CAS x KIELLANDSENTERET PRESENTS:
→ Itchy Fingers – A Writing Residency on Art Books ←
CAS – Contemporary Art Stavanger and Kiellandsenteret are thrilled to announce the second iteration of Itchy Fingers – A Writing Residency on Art Books, taking place 7-20 September, 2026.
Inspired by Stavanger writer Alexander Kielland’s evocative phrase about ‘itchy fingers’, this unique residency invites a writer to explore the public art book collection Sølvberget Library and Culture Centre, continuing the author’s legacy of open expression, social critique, and the vital role of writers as independent voices in society. Over the course of two weeks, the resident will respond to the collection through critique, essay, or experimental forms.
Key questions may include: What is the political potential of artist books and independent publishing in our current climate? How might private and public institutions safeguard against increasing global censorship? What role might artists, writers, and artbooks play in advancing the goals of free expression, cultural provocation, and open debate? How might public and private collections be activated to promote societal engagement?
The Itchy Fingers – A Writing Residency on Art Books includes:
Stay in Stavanger 7-20 September 2026
20,000 NOK honorarium + travel, accommodation and per diem
Publication of one long (3000 words) or two shorter (1500 words) text(s) on CAS and the platforms of Stavanger Library and Culture Centre
Participation in a panel on art books during Kapittel, Stavanger International Festival of Literature and Freedom of Speech
… and more!
deadline: 4 March, 2026
more info: https://contemporaryartstavanger.no/archive/open-call-2026-itchy-fingers-a-writing-residency-on-art-books
