CAS – Contemporary Art Stavanger and Kiellandsenteret (Stavanger Library and Culture Centre) have announced the second iteration of Itchy Fingers, A Writing Residency on Art Books, taking place 7–20 September 2026 in Stavanger, Norway.
Inspired by Stavanger writer Alexander Kielland’s evocative phrase about ‘itchy fingers’, this residency invites a writer to explore the public art book collection Sølvberget Library and Culture Centre, continuing the author’s legacy of open expression, social critique, and the vital role of writers as independent voices in society. Over the course of two weeks, the selected writer will respond to the collection through critique, essay, or experimental forms. The residency will culminate in one or two texts published by CAS – Contemporary Art Stavanger and in the channels of Stavanger Library and Culture Centre.
Key questions may include: What is the political potential of artist books and independent publishing in our current climate? How might private and public institutions safeguard against increasing global censorship? What role might artists, writers, and artbooks play in advancing the goals of free expression, cultural provocation, and open debate? How might public and private collections be activated to promote societal engagement?
As an added dimension, the residency aligns with Kapittel, Stavanger’s International Festival of Literature and Freedom of Speech. The chosen writer will be invited to join a panel discussion, with the final topic shaped by their own perspective.
Support includes:
- 20,000 NOK honorarium
- Up to 5,000 NOK in travel costs
- Free accommodation
- Per diem (107 NOK per day)
- Free use of Sølvberget’s writing room (Skrivestuen) for the duration of the stay
- Festival pass for Kapittel, Stavanger International Festival of Literature and Freedom of Speech
- Introductions to local art institutions and individuals
