MODEM AIR – MODEM Centre for Modern and Contemporary Art

Brief Profile

MODEM AIR is the artist-in-residence programme of MODEM Centre for Modern and Contemporary Art in Debrecen, Hungary. The programme provides international artists with time and space for independent artistic research, experimentation and the development of new work.

The residency space is located in Debrecen’s Great Forest area, offering a quiet, green environment for concentrated work while remaining within the city and connected to its cultural life. Residents have dedicated working and living space and receive professional and curatorial support from the MODEM curatorial team.

Depending on the needs of each project, MODEM can facilitate connections with local artists, curators, researchers, experts and cultural institutions in Debrecen.

MODEM AIR was established in 2025, building on MODEM’s extensive experience in organising artist residencies and international artistic exchange. MODEM also has around 20 years of experience organising short-term international summer residency programmes through DAIR (Debrecen Artist in Residence).

Art Genres

Visual arts, mixed media, painting, sculpture, installation, photography, video, new media and digital art, interdisciplinary and site-responsive practices. Other contemporary artistic approaches can also be discussed depending on the proposed project.

Availability Period

Available throughout the year, subject to prior arrangement and availability. For the Visegrad Artist Residency Programme, the residency period is two months, with exact dates agreed individually with the resident.

Types of Projects Accepted

Research-based and production-oriented contemporary art projects, independent artistic research, experimentation, the development of new or ongoing work, interdisciplinary practices and site-responsive projects.

Welcomed are projects that benefit from a period of focused independent work, as well as projects engaging with the cultural, social, historical or geographical context of Debrecen and the wider region.

Depending on the project, residents may also take part in open studios, artist talks, workshops, professional meetings or presentations.

Facilities and Equipment

MODEM AIR provides a dedicated residency and working space in Debrecen’s Great Forest area.

Size: 100 m³

Capacity: 2–3 people

The residency space includes:

• one bedroom with a double bed;
• one bedroom with a single bed;
• a shared bathroom and two toilets;
• a spacious working area suitable for 2–3 people;
• tables and workbenches;
• Wi-Fi;
• kitchen facilities.

The space can accommodate an individual artist or, depending on the project and prior arrangement, a small collaborative team.

Technical / Special Equipment

Basic working facilities, including tables and workbenches, are available in the residency space.

Specific technical requirements are discussed individually with each resident. Depending on the project and availability, MODEM can assist with arranging additional technical resources or equipment.

Social Facilities / Accommodation – Terms of Stay

Accommodation is provided within the MODEM AIR residency space for the agreed residency period.

For artists whose Visegrad Artist Residency application is approved, accommodation and utilities are covered through funding provided by the International Visegrad Fund.

The accommodation includes kitchen facilities and Wi-Fi.

Residents receive ongoing professional and curatorial support from the MODEM curatorial team. Specific accessibility, family-related or other individual requirements can be discussed in advance.

Contact Details for Potential Residents

Contact person: Krisztián Gábor Török

Position: Curator, MODEM Centre for Modern and Contemporary Art

Email: torok.krisztian@modemart.hu

Phone: +36 52 525 017