Artist Residency Reviews

RSJ is a place of overwhelming beauty. I’ve been 3 times, and its raw beauty takes my breath away every time. It is also a place that is deeply refreshing and inspiring. As a sound artist, the pure, natural soundscapes are reason enough to come, but the community that lives and works there are some of the most lovely people I’ve encountered. I’ve participated in their Somsocosmos program that focuses on sound/music, and through that residency I’ve made many connections that have created further opportunities in Brazil and beyond. I would highly recommend Somsocosmos to anyone in sound/music, but RSJ is also an ideal place for a self-directed residency for an artist in any field. Its beauty, tranquility, and the work it inspires sustain me long after I leave.

Casa da Figueira is an inspiring place, and the relationship with the neighbors (Terra de Guaxo, village) is very friendly. The organic garden is a standout feature and a very important aspect. I’ve been to Figueira several times with different colleagues, and it was always a great experience! Casa da Figueira é um lugar inspirador, a relação com os vizinhos (Terra de Guaxo, vila) é muito amistosa. A horta orgânica é um diferencial e um balizador muito importante. Estive algumas vezes na Figueira, com colegas diferentes e foi sempre bom!

I recommend this residency for those who are a good match. Program staff are very supportive and the campus is in a beautiful location in Upstate NY. However, many of the facilities are run-down. Granted, the buildings are 120 years old which adds to the rustic charm. It's history is what attracted me to the program. Some of the buildings have been renovated but there are others that need attention. It is my hope that the program will receive more funding to improve the living quarters. There are also some issues with spiders and squirrels in the facilities. Overall, the folks that run Byrdcliffe and the artist residents were wonderful. I believe my residency occurred during an administrative transition and a reason for some of the challenges I encountered. This residency has great potential and is worth attending for those who are a good match.

The summer artist residency Verãozão at RSJ was a unique experience of creative immersion and knowledge exchange. During the program, we had the opportunity to experience an inspiring and welcoming environment that fostered collaboration between artists from different fields. One of the greatest personal achievements was the opportunity to delve deeper into the study of bamboo, a material that has always interested me due to its versatility and artistic potential. I had the chance to test it in different techniques, such as construction and sculpture, exploring its structural and aesthetic properties at various scales. The freedom to investigate the material was essential for developing new approaches and applying what I learned in projects that became true collaborations with other artists in residence. The interactions and exchange of ideas were one of the highlights of the experience. In an environment that promoted dialogue and mutual support, it was natural for us to get involved in each other's projects. I participated in collaborative installations, helped build structures, shared knowledge about bamboo, and learned from each participant’s unique techniques and perspectives. In short, the residency was an intense and enriching experience, marked by the exchange of knowledge and the opportunity to experiment freely. I returned from it with fresh ideas and a renewed sense of belonging to the artistic community. More than producing works, it was a moment of building bonds and collective growth — something that I will take with me to future creations.

This space provided me with silence, comfort, and inspiring landscapes, as well as company that helped me deepen my work in a meaningful way. It also brought the challenge of incorporating all the new and wonderful things that emerged throughout the development of the work. Este espacio me brindó un silencio, comodidades, paisajes inspiradores, aparte de compañía que influyó en que pudiera profundizar en mi trabajo de manera plena. También el desafío de incorporar todo lo nuevo y maravilloso que se iba presentando en el devenir de la obra.

My artistic residency at RSJ was an overall positive experience. The possibility to work surrounded by so much nature helped me focus and gather insights. The fazenda has so much space to collaborate or work solo so I enjoyed painting alone and having the chance to get creative input about my work from other fellows on the spot as well as dive into their own practice. A highlight for me was the mix of body work we did; yoga, meditation and walks kept me grounded throughout my stay. The whole team was very welcoming, the food delicious and I can only recommend Residência São João to other artists looking to develop or write the first stages of a project surrounded by nature.

I had participated in the residency in January 2024, and it was an unforgettable experience. I was able to carry out research in a place of huge historical importance for Brazil, and I was graced with the presence and collaboration of other residents who were very open and courageous in sharing knowledge and body to raise and dissolve questions about the limits of art. Not to mention that the convergence of the residence with organic agriculture and natural food are key points to allow, feel, and tell a story of Brazil that is truly reconciled with the natural, fertile, and abundant power of the country.

The farm is an incredible, unique, and enchanting place! The entire community and the land of Guaxo are kind and filled with amazing artists. It’s a place for deep and essential exchanges. A Fazenda é um lugar incrível, único e encantador! Toda a Comunidade e a Terra de Guaxo são amáveis e artistas incríveis. Um lugar de trocas profundas e necessárias.

wonderful hosts interesting group of residents, the popup exhibition in the garden was a highlight where I met local creatives, great location for example drawing on the roof be prepared to take initiative in an unstructured environment.

The building itself is pretty, with a little garden to enjoy when the weather is nice, though some of the studio spaces can be challenging to keep warm in the winter. One aspect I highly recommend is how they facilitate connections with local organizations and other artists, helping you network within the community. The organizers are very warm and welcoming, regularly checking in to see how everything is going. However, when it comes to costs, the residency requires participants to secure their own funding.

