ABOUT US
International Program in Scenography
The International Program in Scenography is an artistic residency program organized by OISTAT Romania. Each year, 20 international artists are brought together for two weeks on the shores of Lake Siutghiol in Ovidiu/Constanța. The program is dedicated to students and graduates from the fields of visual arts, performing arts, design, architecture, and scenography. Participants are invited to collaborate in developing performative, multidisciplinary site-specific artistic installations. They exchange ideas, share techniques, participate in workshops, and collaborate on projects in an inspiring and experimental context that encourages them to to push the boundaries of usual creative practice. Participants also have the opportunity to work closely with the program's mentors, internationally renowned personalities.
The program culminates with a Gala that presents the works developed during the residency, alongside invited works by renowned artists from the fields of dance, visual arts, theater, or music.
Once admitted, participants benefit from free accommodation, meals, local transportation, access to tools and necessary equipment, and materials for building the installations.
Our Story
Inspired by visionary initiatives like the Watermill Summer Program, IPS was created to foster an international and interdisciplinary community of artists working at the intersection of scenography, design, performance, architecture, and visual arts. At its heart, the program explores the expressive power of space and its capacity to tell stories, evoke emotion, and reimagine cultural heritage.
The pilot edition of IPS took place in 2022 within the framework of the DbutanT Festival, organized by the “Andrei Mureșanu” Theatre in Sfântu Gheorghe, in partnership with the State Theatre in Constanța. The program quickly evolved, and by 2023, it became an independent initiative—while continuing its collaboration with the founding institutions and expanding its reach through new international partnerships.
Our Mission
The International Program in Scenography serves as a catalyst for dialogue and artistic exploration, fostering diverse perspectives on local heritage and its revitalization through temporary, site-specific artistic interventions. We empower creators to challenge conventions, redefine spatial boundaries, and contribute to the evolution of contemporary scenography.
At the heart of our mission is the belief that meaningful art is born through connection. We envision IPS as a space where artists from around the world not only collaborate, but build lasting friendships, share ideas, and form creative partnerships that continue to grow—wherever life and art take them next.
OUR TEAM
We are a team of designers, artists, technicians, and cultural managers who believe in the power of collaboration and experimentation. Together, we design immersive experiences that connect people, stories, and spaces across cultures.
TESTIMONIALS
Throughout the years of IPS, good thoughts, happy memories and heartwarming confessions have been scribbled down by our participants.
We thank them all for their love and their trust and we wish them a fulfilling international artistic career!
Sebastian Zavalza(Mex), participant 2024 edition
The moment you arrive, you're forever bondedwith such a talented network you'd only wish you had had all along.
You'll from now on have a network that will help, support and celebrate your work, wherever they may be on this planet.
Thank you OISTAT Romania, thank you Damian. This will forever be an episode in my life I will always tresure.
Here's to meeting again in the future!
Love, Sebastian Zavalza(Mex)
BACCHUS LEE (HK), stage designer, mentor in 2023 edition
Work with students and professionals from around the world has been an incredibly valuable experience for Hong Kong team. We wholeheartlbly embrace diverse backgrounds, cultures and disciplines. All united by a shared passion and dedication to scenographie and theatre.