Artist Residency Program

Artist Residency, Wahat al-Salam~Neve Shalom

The artists’ residency of Wahat al-Salam~Neve Shalom invites Israeli and Palestinian artists to come for a three-month stay at the “House of the Keepers of Silence.” The program offers an open,safe space for artists seeking to create, develop, and present works in the fields of theater/music/cinema/visual arts/new media/literature etc..

Wahat al-Salam~Neve Shalom is a cooperative village where Jewish and Arab families, all Israeli citizens, live together in a shared, egalitarian society. The village was established in the late 1970s on the lands of Latrun Monastery. In the vision of Bruno Hussar, a monk and  founder of the village, “faith in the victory of love over hatred is the truest and deepest goal of the peace village.” Today, the village operates a bilingual, binational education system attended by children from the village and the entire region, and the School for Peace for adult courses. Additionally, the village has cultural and visitors centers.

The House of the Keepers of Silence is the house in which the village founder, Bruno Hussar, and his partner, Anne Le Meignen, lived. Anne dedicated her life to the village and focused her work primarily on the Spiritual Center – a pluralistic community cultural center. Next to the House of the Keepers of Silence is the Doumia Sakina, a dome for prayer and meditation by people of all religions and nations.

Anne’s will provided her home, a “modest and special house would serve to host people of spirit, culture, and art.” Her heart’s desire was that any artist who dwells  in the house for a significant period would be inspired by the spirit of the place, create there, and conduct participatory activities in the community.

We expect that the artist’s activity within the community will be unique, and it will be one that takes its final shape during their stay, each according to their field of endeavor, and  in coordination with the residency team.

Residency period – March 1 to May 31, 2026

We provide the artist with:

A unique furnished house near the Spiritual Center and Doumia, soaked in the special village atmosphere. Maintenance and basic expenses of the house are covered by the hosting association (the Educational Association in the village). The house will serve the artists for both work and living.

In addition to the residency house, the artist will be granted a monthly stipend of 2,500 NIS per month, which will be considered a work grant for the project.

Community and artistic accompaniment, where possible.

An opportunity to present the artistic creation in the village through its a gallery, performance and workshop center, studios, and other public spaces that can serve the artist, in coordination with the residency team.

How to apply for the Wahat al-Salam ` Neve Shalom Artist Residency
Submission of a clear artistic proposal for the artwork the artist plans to develop or create during their stay.
Letter of intent from the candidate.
Portfolio of works.
CV, including details about the artist’s experience working with and within communities.
one letter of recommendation.
Please send all the above documents in a single email to: residency@nswas.info

Submission

The closing date for this call is 6/1/2026.
Responses to applicants will be sent by 22/1/2026.
Residency period – March 1 to May 31, 2026. (Three months)

By responding to this call for applications, the candidate is aware that there is no guarantee of acceptance into the residency program and that acceptance is at the sole discretion of the selection committee.