IMPORTANT NEW INFORMATION 2026:
After some changes and obstacles we are back! With limitations, but still and definitely back. We (The foundation kulturhuset USF Verftet) are running on our own resources + with a small amount from Bergen municipality. Next application deadline for residencies in 2026 is March 15th 2026. We will run residencies from May 1st to October 30th 2026.

Who can apply
The residency is open to professional, foreign artists of all fields: visual artists, writers, curators, craft artists, writers, film directors, film makers, dancers, choreographers, stage performers, performance artists, composers, musicians, audio and new media artists. The residence is open to all international artists, but not to Norwegian citizens or artists living in Norway.
We always emphasise the connection between visiting artists and local artists / art organisations/institutions. For the application deadline 2026 we will put extra weight on this.

*APPLICATION FORM HERE*

What does AiR Bergen at USF Verftet have to offer
There are two studios and two small apartments available. These are situated at USF Verftet, an old sardine factory converted into a large and diverse arts- and culture centre. More about studios and apartments here.
Please mail to get sent a pdf with additional photos for better impression of studio and apartment.

We offer a 2 weeks to 3 month residency at USF Verftet in a rent free studio and accommodation.

What does the residency demand of the visiting artist
All expenses (other than studio and accommodation) such as living costs, travel, materials, insurance and transport must be covered by the artist. The artist must apply for possible funding from her / his own home country. There is no Norwegian funding related to this residency.

The selected artist must be prepared to be quite self-reliant. We are running the residency on tight administrative resources. However we are doing our best to set up contacts and network, and the Bergen art scene is a very open-minded and friendly one. We want the artists to achieve the most out of their stay, and the city of Bergen and Bergen's artist environments to enjoy the company and knowledge of the guest artist. This is our main goal.

Important: The visiting artist must speak and write english.

What to expect
There are around 200 people working on a daily basis in USF Verftet, all in the art and cultural field. Amongst these are around 70 artists. Here is a list of all the people in USF Verftet. More ‘About USF’

Here is the USF Verftet website. Have a look at the program, all the concerts, events, movies and so on that happens in this house. We had 1359 events, big and small, happening in 2024 - and more than 200.000 visitors. Here is USF Verftet Instagram.

Visningsrommet USF is our gallery space, we are running around 15 exhibitions yearly. Check the program here + this is our Instagram

The artists here at USF Verftet are renting their studios individually. Do not expect an artist-run/communal environment in the house. This can be found at other venues in the city.

The art and culture activity changes during the year. Summer; from around mid-June to mid-August is very quiet. The activity really drops to a minimum during this time. The USF also goes less busy, and it's the office holiday time as well. A good time for concentration for the visiting artists, but not the best time for a rich social and cultural life. Then it picks up, and September, October, November are very culturally rich months. From around mid-December it slows down again, before it picks up in mid-January with a peak in May - June.

Application
The application must consist of the application form, project proposal for the residency period, updated cv, documentation of work. Current work is requested. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Please note our aim in your application process: "The aim is to strengthen, promote and develop a collaboration between contemporary artists and art scenes in Bergen and foreign artists."

The application must be sent electronically through the application form. Please limit your documentation to maximum 5 MB. If you are sending video material, please refer to downloading sites like Vimeo, YouTube etc.

If you do have a personal updated website, it is accepted as application material for documentation of work, cv etc.

The application deadline is 15th of March 2026.

Residents are selected by a jury composed of Bergen professional artists and other arts professionals.

For more information, please contact AiR manager Line Nord at USF Verftet, Georgernes Verft 12, 501 BERGEN - NORWAY Tel. (+ 47) 55 30 74 10, email air@usf.no