Künstlerdorf Schöppingen (Kunstlerdorf Schoppingen)

If you want time to connect with yourself, reflect; it is perfect. I liked that the residency is self-directed; you can totally immerse yourself in your work without the pressure to produce. Participation and engaging with fellow artists—the community makes the experience enriching. The potluck dinners were great as a way of getting to know each other as artists. You have to create your own network, which can be challenging if you are not from Europe. The flight option (each case is considered) makes the challenges of accessibility easy for someone from Africa, as the cost to participate in residencies can be a lot. Just on the practicalities, especially for artists from Africa, if you do not like cold weather, June-October is the ideal time. As soon as you know you are going to the residency, apply for a bank account online; activate it whilst you are home—it will make life easy.

nice community of artists, no expectations to create or represent the donor as a token artist

If you need transportation of material, bring your car if possible. Ask about the tools you need ahead of your stay. They may not have it. Most valuable was the connection to other artists from very different cultures!