Artist Residency Reviews

This residency is run as one on one to give you a solo show for 1~4 weeks depending on your needs and timeline. Very flexible and customized for you. You can opt in/out for a living space (in Roma, which is the most buzzing and hip neighborhood in Mexico City) and you can also choose an exhibition space between white-wall galley (in Centro, which is a bit far from Roma, always with heavy traffic) vs the living space apartment. Quite often Lester (a founder and owner of the gallery) is a curator to help you enthusiastically to develop your solo show. You get very engaged and dedicated input from the curator and also have access to hire some local performance artists to elevate your show. Downside is that it’s short of resources (as an one-person gallery and residency) to handle multiple artists/projects at once and there could be some confusion or unexpected cost of money or time and sales opportunity is limited as there’s no dedicated person or team to make sales of your artworks. So artists should be ready to really commit to it and make a great show. But in general, the curatorial advises you get can push your limits and help you grow as an artist.

Spending 2 weeks at Villa Capri was a highly enriching experience, both artistically and personally. The space itself is truly special, full of character, and so peaceful. It creates the right conditions for focus and experimentation. What stayed with me most was the atmosphere. It felt safe, nurturing, and genuinely supportive. There was space to take risks, to share work in progress, and to be vulnerable without pressure. The environment encouraged dialogue, collaboration, and deep listening (to oneself and to nature...) As Mallorca has become a luxury retreat destination, some people come here expecting that... Villa Capri provides a raw and real experience, you don't need a perfect studio space if you have the freedom to place your table anywhere you want in a huge garden... It is rare to find a residency that feels both intimate and expansive at the same time. I left feeling inspired, grounded, and connected. I would join again without hesitation and am already looking forward to the next nomadic residency outside Mallorca.

run by volunteers space, they give residents free access and discounts to their music events concerts etc and workshops, nice central location, rooms are big and lots of light. we have a big studio space downstairs and everyone is really nice! would def come back again if i have the opportunity

Benefits: Zaratan was a great experience for me that continues to live in my imagination several years later. Lisbon offers many lenses through which to look at and think about the world: cultural crossroads, post colonialism, post fascism, tourism, landscape (rivers, mountains, tides, oceans), infrastructures of the past & present, the new & shiny vs the old & crumbling, foodways, etc etc. The community of artists who run and support Zaratan are international in their backgrounds and perspectives, and they enhance this sense of a greatly widened perspective. Their suggestions during our weekly meetings and casual chats about both my work and things of interest in Lisbon were useful and insightful. Living closely with another artist and his partner was also eye opening and wonderful, and I really enjoyed our many evening exchanges. Challenges: Zaratan is run on a shoe string budget. The lodgings and workspaces are not luxurious, but they were clean and well maintained when I was there. There are not a lot of extras (equipment, space, etc.). If your work requires specialized tools or materials, come with a plan to sort those out on your own. Practical Advice: Push to have your “open studio” work presented in one of the downstairs spaces, either the hallway next to the gallery or the black box/performance space in back, or the courtyard. I ended up with a video installation in the performance space, something I had not done before and learned a lot from. I benefited from arriving with an open mind about what I might make and not too much stuff (art related or otherwise). This helped me think differently and make new work. If you are a light sleeper, earplugs and a white noise app will be useful. The streets outside are quite busy. Costs vs Gains: it was not cheap, but not out of line with the costs of other residencies. Living expenses were affordable once I got there. I grew my practice and way of thinking about my practice by leaps and bounds.

I need to be clear that this review refers specifically to the Open Call for their "Personal Structures 2026" programme. Basically, it's a hybrid residency; you stay where you are and link your studio to a space in Venice during the Biennale in 2026. At the end of the "residency", you go to Venice and show your work. Here's the catch: you pay for your trip. You pay for the shipment of your work. AND, to top it all off - ONE of the works remains the property of DOM. Yep, that's right. Oh, they do generously put you up in a hotel for three nights at their expense. (Overall, it reminded me a bit of the ITSLIQUID style of artist exploitation, and I told them as much.) I decided NOT to pursue this "opportunity" further, but at the same time I felt I needed to leave a review here as a heads-up to other artists who hear/read "Venice Biennale" and lose their proverbial sh*t. Nothing annoys me more than these business models that hinge on the exploitation of artists. (Please note: if the review system requires me to rate areas I have not experienced, I will rate them "3". But i CAN speak to their support.)

