Interdisciplinary Residencies in Portugal

AiR 351

Cascais, Portugal

AiR 351 is an innovative international visual arts residency program founded in 2016, nestled in the vibrant cultural landscape of Cascais, in the Lisbon region. This program is designed to support both artists and curators from around the globe, fostering their creative processes in a collaborative and highly supportive environment. AiR 351 partners with various institutions including museums, universities, and art schools, enhancing the residency experience through diverse contextual engagements. Residents at AiR 351 benefit from individual studios located at the Centro de Artes e Criatividade (CAC) in Torres Vedras, along with access to communal spaces that facilitate both solitary and communal forms of creativity. The program is structured to integrate residents into the local artistic community, provide extensive technical and curatorial support, and offer networking opportunities with AiR 351’s wide range of partners. Each residency period spans a minimum of three months for artists and one month for curators, which allows for profound engagement with the local culture and art scene. AiR 351 also organizes regular studio visits, public presentations, and an annual exhibition to showcase the works developed during the residency. In terms of financial support, AiR 351 periodically offers grants, such as the AiR 351 / CAC Grant, which covers living expenses, accommodation, and membership fees for the duration of the residency. This comprehensive support structure not only alleviates financial burdens but also enriches the artistic development of the residents. The program's application process is inclusive and detailed, requiring a motivation letter, CV, and portfolio, ensuring that only candidates with significant potential and readiness are selected. AiR 351 maintains a permanent open call for applications, making it a dynamically evolving cultural hub that continuously attracts and supports international artistic talent.

Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation

Lisbon, Portugal

The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian), a renowned international foundation, facilitates impactful residencies under its program, "Bauhaus of the Seas Sails." These residencies, including "Radical Waters – Concrete Matters," "Eating Between Tides," and "A Call to the Sea," are designed to foster innovative approaches across various disciplines—integrating art, science, and community engagement. Each residency is fully funded and supports interdisciplinary collaboration to explore and address environmental and societal issues through artistic and scientific lenses.

Court of Cavalum

Porto, Portugal

"The Court of Cavalum" is a dynamic artist residency located in the scenic hills around Porto, Portugal. Set in a historical estate that has been a hub of creativity for centuries, it offers artists, writers, and digital nomads a unique co-living and co-working environment. The Court provides a variety of creatively inspiring spaces such as studios for writing, sound recording, and visual arts, alongside rooms designed for relaxation and ideation. The residency promotes a sense of community among residents through shared living areas, collaborative spaces, and communal activities. Residents are encouraged to engage with both their projects and each other, fostering an environment of mutual creativity and discovery. The Court of Cavalum integrates modern digital facilities with rustic charm, making it an ideal retreat for artists seeking to combine productive work with a rejuvenating rural lifestyle.

Obras Portugal

Alentejo region, Portugal

Located in the picturesque Alentejo region of Portugal, OBRAS Portugal is set in a 200-year-old stone building, embodying the quintessential Portuguese Monte. Overlooking a savanna-like landscape with a medieval fortress on the horizon, this artist residency offers a tranquil and inspiring setting. The residency consists of a main house with several apartments and workspaces, two cottages, four artists' studios, various open-air working places, and a swimming pool. The main house, Casa Principal, features seven apartments, a music room, and a meeting room, each designed to provide comfort and facilitate creativity. Casa Miradouro and Casa Vicente, the cottages, offer additional living and working space, boasting stunning views and terraces. Artists also have access to multiple studios, including a big hall for larger projects and performances. OBRAS Portugal provides a unique environment for artistic exploration, offering spaces for both solitude and interaction. From land art creations in the surrounding nature to shared dinners and open atelier events, the residency nurtures both the individual artistic process and community engagement. Its proximity to natural landscapes and historical sites, coupled with a range of artistic facilities, makes it an ideal destination for artists seeking a blend of cultural richness and creative freedom.

Zaratan

Lisbon, Portugal

Zaratan AIR offers a multidisciplinary residency in Lisbon for emerging and professional artists, curators, and writers, targeting both international and Portuguese artists living abroad. The program, lasting 4 to 12 weeks, accommodates two artists at a time, fostering an experimental and collaborative environment. Residents are provided with private accommodation, a personal studio, and receive technical and promotional support, though specific technical facilities are not available. Regular interaction with Zaratan's curatorial team is encouraged, along with public presentations of their work. The application process is ongoing, with a selection committee evaluating submissions. The residency, operated on a not-for-profit basis by Zaratan gallery, requires a fee that covers accommodation, studio, and support, with artists often securing funding from their home countries.