The Asociación Civil Vergel launches Vergel Residencies: a bridge between artists and hospitals, a program that invites visual artists to join, for six months, a Palliative Care team in a public hospital and place their practice at the service of health and people’s well-being.
Activities may take different forms: group workshops, one-on-one sessions, exhibitions, interventions, performances, and more. All proposals must be approved by the healthcare team and prioritize improving patients’ quality of life. Activities may also be designed for families, healthcare professionals, and the broader hospital community.
Each resident will receive a total grant of ARS 3,600,000 (paid in six installments), enabling them to dedicate an average of 40 hours per month (240 hours total) to work in a hospital in or near their area. Residents will also have a materials fund of ARS 1,500,000, and will receive training and mentorship throughout the program.
Artists are responsible for covering their transportation costs and for obtaining personal accident insurance during their residency.
First edition: 2026
This first edition is made possible through the support of the Cultural Patronage Program (Mecenazgo) and Colección Balanz. It will run from July to December 2026 at the Hospital Municipal de Oncología Marie Curie (Caballito), the Hospital General de Agudos Parmenio Piñero (Flores), and the Hospital Materno Infantil de San Isidro. Each artist will be placed in a hospital located in or near their area. One artist will be selected per hospital. A preselection process will take place, with final decisions made by each healthcare team.
Key dates
- Open call: April 24
- Info session: May 12
- Application deadline: May 25
- Contact with preselected candidates: second week of June
- Virtual interviews (preselected + Vergel team): second week of June
- In-person interviews (with healthcare teams): third week of June
- Final selection announcement: fourth week of June
- Residency start: Wednesday, July 1
Palliative care approach
The program is grounded in the humanized and holistic approach of Palliative Care, which seeks to improve quality of life and relieve pain by addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions.
Palliative Care supports patients who are not responding to curative treatment and require symptom management, those at the end of life—ensuring minimal pain and maximum dignity—as well as patients undergoing curative treatments but experiencing side effects, and individuals living with chronic conditions. Some teams also support families through bereavement.
Selection process
The program is aimed at visual artists interested in human connection and service-oriented practices, who value both process and outcome, can work collaboratively, adapt to institutional dynamics, and respond creatively to the unexpected.
Six artists will be preselected, from which three will be chosen for this edition. Those not selected may be considered if a spot becomes available.
The preselection jury includes Catalina León (artist and co-founder of Vergel), Ana Gallardo, and Guad Greche.
Final decisions will be made by each healthcare team following in-person interviews. Prior to this, preselected artists will participate in a virtual interview with the Vergel team.
Colección Balanz invites artists to take part in an experience where art is placed at the service of care and well-being.
Applicants must read the full terms and conditions on Vergel’s website before applying: https://vergelarte.org/residencias-vergel/
Apply here: https://forms.gle/nazWDYrzDKnG6rJd6
This initiative is supported by Colección Balanz through the Cultural Patronage Program of the Government of the City of Buenos Aires, strengthening its development and reach.