Artist Residencies in Brazil

Casa na Ilha

Ilhabela, Brazil

Casa na Ilha is a serene art residency nestled in Ilhabela, Brazil, set within a rich ecological and cultural landscape. The program offers artists the opportunity to immerse themselves in their creative projects away from the distractions of everyday life. It accommodates a variety of disciplines including visual arts, writing, and research, particularly with an environmental focus. Residents benefit from a flexible, self-directed program with support available from on-site tutors. The residency encourages collaborative interactions among artists and promotes engagement with the local community and natural surroundings.

CASCO

São Paulo, Brazil

CASCO: Contemporary Art Residency in Rural Brazil is a program designed for artists interested in research, collaborative, and socially-engaged art practices within the context of Pós-Balsa. This region, part of the Environmental Protection Area (EPA) of Riacho Grande, is dedicated to protecting the Atlantic Forest ecosystems and the Billings Reservoir’s water quality, which supplies water to the state of São Paulo. The residency brings together curators, environmentalists, and local educators to support participating artists in their investigations connected to the territory and local community. The program includes on-site accommodation, a stipend, collective study meetings, curatorial support, and a participation certificate.

FAAP

São Paulo (Sao Paulo), Brazil

The FAAP Artist Residency, located in the historic Lutetia building in São Paulo, Brazil, offers a vibrant environment for national and international visual artists to develop their projects. Established in 2006, the program provides private studios, interaction with the local art community, and public engagement through Open Studio sessions. Residencies last from two to five months. The application process is annual, with a $75 fee, requiring a project proposal, portfolio, and letters of recommendation. Participants have access to FAAP’s technical laboratories, including those for clay, metal, wood, 3D printing, and more.

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.

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.

Pivô Research (Pivo)

São Paulo, Brazil

Pivô, established in 2012 within the iconic Copan building designed by Oscar Niemeyer in São Paulo, serves as a vibrant non-profit art space dedicated to fostering exchange, critical discourse, and artistic experimentation. Its programming spans temporary exhibitions, new commissions, residencies, publications, and educational initiatives, aiming to cultivate a critical understanding of both local and global concerns in art and society. With a mission rooted in creating networks between cultural practitioners from various backgrounds and acting as a nexus for São Paulo's burgeoning art scene, Pivô thrives on support from a network of corporate, private sponsors, and grants. Pivô Research, the residency arm since 2013, emphasizes artistic research, studio practice, and mentoring, supporting over 300 artists, both Brazilian and international. This free program, through an annual open call, invites artists, curators, and other creatives for 3 to 5-month residencies, fostering an environment ripe for experimentation and dialogue. The program concludes with Open Field, an open studios event, complemented by digital showcases across Pivô’s channels.

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.