The ArtsLink Back Apartment Residency program provides opportunities for international artists and curators to conduct research, create new work, collaborate with the local arts community, and create special projects in St. Petersburg, Russia. Each residency is individually designed to enable visiting artists and curators to learn about the Russian arts community, develop their own work, and share information about their work and other cultures with local audiences.

The ArtsLink Back Apartment invites artists and curators interested in learning about contemporary art in Russia and building relationships with the local arts community. Though preference is given to artists and curators working in the fields of socially engaged art and public art, artists working in other fields are also welcome to apply.

CEC ArtsLink currently funds residencies by artists and curators from the United States. CEC ArtsLink provides international travel, visa support and insurance (if needed), accommodation, and per diem.

Artists from other countries are welcome to apply, but will need to seek financial support to cover their expenses. CEC ArtsLink will provide lodging at the residency space and organizational support.

CEC ArtsLink is adding a new component to the Residency program in 2020 to support follow-up projects by Back Apartment Residency Alumni. Past participants are invited to apply for 2–4 week residencies at the Back Apartment in St. Petersburg for projects which build on their previous visit through collaboration, research and/or partnerships with local organizations and artists.