Shanghai, China
The Swatch Art Peace Hotel artist residency in Shanghai is a unique cultural initiative that combines artistic creation with the vibrant energy of the city. Established by Chema Alvargonzalez and supported by Memoria Artística Chema Alvargonzalez, it focuses on creative exchange among international artists. The residency is situated in a historic modernist-style building, fostering an inspiring environment for artists. The program invites a diverse range of contemporary artists, including dancers, musicians, photographers, filmmakers, and writers, to live and work in the heart of Shanghai. During their stay, artists contribute an artistic "trace," enriching the residency's legacy. The Swatch Art Peace Hotel embraces artistic freedom and encourages artists to explore new ideas and collaborations. This residency is known for its strong connection to the global art scene and its commitment to supporting artistic development in a dynamic urban setting.
I am honoured to be part of this artist residency, it is the first time I have worked with so many artists from different countries and industries. We were both independent and able to find ways to share ideas on each other's work, and I miss this time. As for the living part, SAPH offers a perfect living and working environment and is highly recommended.
This residency gives an amazing opportunity to come to Shanghai and explore it firsthand while still having a structure and a framework to lean on. The program is open and flexible, which leaves plenty of time and space (both physically and in the mindset) to dive into the process. You decide your own rhythm, focus and routine. The length was perfect for me – three months proved to be enough time to get to know the city and feel more “at home”, to connect with fellow artists and local people, and to balance work with exploring the art scene and the many culinary treasures. Gains/costs: traveling, accommodation, studio space and visa are payed. The materials are on you. Tips: depends where you’re coming from, this can be completely different from what you’re used to, so be patient with yourself, with others and with your process. Shanghai can be very lively, hectic, dense, colorful. The area of the residency is central and touristy. It can be a source for a lot of inspiration, sometime intensely so. Also, if it’s your first time in China, I’d recommend talking with to the residency team and to foreigners who are/were there before, to get a better understanding of what you need to know/have for communication, transportation, paying, etc. The team is wonderful, very nice and professional, they’ll do what they can to help. To sum it up, among the other gains mentioned here, the opportunity to be completely immersed in the artistic process, while in such a new and inspiring place, away from the usual day to day routines is a rare and precious experience.
Flight, accommodation, studio, breakfast, and visa issuance fees are provided by the residency. Artist is only responsible for the production costs of their work. The hotel is centrally located in Shanghai, offering a perfect location.