Heerz Tooya
ARV.I

Application & Guide

Open Call – We accept applications on a rolling basis.

The ARVI artist residency program in 2025 provides a stimulating and flexible environment for artists to experiment, do new works, and extend their exhibition experience. ARVI is a place for artists to clear out from their usual habitat, meet other international artists, and engage with and experience the village life in Vishovgrad and the culture and landscape of Veliko Turnovo. During the period at ARVI, artists can develop their work and follow up with their projects on their own terms. The 2025 artist residency program accepts a maximum of three artists each month. One may apply for one or several months. Selected artists-in-residence receive accommodation and shared studio space. Artists-in-residence may conclude their stay with an exhibition at Gallery Heerz Tooya in Veliko Turnovo. Currently, the exhibition space is changing location. We encourage all accepted applicants to apply for external funding for the residency fee and other expenses, including solo exhibition expenses, accommodation, travel, and transport. ARVI will provide accepted applicants with a letter of agreement regarding the residency program and a letter of intent regarding the solo exhibition, including other documents to help the external funding process. We want to remind all applicants that the Artist Residency is in a rural village. It is essential to have an open mindset for different cultures and be an independent person who takes cognizance of living with others and can cope with the explorative prospects of living a rustic village life.

Application

Availability in 2025

  • May: Full
  • June: 1 Big Room available
  • July: 2 Big Rooms available
  • August: Full
  • September: 2 Big Rooms available

We have waiting lists. We want everyone to apply regardless if there are no available spots.

1-month costs

  • Small room: 850 Euro (incl. small exhibition space at Heerz Tooya / flexible)
  • Big room: 1000 Euro (incl. big exhibition space at Heerz Tooya / flexible)

ARV. I Offers

  • 96m2 shared studio space.
  • Private bedrooms with single beds, shared kitchen, bathroom, and garden.
  • An exhibition under the curation of Gallery Heerz Tooya in Veliko Turnovo at the end of the residency period.
  • I would like to let you know that I can help with the ARVI internship, including local guidance, networking, and logistics regarding individual art projects and exhibitions.
  • Letter of agreement and documents for external funding.

ARV.I Conditions

  • The program can accommodate a maximum of three residents at a time.
  • Accepted applicants must deposit 50% of the Residency fee five months before arrival. If the application is canceled, the deposit will not be refunded. This condition is strictly due to respect for other applications and the planning of the exhibition program throughout the year 2025.
  • ARVI does not cover travel and living costs.
  • The spoken language is primarily English and Bulgarian.
  • ARVI does not cover production materials, insurance, or any transport of materials, artworks, or objects produced or collected during the residency period.

How to apply

Compose an email with the following information:

  • Full name:
  • Date of birth:
  • Current city of residence:
  • Nationality:
  • E-mail:
  • Website / Instagram:
  • I am applying for the month:
  • Big room or small room:
  • How I found the ARV.I Open Call:
  • My solo exhibition will include (in short):

In the E-mail, please attach one PDF document (max 10 MB), including your CV, artist statement, and photo documentation of your recent artworks and exhibitions.

Send the email to post@arv.international with the subject ARV.I 2025 Artist Residency / your name Please send the application at least five months before your planned arrival, according to the 50% prepayment.

Guide

General tips

  • There are no ATMs in Vishovgrad. The nearest ones are in Byala Cherkva and Pavlikeni.
  • The local shops in Vishovgrad sell all the basic necessities. They open at 08:00 in the morning and close at 22:00 in the evening.

TAXI

Vishovgrad - Pavlikeni: (+359) 0 87600 363 (English speaking) / 16 lv Tip: A usual central meeting point is Unicredit Bulbank. Tip: If you have any doubts, you may ask Danche, the local shop in Vishovgrad, to call a taxi. Vishovgrad - Veliko Turnovo: 50 - 55 lv Tip: From Veliko Turnovo to Vishovgrad, you can use all the taxis.

BUSES and TRAINS

Veliko Turnovo - Sofia (23 lv - ish): Search for bus schedules on www.biomet.bg/en

Pavlikeni - Sofia (20 lv - ish): Search for train schedules on www.bdz.bg/en

RENT A CAR

Didi Autocomplex in Veliko Turnovo: www.travel-agent-bg.com/en/rent-a-car (+359) 8882 66 966 Tip: It is recommended to have a car, as there are limited buses in and out of the village.

VISHOVGRAD

PAVLIKENI

VELIKO TURNOVO

There are plenty of other museums, galleries, bars, restaurants, and landmarks around the city.

SOFIA