Best Art Residencies in South America

Correlación Contemporánea (Correlacion Contemporanea)

Iquitos (for Amazonica), Peru

Correlación Contemporánea is a non-profit, artist-run organization based in Peru, focused on analyzing and contributing to the contemporary art scene through a range of residency programs. Since 2016, they have fostered exchanges between national and international artists, creating horizontal spaces for dialogue that stimulate artistic creation within the Peruvian socio-cultural context. Their residency programs include Amazonica, COM_UNIDAD, IWATI PARANA, and ANACONDAAA, each offering unique experiences that connect artists with the rich cultural, social, and environmental landscape of Peru. These residencies are designed for multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary artists, curators, and researchers who wish to engage deeply with local communities, traditional practices, and contemporary issues in the Peruvian Amazon and Andean regions.

Kaaysá Art Residency (Kaaysa)

Boiçucanga, Brazil

Kaaysá Art Residency is an artist-run organization located in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, designed for artists, writers, and creators seeking to engage deeply with nature, local communities, and interdisciplinary practices. Founded and managed by women, the residency emphasizes decolonizing perspectives, reclaiming the wild body, and fostering non-hierarchical relationships. Kaaysá offers various programs, including themed residencies, open calls, and group initiatives, allowing for diverse creative formats and durations. The residency provides ample facilities, including private and shared studios, workshops, and recreational amenities, supporting up to 30 artists at a time. Participants can immerse themselves in the vibrant local culture, biodiversity, and collaborative environment. Kaaysá aims to integrate the local coastal region into the broader cultural circuit, leveraging its proximity to São Paulo for access to urban resources while promoting creative and ecological sustainability.

Proyecto´ace

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Proyecto´ace, located in Buenos Aires, offers the Exploration Residency program designed for both professional and emerging artists. This 4-week residency emphasizes artistic experimentation and process over the presentation of results. Participants benefit from interaction with other residents and the cultural environment of Buenos Aires, along with resources, local contacts, and project reviews by specialized professionals and the ´ace team. The program supports visual, sound, and performance research, and includes academic tutoring and critiques for SUB30 residents. Proyecto´ace is committed to diversity, welcoming artists from all backgrounds. The residency aims to foster creativity and professional growth in a supportive and dynamic environment.

Residencia Corazón (Corazon)

La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Residencia Corazón, located in La Plata, Argentina, offers a dynamic Artist-in-Residence (AIR) program for international artists, curators, and writers. The program provides a fully personalized experience for each participant, offering support in navigating the local arts scene, research, production, and post-production of works. Artists, writers, and curators from all disciplines are welcome, and residencies are available with or without exhibition opportunities. The residency offers accommodations in private rooms, access to studio spaces, and curated networking with local artists and institutions. While the residency does not offer financial support, it assists artists applying for grants in their home countries by providing necessary documents. Residencia Corazón offers a vibrant space for creative exploration and engagement in Argentina’s cultural scene.

RSJ (Residência São João)

São José do Vale do Rio Preto, Brazil

Residência São João (RSJ) is a dynamic art residency program located on a historic farm in São José do Vale do Rio Preto, Brazil, dedicated to fostering creative processes, artistic collaborations, and interactions with the natural environment. Established in 2012, RSJ offers a variety of residency spaces, including Casa Figueira, a beautifully renovated former stable that provides individual bedrooms, studio spaces, and communal areas for residents. Casa Figueira, as part of RSJ, encourages self-directed work and communal living, promoting critical discussions, workshops, and collaborative projects among artists, researchers, and creatives. The farm’s serene setting, combined with access to facilities like a library, swimming pool, and musical instruments, enriches the residency experience. RSJ places a strong emphasis on ecological awareness, integrating agroecological practices and nature preservation into its programs. The residency is open to individuals and collectives from diverse disciplines, with stays ranging from one to three months. Residents are selected based on the quality of their proposals, aiming to create a vibrant and inclusive community. Through its ongoing projects and partnerships, RSJ continues to make a significant impact on both local and international cultural landscapes.

Mirante Xique-Xique (MXX)

Igatu, Brazil

Mirante Xique-Xique (MXX) is a non-profit artist-led residency located in the mountains of the Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil. The residency welcomes researchers and practitioners across various fields such as arts, architecture, cuisine, and environmental studies, including those involved in community practices, agroecology, permaculture, and bioconstruction. The aim is to provide an immersive environment conducive to research and creative projects, while promoting the authenticity and sustainability of the Chapada Diamantina region. MXX supports the maintenance of a community library, cultural activities, and environmental education for the Igatu community, emphasizing the safeguarding of both architectural and intangible heritage. MXX offers a unique opportunity for researchers and artists to engage deeply with the environment and community of the Chapada Diamantina, fostering meaningful connections and promoting sustainable practices.

