PROPOSAL EVALUATION CRITERIA

The evaluation of residency proposals is based on criteria that take into account the defined field of work, the objectives of the artist/designer, the curatorial approach, and the nature of the PENSÃO program. These criteria are organised into general components, applicable to all applications, and additional components when the project includes a research and development (R&D) dimension.

Clarity and relevance, and originality
The project must be well-structured, with a clear and relevant concept. The proposal should demonstrate originality and innovation, presenting a distinct perspective or a unique creative approach.

Feasibility and planning
The work plan must demonstrate feasibility, with a clear strategy, identified resources, and an appropriate organisation of tasks within the proposed residency period. The timeline of activities should be coherent and realistic.

Potential for exploration and experimentation
Proposals that show a strong interest in exploring new ideas, formats, techniques, and materials will be valued, particularly when they demonstrate openness to experimentation and to expanding conceptual, artistic, and/or technical boundaries.

Potential for exploration and experimentation
Proposals that demonstrate a high level of exploration and experimentation with new ideas, formats, techniques and materials are valued. The proposal should reveal the artist/designer's interest in exploring new approaches, challenging intellectual and creative barriers, and pushing their artistic boundaries.

Well-defined objectives
The project’s objectives should be clear, aligned with the scope of the residency, and consistent with the overall proposal—whether the focus is on creation, research, experimentation, or the development of ongoing work.

Contribution to artistic, technical, or conceptual innovation
For projects that involve research-as-practice, the degree of experimentation, conceptual or technological innovation, and the contribution to new artistic creation or research methodologies will be taken into consideration.

Suitability to the residency context
Applicants must demonstrate how they intend to integrate into the physical and digital environment of PENSÃO, clarifying how they will make use of the programme’s spaces, resources, and dynamics.

Alignment with the residency programme
The project must align with the autonomous, experimental, transdisciplinary, and collaborative nature of the programme, as well as with the curatorial perspectives of the institutions involved.

Curriculum and portfolio
The candidate’s artistic and professional background will be taken into account, particularly their portfolio and previous projects, assessing their ability to develop the proposed work with autonomy and consistency.

Potencial impact of the residency
The proposal should indicate how the residency period may contribute to the artistic and intellectual development of the artist, the curatorial team, and the broader community, through actions such as exhibitions, talks, conferences, workshops, performances, or other forms of public engagement.

Autonomy and commitment
Applicants are expected to demonstrate the ability to work independently, with responsibility, discipline, and commitment, making full use of the residency period.

Sustainability and future impact
Although not mandatory, the potential for the project to continue beyond the residency will be valued—whether through new works, series, exhibitions, publications, or other forms of circulation and dissemination.

Additional criteria for Research & Development (R&D) projects,applicable only to proposals that include an artistic, theoretical, scientific, or technological research component:

Methodological rigour and coherence
The project must present a clear and consistent methodology, appropriate to the objectives and to the type of research proposed.

Theoretical framework and state of the art
The proposal should demonstrate an up-to-date and relevant understanding of the artistic, scientific, or theoretical context in which it is situated, including critical, visual, or bibliographic references.

Contribution to the advancement of knowledge
The project’s potential to generate new conceptual, artistic, technical, or methodological contributions within its research scope will be valued.

Coherence between methodologies, objectives, and expected outcomes
The expected outcomes must be realistic, well-articulated with the defined methodology, and appropriate to the residency’s time frame.

Potential for dissemination and knowledge transparency
The project’s potential to generate outcomes suitable for dissemination or continuation—such as publications, presentations, documentation, exhibitions, prototypes, archives, or tools—will be taken into consideration.

Artistic, conceptual, or technological innovation
Proposals that introduce new approaches, experimental processes, technologies, conceptual models, or methodologies will be valued.

Ethical considerations of the research
Applicants must demonstrate ethical awareness and responsibility in conducting their research, including aspects such as collaborative processes, the use of image or sound, data collection, and participatory methodologies, where applicable.