Artist in Residence: Concept

Since May 2006 the Jakob Bengel Foundation Idar-Oberstein in cooperation with the Trier University of Applied Sciences, Campus gemstones and Jewellery, has been inviting jewellery artists to work as "Artist in Residence" at its historical factory as well as at the university ateliers and workshops.

In the works created during their stay, they reflect the omnipresent world of precious stones in Idar-Oberstein. The stay should last a minimum of 1 month and a maximum of 3 months. The Artists in Residence are offered a free apartment and a studio space on the premises of the industrial monument (an important chain and jewellery factory from the Gründerzeit). The historical machinery (mills, rollers, presses, etc.) can be used. The university's workshops are also available for use. 

The Artists in Residence receive a monthly grant of 500 €. In Idar-Oberstein, as the European gemstone centre, minerals and gemstones in particular can be purchased at a reasonable price. Contact to gemstone processing companies can be established. Tool shops and other relevant specialist factories are available in the region.

From the Artists in Residence it is expected that they: 

• donate to the Jakob Bengel Foundation after the end of the stay 1 - 2 pieces of jewellery on permanent loan. The value of the works (artist's prize) should more or less be equivalent to the grants received. The work(s) will be part of a "Idar-Oberstein municipal Jewellery Collection" and presented regularly,
• will be available for a public lecture/conference event,
• will be available for a workshop in the "Gemstone and Jewellery" course of studies at the university - depending on the semester's program,
• optional: to exhibit their work in the jewellery gallery "Villa Bengel".

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