My name is Josef Kovac. I am originally from Czechia, but I currently live and work in Sweden. Many years ago, I discovered my passion for photography and art—passions I have pursued with dedication, eventually earning my Master’s degree in Photography from Valand Academy of Art and Design in Gothenburg.
Over the years, my work has been shown in exhibitions across Europe, Asia, and Australia. As an artist, I’m particularly interested in the relationship between photographic imagery and fiction—how visual storytelling can reshape our understanding of everyday realities, offering new narratives and perspectives.
In the past, I’ve participated in several artist residencies. These are often built around the idea of offering artists a dedicated space to live and work for a certain period—ranging from just a few days to several months. Such residencies can be based in remote rural areas or the heart of a large city—imagination is often the only limit. What I find so special about the residency format is the opportunity to step away from everyday routines and stress, to reflect on one’s artistic journey, and to become part of a like-minded community. These spaces foster the exchange of ideas, close creative collaborations, and new ways of thinking that deeply influence and enrich personal art practices.
Today, it’s increasingly difficult to be “just an artist.” Only a few can afford that luxury; many of us need additional employment to continue doing what we love, what gives our lives meaning. I reached a point where I had to seriously reflect on what to do next. The idea of establishing an artist residency of my own started to feel like the most natural next step.
However, as I began exploring the concept more deeply, I realised how complex such a project could be. It felt a bit like trying to build a clock: I could envision the outer shell, the visible structure, but when it came to filling it with gears, springs, and all the intricate mechanisms that make it function, I knew I would need help learning how to make it all work.
During one of the residencies I attended as an artist, I met Francesca. She built and now manages the Nocefresca residency in a small village in Sardinia. Later, we connected professionally through the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) network. She invited me to return—not as a participating artist this time, but as someone who could see how the residency functions behind the scenes. It was a rare opportunity to peek behind the curtain and observe all the moving parts—the metaphorical gears and springs—working quietly and efficiently to create an enriching experience for the invited artists.
For me, this felt like a perfect match. I could gain valuable insight into the business side of running an artist residency, while also contributing my own skills as a photographer and videographer to support the project.
Now, two weeks into the exchange, I can already say this is exactly what I needed for my personal and professional growth. I’m meeting new artists from all over the world, learning new things every single day, and beginning to build connections with the local residents of the village.
There’s a strong sense of connection, humility, and gratitude that comes with being involved in a creative project like this. Everything about this experience so far points to the fact that it could be truly life-changing—full of fresh impulses, creative energy, and profound learning opportunities.