Esplanade: Contemporary Performing Arts Research Residency 2026 (Singapore)

On the Move; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay invites individual artists, curators, researchers, and critics in performing arts to apply for the Contemporary Performing Arts Research Residency 2026. This fully funded program provides a stipend, research funds, shared working space, and the opportunity for peer feedback, taking place in Singapore between April and June 2026.

Benefits

Stipend of 2,000 SGD per month

Up to 1,000 SGD for research materials

Shared working space

Studio spaces when required

Accommodation for residents from abroad

International airfare to and from Singapore

Qualifications

• Open to artists, curators, researchers, and critics.
• No formal production requirement.
• Encourages interdisciplinary and transcultural dialogue.

Responsibilities

• Residents present at least one public programme developed with Esplanade team.
• Engage in time and space for research and experimentation.

Job description

Esplanade: Contemporary Performing Arts Research Residency 2026 (Singapore)

In-person mobility

Open for: Individual Artists, Curators, Researchers & Critics in Performing Arts

Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay invites local and international artists, curators, programmers, writers, researchers, and practitioners across all disciplines in the performing arts to apply for the Contemporary Performing Arts Research Residency, taking place in Singapore between April and June 2026.

In its third edition, the Contemporary Performing Arts Research Residency is an artist capability development programme by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, supported by the National Arts Council, Singapore. In 2026, the residency presents the thematic focus: This Time.

This fully funded residency aims to support creative research in contemporary performing arts by providing its residents with the time and space for artistic inquiry, experimentation, development, research activities, and opportunities for interdisciplinary and transcultural dialogues. The residency welcomes various manners and methodologies of enquiry, embracing a pluralistic approach towards research that unfolds not only through written word but also includes forms of experimentation with the body, performed moments, and other non-traditional systems of knowledge.

There is no requirement for residents to create a production during or after the residency. Instead, residents will be asked to present at least one public programme of their choosing, developed in conversation with the Esplanade residency team.

Support includes:

• A stipend of 2,000 SGD per month (minimum one month, maximum three months)
• An allowance of up to 1,000 SGD for research materials or support
• Shared working space
• Studio spaces when required
• Accommodation and international airfare to and from Singapore, if from abroad
• Resources for organising a public programme
• Consultation with the Selection Panel to support and strengthen the research
• Opportunity to engage with fellow residents for peer feedback and support
• Programming support in the form of research connections, networking, etc.