My second residency at Arquetopia is winding to a close, and I'm reluctant to leave this beautiful place which has so critically impacted my practice. All of the discussions I had at Arquetopia were extremely thought-provoking. Artistically and philosophically, I found them to be the most important conversations I've had at any residency and immensely helpful in my understanding of myself and my work. My first residency was a year ago in Oaxaca (writing/research), and my second one (ending tomorrow) was in Puebla (ceramics), each a runaway success. The project support and cultural immersion components were stellar, especially during my second one. I recommend this residency program for artists who really want to learn from tremendous experts and scholars and not only those intending to produce substantial work.

It was an excellent process to explore other places and be able to exhibit and discuss my work with people I don't know and who want to show me what I don't see about my work. I enjoy the friendships I made. I loved La Plata. The art there is really special and realistic. I had to do it more alone, but I felt good about my processes; I was able to get to know the city better, reconnect with old friends, and realize that art is very collective.

It was a very nice environment, and people were so friendly to talk & work with. I'm so happy to be there!! The kitchen could be more organized :)

Pros: Juan Pablo and Rodrigo have access to the local art community and will always provide you with different activities like artist’s, community dance lessons, classes, openings, exhibitions, artist talks…etc. They have a large bedroom with two desks, a twin bed, and large studio with frames. The founders of the residency will work with you one-on-one and help you get whatever you need for your project, including connections with local artists or professors that can help you better your craft. La Plata, Argentina is a small and very walkable city due to a gridded street system so it’s easy to get around. Cons: I went in the winter and it was very cold. Argentina does not have centralized heating. When I told Juan Pablo and Rodrigo, they gave me some extra blankets which helped. The room and bathroom will have a space heater, but the studio does not. Cost: I paid 900$ and I was able to be a part of college classes at La Facultad de Bellas Artes for free. I took community tango lessons for free, and Juan Pablo and Rodrigo showed me around the city. I was able to be a part of 3 free college level classes a week. My residency housemate was a photographer and he would be driven to photography sites and helped also be connected to people in the community to reach his specific needs. When I left I had a showing of my work and a studio visit in the residency’s gallery space. Overall totally worth the investment. Tips: If you ask you shall receive! I waited about a week to get settled in the residency until I asked Juan Pablo and Rodrigo about classes and I immediately became a part of them. Have a plan if things you want to do and ask for connections! If you come in the winter bring long underwear. I'd have some Spanish knowledge to be able to better take advantage of opportunities in the community.

The facilities were beautiful and the hotel was comfortable. The funding was supportive. I would have loved a private space for making work, but would still recommend this residency to friends! I had access to free clay/glaze too, which was a huge benefit.

This is an incredibly unique and generous residency programme. The studios provided are spacious and each very distinct. Great care is taken by the residency in selecting the artists and the allocated spaces. I found that the residency allowed for a lot of focused time, although the 4 weeks were not long enough to develop a significant amount of work given the amount of cultural and natural sites to explore in the area. It is an ideal residency for exploration, unique experience of staying in the chateau and meeting the great variety of artists that you are resident with.

It’s not a paid residency and materials/food not supplied. If you don’t like animals or nature, this is not for you. I got a couple of ticks whilst on bush walks and saw quite a few snakes, but it was honestly one of the most formative times for my practice. Humans are outnumbered by kangaroos 10 to 1. The studios are generous and light-filled; I didn’t want to sleep, I made a huge amount of work. The museum collection and the old homestead are amazing. I swam in the river every day. The natural beauty of the place is breathtaking.

Benefits: The Art Omi residency offered significant benefits for the artist, such as: Networking with Global Artists: Meeting fellow artists, curators, and art professionals from various countries created an inspiring environment. The cultural exchange sparked creativity and offered a wealth of fresh ideas. Critical Feedback: The studio visits by critics provided valuable insights, helping the artists grow by offering diverse perspectives on their work. Exposure: The Open Studio Day allowed artists to showcase their work to a wider audience, including curators and enthusiasts. This exposure can lead to future collaborations and opportunities. Creative Focus: The rural setting allowed for concentrated time on artistic work, free from distractions. Challenges: The intensity of the studio visits week: The residency, especially the studio visits week, was a bit intense. Managing this workload could be a challenge, but it’s also worth the effort. Practical Advice: Embrace the Exchange: Engaging with fellow residents and visitors offers new perspectives on your work. Make time for both creative practice and cultural exchange. Be Open to Feedback: Take advantage of the studio visits to gather diverse opinions and insights from critics and curators. It can enhance your artistic practice. Costs vs. Gains: While the residency may involve significant time and energy, the networking opportunities, exposure, and critical feedback are likely to outweigh the costs, offering long-term professional benefits.

I attended the residency as a screenwriter, so my needs on location differed from those of visual artists. I requested a studio with a view of the Mediterranean and was fortunate to receive one. It significantly impacted my experience, as I find the ocean so healing and inspiring. I kept the windows open on warm days, welcoming the fresh ocean air. The beach is within walking distance, so be sure to bring swimwear. I spent much of my time working in the studio, but in hindsight, I wish I had taken more time to relax and enjoy the castle's surroundings. The residency encourages this balance. Additionally, I wish I had extended my stay in Europe before or after the residency. I met wonderful people, including the artists, staff, and locals, and found the experience deeply healing and inspiring. After the residency, I had a boost of creativity. It remains one of my top experiences, and I would return in a heartbeat if I could.

Meeting incredible artistic minds.