Artist Residency Reviews

This is a materials research residency aimed toward greater technical knowledge of one's paints and surfaces. Residents are chosen for the way they are using materials, and the tutorials are geared toward their knowledge. Be prepared to work hard, both for the tutorials and then your own research. Take walks on the grounds to refresh and renew; the Goldens make dinner; everyone is great. You have access to any paint, any line, any time--it will cost you on the way out as you'll end up buying more paint. Regarding career, they do make a film about each resident and post-COVID, host an open house. They also provide their residents with a group show and catalog. It's excellent.

Massive studio! Great community. I had a wonderful opportunity to curate an exhibition with a lot of freedom. My residency started in 2019 and finished during the COVID pandemic. Networking was very limited. I had this residency when it was called Mana Residency and was by invitation only. This program and space changes quickly. It is now run by Monira Foundation and is by application. I believe the studio spaces have changed since I was there in 2019-2020.

This was my first artist residency ever and it couldn't have been better. During the orientation on the first day it was made clear that our artistic instincts would be trusted completely. Having emotional support throughout allowed me to really dig in...the space and time yielded surprising insights. I had intended to focus on one aspect of my practice and ended up indulging a pathway that had long been dormant. The structure of the residencies gives lots of time for individual solitude and growth with a healthy amount of group interaction at dinners and in optional recreational activities. I had a two week residency which is actually 12 days. If I had to do it again I would opt for a month or more as I felt I was just getting started. It's such a beautiful corner of the world and the staff and my fellow residents were amazing and inspiring. I hope to return before too long!

Location is both a huge benefit and/or a challenge depending on each project, since it's located at a great central spot, albeit a busy one. This also makes it very worthwhile, since Key West can be VERY expensive to stay at, even if there is no artist fee or other stipend given by TSKW. There are a few opportunities to connect with the local community, but it depends very much on each artist to seek them/ask for them.

The people I met were so inspiring.

I was doing a parallel program since I used to live nearby Cascais. Air 351 helped me developing an exhibition back in 2020. I had the support of the technician and curator of the residence. Supervised by a jury, I applied to this type of support and I got it. Was really nice to share ideas with the community. Good to focus on the production with a very good arts shop nearby called Ponto das Artes. The only difficulty might be to find a room to live, but the team helps you to find out. Was the first time I had important visits in my studio, although was during the lock down in Portugal, was overall very productive.

My experience at Tuo Tuo was excellent. The place where it is located and the spaces accessible to the residents are exceptional, but what I really value are its hosts, Joni and Kaitlyn: magical beings of true kindness and responsible artists in everything they do.

My autumn/winter residency at TUO TUO felt warm and magical. I felt supported and seen both in my artistic practice and as a person, and my time with them inspired new chapters in my work. TUO TUO feels like a mossy womb, with fairy-like founders who plant, grow, play and make great mixtapes.

Benefits: this residency provided a very encouraging and safe space to work, and was supported by a solid group of individuals that I could count on for conversation, critique, and guidance as I navigated my month in Savannah. Challenges: I was able to bring my vehicle with me so I was constantly visiting many of the city’s institutions. But I can imagine without a car you may have had a slightly more limited experience. However, previous residents informed me that they were able to carpool with some of the On::View staff and colleagues. Practical advice: Take advantage of & attend everything you can. There is a wealth of creative knowledge and experience in Savannah’s art community. Cost vs Gains: I would encourage anyone to source their materials beforehand if possible. They do provide a small stipend at a local reuse art supply store (1 block away) but outside of that you may be limited without visiting the Blick by SCAD. Materials were the largest cost for me, as you are provided with living and grocery is not inordinately expensive. Overall, I gained so much from the time and space to work, I highly recommend it to any artist.

I didn't have a car but was able to get around with public transportation but it is limited so a car would have been good. The hosts were very helpful and kind. For me it was about having space and alone and time to think solely about art. I found it nourishing and rejuvenating. The setting is beautiful and I had a few different options for work spaces. I was the only artist in that space at the time so It would have been quite different with another creative there. This would suit people who are self motivated and focused and want to be in nature.

At the time in 2022, the print studio has just been opened, so they did not yet have all the necessary equipment. However, the support from the staff and engagement of local community was incredible. A worthwhile experience for sure.

They keep representing my work after the residency in art fairs, exhibitions, online... It has been a great experience.

The working space is enormous. You can work in Necia and also in Pocoapoco. Really for me it was a great experience. I worked very hard the time I was there. I am very pleased with my artistic growth. Beware of spicy food. Oaxaca is a very powerful place energetically; take advantage of the experience and tour the city as much as you can.

Benefits: Highlight key positive outcomes for your art and career. Scholarship, I was able to focus on my creative process, and at the end, there was an open studio to show the results. Challenges: Although we didn't necessarily have to produce something, I decided to do it. The challenge was to do it in a month. Practical tips: It is a good residency to do pre-production; you can focus on your artistic practice without so many pressures. Costs versus profits: Active participation in the dynamics of the residency (an open and collaborative approach seems essential to me. If your profile is more closed, it could be difficult) vs. paid production and presentation of results.

Completely immerse yourself in local life and nature. It is deeply inspiring.

Benefits: incredibly supportive residency in a gorgeous historical garden/farm setting. Access to a treasure of rare books and objects in the library. Challenges: the setting is rural—having a car makes things easier, but the staff are very helpful about providing transportation for errands, etc. Practical Advice: aside from working in your own studio, you can volunteer in the gardens or on the farm and spend time in the library—I highly recommend doing it all, my experience was so enriched by working with the plants and getting to know the farmers, gardeners, librarians and staff there. Although slightly controversial, I read ‘Bunny Mellon: the life of an American style legend’ during my time there and I felt the historical background of the people and the place really changed the experience of being there. I felt I had a much deeper understanding of Oak Spring and what it means to be a part of Mrs. Mellon’s legacy.

Too bad expensive.

Beautiful building, newly renovated studios, spectacular location in downtown Cascais. Surrounding natural parks to be explored. I went during Covid, and there was almost no activities carried out—a bit disappointing after paying full price. It is a quieter residency, where you can work in solitude.

TSKW is beautifully located in the heart of old town Key West. So there’s lots of opportunities to engage in both townsfolk and tourists. It’s the opposite of a residency that separates the residence from the “real world.” If you prefer to have your focus on learning and engaging with other artists, TSKW may be a disappointment. With only four artists at a time, you may make great connections or very little. Artists are responsible for their meals. If the artists are mutually interested in sharing cooking and eating together, that’s can be wonderful. If there is a lack of interest in communal meals, eating can be isolating. But kudos to the staff. They were always most helpful and kind.

Nocefresca was exactly what I needed to refocus on my practice after several hectic years. A small rural village with great community support. I understood it did not have the technical workshops that I usually require, but it did not matter…. The quiet time was a relief. The fees included great shared accommodation and a small studio. The highlight was the local people, fellow artists, facilitators and feeling part of this community; this will stay with me forever. I would recommend a hire car if you want to get around Sardinia, the village is rural and bus services slow and infrequent.