THE INTERNATIONAL RESIDENCY FOUNDATION
ABOUT US.
Artist residencies have never been explicitly used as a tool to drive social and economic change.
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The foundation was conceptualised in 2023, after a visit to Albania on request of the Prime Minister Edi Rama. The International Residency Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to cultural, social, and economic regeneration. We believe that art can play a critical role in bringing people together, and driving progress and innovation. Our goal is to create a lasting impact on the cultural, social, and economic landscape of communities across Europe. Our vision for cultural, social, and economic regeneration is centred around The Artist Residency Program. We offer artists a space and time to collaborate, create, and experiment whilst connecting and impacting local communities.
Victor van Vugt
Co Founder / Director
Victor Van Vugt is a multi-award-winning record producer whose protégés have sold millions of albums, won Grammys, Brit Awards, and Mercury Prizes, and defined tastesin popular music. Born in Melbourne, Australia, Van Vugt came of age in London, UK, as a sideman to Nick Cave, gravitating towards music production and becoming a trusted creative guide for artists including Nick Cave, PJ Harvey, Chrissie Hyde, Depeche Mode, Kylie Minogue, Beth Orton, The Pogues, Mercury Rev and many more. Victor leads a parallel life creating and producing film and television. His work in both fields has left a cultural legacy often referenced throughout more passing trends, and has forged countless relationships with some of the great artists and industry leaders of our time.
Jim Hatch
Co Founder / Director
Music industry professional, tech entrepreneur, music artist and filmmaker. Jim coordinated the industry relations for early web3 music streaming startup Resonate in 2017-18, developing global relationships with some of the world’s biggest labels, distributors, artist managers and industry associations. Jim is the co-founder of the world’s first “social experience” app Dime, which helps to better connect people communities for improved social wellbeing. He is the label manager of XYZ123 (The Orchard/Sony) and Mansions and mIllions, signing a diverse global roster. Aside from entrepreneurship, Jim releases music under the moniker Kieth Dragon and produces short films and documentaries.
