Non-Toxic Electro-Etching Workshop & Residency – Autumn & Winter 2026

Organizer

Alfonso Crujera

Open Call: Non-Toxic Electro-Etching Workshop & Residency – Autumn & Winter 2026 Gran Canaria Island, Spain Deadline: 30 Nov 2026 Country: Spain A hands-on residency in Gran Canaria dedicated to electro-etching, sustainable printmaking and artistic experimentation. Experience Innovation in Printmaking This workshop-residency invites artists to discover electro-etching not simply as an alternative technique, but as a contemporary way of rethinking intaglio printmaking: safer, cleaner, precise and open to unexpected visual results. Led by Alfonso Crujera, specialist in electro-etching and author of The Electro-Etching Handbook: A Safe, Non-Toxic Approach, the residency offers an intensive and personal learning experience for artists who wish to deepen their technical knowledge while expanding the expressive possibilities of their work. Since 2002, Crujera has introduced artists and printmakers from many different countries to this non-toxic approach, combining practical studio experience with a clear commitment to safer and more environmentally responsible methods. The residency takes place in a quiet rural setting within the landscape of the Gran Canaria Biosphere Reserve, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding farmland. Far from the noise of the city, the studio offers time, space and concentration: the right conditions for research, trial, error, discovery and artistic growth. Electro-etching brings renewed energy to traditional intaglio. It allows artists to work with line, tone, texture and depth while avoiding many of the hazardous procedures associated with conventional etching. At the same time, it opens a wide field for experimentation, making the process accessible, adaptable and rich in creative potential. The programme combines individual guidance, independent studio time and a warm, family-like atmosphere. During the stay, residents may also be introduced to the cultural context of the island through visits to contemporary art centres and other places of artistic interest, encouraging both professional development and cultural exchange. Duration of residency From two weeks to one month. Accommodation Artists will stay in a private apartment equipped with a kitchen and bathroom, free Wi-Fi access, and an art library available for consultation, study and inspiration. Disciplines, work equipment and assistance The residency welcomes artists interested in non-toxic printmaking, traditional printmaking and the visual arts, including those who wish to explore electro-etching as part of a broader artistic practice. The workshop is fully equipped with the tools and materials required for electro-etching. Residents receive personalised technical assistance throughout the process, from preparing the plate to developing images, testing results and printing. Rather than offering a standardised course, the residency is adapted to the interests, experience and pace of each artist, creating a supportive environment for focused learning and meaningful experimentation. Studio / WorkspaceStudio / Workspace The residency offers a private, naturally lit 70 m² workshop with open views of the sea and surrounding farmland. The space is reserved exclusively for resident artists and is available 24 hours a day, allowing each participant to work with independence, continuity and concentration.Fees and support Detailed information about fees is available by email: electro@crujera.com Artists are responsible for securing their own funding. The workshop-residency can support applicants who wish to apply for grants or mobility funding in their home countries by providing a formal letter of invitation when required. Expectations towards the artist There are no specific production requirements. Residents are encouraged to use the residency as a time for research, learning, experimentation and the development of their own artistic language. Artists are expected to take care of the workshop, maintain order and cleanliness, and respect the working environment. Residents are kindly invited to donate a small selection of prints produced during their stay. Further details are included in the residency rules. Application information To apply, please submit the following: • Completed Registration Form • Curriculum Vitae / Resume • Letter of Interest explaining your motivation to participate in the Electro-Etching Workshop Residency • Visual Documentation of recent work, up to 10 JPG images

Eligibility

Artists interested in non-toxic printmaking and visual arts