About

EKAiR is a residency program located in the village of Šumiac in central Slovakia.

The residency’s name, EKAiR, combines Eka’s nickname with the abbreviation for “artist in residency,” symbolizing a blend of personal legacy and creative exploration. EKAiR is designed for creative individuals, providing a harmonious environment where the cyclical nature of creativity and relaxation fosters artistic growth. Our concept, “re-cre-zident,” merges “repetition,” “recreation,” “creation,” and “residency,” emphasizing both productive and unproductive time as essential to the creative process.

EKAiR is open to artists and non-artists from all creative disciplines, including but not limited to:

  • Visual artists
  • Curators
  • Writers
  • Filmmakers
  • Musicians
  • Poets
  • Architects
  • Photographers
  • Educators
  • Designers
  • & more ….

Residency Details:

  • Location: The residency is situated in a traditional wooden cottage in Šumiac, a village known for its rich folklore, polyphonic singing, and breathtaking natural beauty, including the iconic Kráľova hoľa peak.
  • Duration: Guests can stay for a period ranging from a few days to one month, based on their needs and project requirements.
  • Environment: The serene and inspiring setting encourages residents to immerse themselves in nature, engage in leisurely activities, and find a balance between intense productivity and restful recreation.
  • Facilities: The cottage offers a peaceful retreat with necessary amenities to support a comfortable stay, allowing artists to focus on their work and well-being.

Activities and Engagement:

  • Community Interaction: Residents are encouraged to maintain a dialogue with the local community, fostering collaborative projects that expand the collective understanding and appreciation of art.
  • Workshops and Events: Depending on the time of stay, residents may have the opportunity to participate in or host workshops, talks, and other events that engage with the public and other creatives.
  • Pilot Program: EKAiR is currently operating a pilot residency program, which is self-funded and supported by a symbolic contribution towards expenses. This phase allows us to refine our offerings and incorporate Eka’s literary legacy into the residency experience.

Application and Selection:

EKAiR is currently operating a pilot residency program, which is self-funded and supported by a symbolic contribution towards expenses.

At the moment, we do not have an open call for submissions. However, we encourage you to drop us a line expressing your interest. Once we receive your message, we’ll take it from there and guide you through the next steps. We look forward to hearing from you!

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EKAiR Residency is more than just a creative retreat—it is a tribute to Eka’s spirit and a space for artistic renewal and exploration. We invite creative minds to join us in this journey, finding inspiration in the same space that once fueled Eka’s remarkable productivity.

Artist In Residence

2024

  • Martin Toldy

    Martin Toldy

    Martin Toldy is an artist, performer, researcher, and organizer working in the context of Slovak art since 2013.  Combining intermedia project or installations with live performance he focuses on how we confront ourselves with play, chance, experimentation, and collaboration. In this way he inquires into current cultures of care, economies of intimacy, politics of sharing;…

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  • Lýdia Pribišová

    Lýdia Pribišová

    Lýdia Pribišová has been the editor-in-chief of Flash Art magazine since 2015. She is the curator of the Slovak representation at the 60th Venice Biennale with the project Floating Arboretum by Oto Hudec and serves as a curator at the Ján Koniarek Gallery in Trnava. Between 2020 and 2024, she was a curator at Kunsthalle…

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  • Andrea Kalinová

    Andrea Kalinová

    Andrea Kalinová graduated from the Department of Photography and New Media at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bratislava with her graduation film The Secret of the Swimming Pool, which explored and mystified the never-finished swimming pool above the Bratislava tram tunnel in the form of a mockumentary.  In 2014, she completed her PhD studies…

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  • Monika H. Kováčová

    Monika H. Kováčová

    Monika H. Kováčová, born in Bratislava, pursued photography and new media at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava. Notable works include the “Killart – Vražedné umenie” series and the documentary “Secrets of Love.” She co-founded the art group “KONTRA” and studied abroad through the Erasmus program. Her master’s study, under Ilona Németh,…

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