Benefits: It was great to be with all the other artists and just be focused on art for a time. It was very meaningful for me to spend so much time in Crete. Challenges: We lost a lot of time to presentations of everyone's work and didn't have enough time for our own work. The residency is much more adapted to visual artists than writers. No one really knew what to make of me or how to support me. I was always an afterthought. Practical Advice: It's so packed with activities and workshops and trips, there really isn't much time for making art. I'd say choose a project that engages with the environment there and something you can do quickly without too much concentration. (From what I saw, the studio was very busy and overwhelmed by wind. A lot artists seemed to take their work back to their rooms.) Costs vs. Gains: I crowdfunded to be able to afford to go. I can't do that again and so, while I might enjoy being able to return (especially now that I've learned more Greek) I couldn't. Also - I'm not sure I got any measurable rewards. I mostly felt like the redheaded stepchild - though I did meet a lot of nice artists. The most reward-like thing I got out of it was the status boost back home of having gone to a residency.
Mudhouse Residency
Agios Ioannis, Greece
About
The Mudhouse Residency, situated in the serene village of Agios Ioannis on Crete, Greece, is a haven for artists seeking inspiration from the stunning natural environment, solitude for creative growth, an artistic community for enriching professional practices, and a deep cultural immersion in a region with a rich historical background. Founded in 2015, the Mudhouse is now in its eighth year and offers three two-week sessions each summer to a diverse, multicultural, and multi-generational group of international contemporary artists. The residency welcomes artists from various disciplines, including visual arts, writing, music, and performance, fostering dialogues across traditional boundaries. Participants are invited to share their work with fellow residents through presentations and to partake in a closing exhibition that integrates the local historical and natural scenery. The Mudhouse is distinct for its commitment to affordability and diversity, achieved through the support of individual donors and foundations, which allows the provision of both full and partial fellowships determined by a competitive, juried process based on merit and financial need. The residency fee covers accommodations, as well as lunch and dinner served daily, with artists encouraged to explore Crete's rich landscape and historical sites.
Disciplines
Facilities
Professional Opportunities
Rating Breakdown
Reviews(4)
The setting, a mountain village with stone alleys flanked by wild grape vines and olive trees, is adventurous and inspiring. My accommodation was very pleasant. I met new artists who became my friends. The wind keeps things somewhat cool but be prepared for heat and mosquitos. The organizers are helpful and friendly. Participants should be prepared to be in a cohort of up to 17 artists, which is far too many. Be prepared for a lot of mandatory group time (two meals a day, powerpoint presentations at night, and field trips during the weekend). In my session there was an alienating and competitive art school vibe and juvenile cliques emerged--which the organizers were not inclined to abate. There is an East Coast focus to the demographics (particular Syracuse University dept of Art and NYC), with some west coasters and a few international artists mixed in. The visual art studio is a shared room with desks, no running water, and only a few basic materials--visual artists should plan on a minimal setup. The environment is maybe better suited for writers, so consider applying with a writing project and skipping the studio if that resonates. Overall this is a great setting to find inspiration and a good introduction to Mediterranean/Greek culture, but don't expect to complete a major project unless you hit the ground running. The food is good and the restaurant is charming (run by a family), but the fare is a somewhat limited sampling of Greek cuisine. The focus on group activities is risky if you don't end up with a supportive group, and I would be less inclined to recommend the residency to introverts due to the hours of daily group time. At $1000+ per week with room and board, the residency is a just barely a better value than an AirBnB, so applicants should consider what their goals are. When airfare is added, I would say extending your trip by a week or two is highly recommended or you might regret missing out on Crete beyond a few field trips and two scheduled trips to the beach. If you do go, do yourself a favor and book a night at the Megaron hotel in Heraklion that the residency recommends. The island and country are absolutely fascinating and if you can swing it the residency offers a fairly straightforward pay to play experience that works well as an intro to Crete.
The Mudhouse is an artist residency located in the village of Agios Ioannis on the Island of Crete, Greece. During my residency, I worked alongside numerous impressive artists from the United States and abroad. The Artist-run residency included shared lodging, two meals (authentic - fresh; many vegetarian options), and a day prepared by a local family who owned a restaurant and farm. Option workshops and guided tours (recommend to take part), and evenings set aside for artists' presentations. A shared studio space was available depending on your artistic discipline.
Benefit is the unique location in a largely ruined and remote mountain village, best feature beauty of the ruined architecture and fantastic shared daily meals prepared for us by a local family. Cons: travel to residency can be grueling, highly recommend leisurely layovers in Paris then direct to Heraklion vs flying straight through to Athens then Heraklion then brutally slow bus for three more hours totaling 20 straight hours of travel. If driving the mountain road is narrow and full of terrifying blind corners.