R.A.R.O. Buenos Aires (RARO)

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Colectivo R.A.R.O. is an innovative artist residency program that originated in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and has expanded its reach to Madrid, Spain. Founded with the vision of creating spaces for reflection, production, and interdisciplinary encounters, R.A.R.O. distinguishes itself through its itinerant residency model. This unique approach allows artists to traverse and work within multiple ateliers, each directed by local artists from a broad spectrum of disciplines. The program supports a multidisciplinary environment, encouraging residents to delve into various artistic practices and collaborative projects. By facilitating access to a network of 17 ateliers in Buenos Aires alone, R.A.R.O. offers artists the flexibility to tailor their residency experience according to their project needs and artistic aspirations. Participants are given the opportunity to engage with the local art community, including curators, collectors, and other artists, culminating in the possibility of showcasing their work through exhibitions or open studios. Additionally, R.A.R.O. actively supports artists in accessing grants and provides special programs for both Argentine and international participants. This residency is aimed at artists, curators, and cultural managers seeking an immersive, collaborative experience away from traditional urban centers.

GoctaLab

Cocachimba, Peru

GoctaLab is an interdisciplinary art residency and nature lodge located in the Amazon region of Peru, offering artists a unique opportunity to develop their projects in a vibrant natural environment. The residency supports artists across various disciplines, including art, architecture, ceramics, music, biology, regenerative agriculture, and more. Artists are encouraged to engage with the local community, promoting cultural exchange and contributing to the well-being of the region through their work. GoctaLab provides modern accommodation with breathtaking views of the Gocta waterfall, a fully equipped workshop, and access to multimedia resources and kilns. The residency promotes sustainability, with a focus on permaculture and sustainable living, integrating art, food, and community into a holistic creative experience. Residencies last between two weeks and one month, depending on project complexity, and artists have full board during their stay.

ArteSumapaz

San Bernardo, Colombia

ArteSumapaz, located in San Bernardo, Cundinamarca, Colombia, serves as a multifaceted arts center set on a historical coffee plantation that has been transformed into a vibrant cultural and ecological hub. The center focuses on a variety of artistic disciplines including visual arts, sculpture, printmaking, dance, theatre, and music among others. It offers a range of residencies lasting from four to twenty-four weeks and is open to international, national, and emerging artists. ArteSumapaz emphasizes community involvement and environmental sustainability, featuring organic agriculture and reforestation initiatives. The facility includes several studios, a performance space, a bookbindery, and accommodation for artists and volunteers. Artists are encouraged to engage with the local community through workshops and open critiques, contributing to a dynamic exchange of ideas and cultural enrichment.

Sachaqa Centro De Arte

San Roque De Cumbaza, Peru

Sachaqa Centro De Arte, located in the San Martín region of Peru, offers a residency program that provides artists with the opportunity to focus on their creative processes in the serene environment of the Amazon. Open to national and international artists, this residency emphasizes eco-conscious art practices, with options for engaging in painting, ceramics, sculpture, and photography. The center promotes collaboration with local Kechwa communities, offering immersive experiences in traditional crafts like ceramics and weaving. Residents can choose between communal or private accommodations, with both options designed to encourage focus and creativity. The residency includes workshops in natural pigment collection, ceramics, and other sustainable art practices, as well as excursions to local waterfalls, nature reserves, and indigenous villages. Artists can exhibit their work during their stay, either locally or within Sachaqa’s studio spaces. Sachaqa Centro De Arte is committed to fostering a connection between artists and the environment, inspiring the use of locally sourced materials and sustainable techniques.

R.A.R.O. Bogotá (RARO Bogota)

Bogotá, Colombia

R.A.R.O. is an international residency program that fosters artistic links and exchanges. The 2024 edition of the program will expand to Bogotá, offering a unique itinerant residency experience. Residents will work across multiple local artist studios, engaging with different artists, curators, and researchers. The program includes a series of activities such as studio visits, gallery tours, and dialogue sessions to facilitate collaboration and exchange. The residency aims to provide a dynamic environment for artistic development, culminating in a group exhibition at Espacio Odeón. The program is open to emerging and established artists from all disciplines, offering full and half grants to selected participants.