will be valued.
Adequacy to the context of the residency
PENSÃO has a flexible structure in which the artist/designer resident will have to define their area of production and action (physical and digital). They must take this into account and show how they intend to integrate into the environment and explore the context of the residency, namely by defining and adjusting the work and exhibition spaces, resources, techniques and materials.
Well-defined objectives
The applicant must make it clear what objectives he or she intends to achieve with the project, such as artistic experimentation, improving approaches or techniques, exploring new ideas and/or materials, deepening projects already started or new series of works. In the case of theoretical works, such as written essays or articles (scientific and non-scientific), the author must make clear the objectives and the contribution to the area of research in question.
Adequacy of the proposal
The project must be aligned with the objectives of the artistic residency, namely with the autonomous, experimental, transdisciplinary and collaborative approach of the programme, as well as with the objectives, programmes and curatorial lines of the institutions involved.
The applicant must make it clear what objectives he or she intends to achieve with the project, such as artistic experimentation, improving approaches or techniques, exploring new ideas and/or materials, deepening projects already started or new series of works. In the case of theoretical works, such as written essays or articles (scientific and non-scientific), the author must make clear the objectives and the contribution to the area of research in question.
Adequacy of the proposal
The project must be aligned with the objectives of the artistic residency, namely with the autonomous, experimental, transdisciplinary and collaborative approach of the programme, as well as with the objectives, programmes and curatorial lines of the institutions involved.
CV and portfolio
The applicant's project history will be taken into account, in particular their portfolio of previous work, so that the mediation team can ensure that they have the experience and skills necessary to develop the project and benefit from the residency. Although not an absolute requirement, this previous experience or the quality of previous project output can help strengthen the proposal.
Autonomy and commitment
The candidate will have to demonstrate that they are able to work independently, maximising their period of residence, and ensure that they have a committed and disciplined approach to the realisation of the project.
Sustainability and future impact
Although not a determining factor, it will be important to reflect on the potential of the proposed project to continue after the end of the residency, i.e. whether it will be designed to allow its continuation through a series of works, exhibitions, publication or other form of dissemination, in addition to the presentation on the PENSÃO website.