Paper Camp – Self-Topography on Paper

Paper Camp is a self-residency program offering artists and creatives a unique opportunity to deepen their engagement with paper as a material, concept, and tool.

Hosted by Paper Lab Berlin, this immersive experience takes place in carefully selected locations across Europe and the Mediterranean—each chosen for its rich cultural heritage, strong traditions in craftsmanship, and inspiring natural surroundings.

For thousands of years, these regions have preserved traces of human history, from ancient architectural marvels to artisanal traditions passed down through generations. The self-sufficient nature of many of these places has fostered a deep connection between creativity and resilience, where craft disciplines such as textiles, ceramics, basket weaving, and metalwork continue to thrive.

What makes Paper Camp unique is its setting within these environments—where creativity is deeply embedded in everyday life. Creativity is not just about making; it is about problem-solving, reinterpreting materials, and allowing research and experimentation to lead to meaningful artistic expression. Paper Camp embodies this philosophy, offering a space where inspiration, craftsmanship, and artistic exploration merge seamlessly.

The Program – Paper Camp

Paper Camp invites participants to explore the vast potential of paper—its versatility as a material, its conceptual depth, and its ability to serve as a tool for artistic expression. Taking place in carefully selected locations across Europe and the Mediterranean, each Paper Camp is shaped by its unique environment, offering a dynamic space for artistic exploration.

Over the course of their stay, participants will:

• Deepen their understanding of paper’s possibilities by experimenting with its form and manipulation.

• Challenge their creative processes by engaging with the influences of the surrounding landscapes, cultural heritage, and artisanal traditions.

• Develop a richer dialogue with the medium, connecting their personal practices to a broader context of materiality and place.

• Share knowledge and inspiration with a small, focused group of like-minded individuals.

This program encourages participants to face creative challenges, expand their artistic boundaries, and reimagine the relationship between their work and the world around them. While the focus is on individual exploration, the camp also fosters collaboration and shared projects, creating a supportive and interactive artistic community.

The Spirit of Paper Camp

Each Paper Camp location has its own distinct atmosphere, offering a unique blend of natural surroundings, cultural heritage, and creative energy. While some destinations may not have a direct historical connection to paper, they all share a deep respect for materials and craftsmanship—values that align perfectly with the program’s goals. By immersing themselves in these diverse settings, participants can explore how paper as a medium transforms and communicates ideas in new and unexpected ways.

The combination of natural beauty, cultural resilience, and artisanal traditions creates an environment that fosters both introspection and exploration. Many of the communities we work with are built on ingenuity and resourcefulness—qualities that resonate deeply with the creative process.

Facilities and Exhibition Opportunities

Participants will reside in inspiring locations, often surrounded by nature, with access to private rooms, shared living spaces, and dedicated work areas. Most tools and materials are provided, ensuring a seamless creative experience.

Each Paper Camp location offers unique opportunities for showcasing work. Whether in collaboration with local art centers, galleries, or outdoor spaces, participants are encouraged to present their work in any form they choose—from personal projects to collaborative pieces, installations, or performances. These exhibition opportunities provide a space for dialogue and experimentation, reflecting the diverse possibilities of contemporary expression.

Community and Atmosphere

Preparation and Flexibility

The Paper Camp experience begins long before participants arrive on-site. To ensure that everyone can fully immerse themselves in the creative process, we offer a structured Getting Ready phase, which includes both individual and group online sessions. These sessions serve as an essential foundation for the residency, offering time to prepare artistically, mentally, and logistically.

We see preparation as an integral part of the experience—a way to step into the mindset of artistic exploration before even setting foot in the camp. During these sessions, participants will:

• Get to know the group, fostering a sense of community before arrival.

• Share initial thoughts, ideas, or inspirations to guide their creative approach.

• Discuss technical and material needs to ensure they arrive with everything necessary to work safely and efficiently.

• Receive guidance on how to make the most of their time in the residency, ensuring a balance between experimentation, structured work, and engagement with others.

Spending time preparing allows participants to use the residency period wisely, focusing on artistic exploration rather than logistical concerns. It also creates an environment where everyone arrives feeling comfortable, confident, and ready to dive into their work.

Structure and Flow

Participants can choose to stay for as long as they wish, with a minimum commitment of one week. Arrival and departure days are not included in the core working period, allowing for smooth transitions while maintaining a structured yet flexible rhythm.

The Paper Camp is designed to provide a focused, immersive atmosphere where participants can engage in both individual research and collaborative exchange. Whether they use their time to develop a specific project, experiment with new techniques, or absorb inspiration from their surroundings, each cycle of the camp offers a unique experience shaped by the group and the location.

By coming prepared—both artistically and practically—participants can make the most of their time, ensuring that Paper Camp becomes a transformative period of creation, exchange, and deep exploration.