I've recently returned from a month-long stay (Sept 2025) as part of MADE's program in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. I cannot be effusive enough about my time there! Yesica has created an incredible experience for artists, making her life-long vision and dream come to life, and you can feel the love and dedication to that vision in every single aspect of the program. It was my first ever artist residency program and it was everything I had hoped it would be. Even though it was my first art residency experience, after talking with others who have done half a dozen residencies, I'm so incredibly grateful for my month there with her. It was ~ I learned ~ a unique residency experience because she carefully cultivates relationships with local Mexican artists and artisans and ensures that as a visiting artist, we too get to experience the richness and community of the people and art there. Those connections are what makes it so enriching and special. My two classes that I took were with Mexican artists and artisans and I was learning alongside Mexican students. Having the chance to get to know the community at this level made it an unforgettable experience with connections that will continue well beyond the residency program. I applaud her commitment to weaving our stay there so deeply into the local community, fostering relationships of this kind takes time and dedication and she's done an amazing job. Having been to Mexico several times during my life I knew what to expect as far as comforts and amenities are concerned. Yesica provided a lovely setting where the residents, while having our own rooms, could interact often during our time there. The weekly communal meals were a lovely part of the stay. I've formed friendships that I know will now last a lifetime. Living in a different country, sharing space with others, and navigating a different language and culture can be challenging, it is also a fabulous opportunity to build community, as well as a way to get to know yourself. It's not an experience for just anyone, but as artists it can be a perfect trifecta for enriching ones creative life. If you're looking for a magical and transformative experience where you can focus on your art, connect with other creatives, and be changed forever by the people and culture of Mexico, I highly recommend looking into a stay at MADE.

AQB has a great community of local residents; I very much enjoyed my time there and the people I met. However given the residency fee, the support and care from the faculty was not the best. I’ve participated in several residencies where no payment was required, yet they offered significantly higher levels of professionalism and artist support. In comparison this experience was unfortunately quite disappointing.

I attended the MADE Creatives in Residence in spring 2024 and had such a great time that I extended my stay (with permission of the host and organizer Yesica). The experience was a positive reset on life, and a reminder of joie de vivre in the every day. The rhythm and pace of life in San Miguel de Allende is different, and it reminds you too, that there are many ways to live. Small daily interactions on the streets and with classmates in art classes reverberated with a warmth that reminded you how relationships with people are important. It was a notable contrast to the everyday hustle in the US. SMA is a special place not just in comparison to the US, but is known as being part of the “cultural heart” of Mexico itself, so it attracts many people from all over. I felt Yesica went out of her way to help me and the other residents connect with the the uniqueness of the town, the many cultural traditions and celebrations during the spring season, and the local art institutions. I took painting, printmaking and cartonería courses and the classes were a mix of locals, seasonal visitors, long-term expats, and shorter term visitors like myself. The instructors brought so much knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to their craft, I could understand why some students were long-term repeats. The historic buildings where I took art courses were stunning and an incentive to go to class. I also spent time working at the residency and enjoyed the quietness at times and the dynamic of running into cohort colleagues who were going to/from classes. Sometimes we would hang out on the upper patio and chat and occasionally enjoy the evening air and stars, or join each other on walks or outings. I liked living in a neighborhood and felt safe on my own. My cohort included people from different parts of the US, Carribean/US, South America and Europe. Yesica organized weekly dinners for the group, prepared by an amazing local cook who brings love to her food and you. During dinners we would share our weeks, what we learned, and also talk about about upcoming events or outings that might be of interest to us. Yesica was very organized and knowledgeable about what was going on, and even gave recommendations and organizational support for day trips or weekend trips to nearby places. She was very flexible and open to us, knowing that we each had various interests and focuses while at the residency. I felt inspired by the work of other artists in my cohort, and what I saw in town, as there are many museums and galleries. It is a vibrant scene. The cumulative experience made me feel energized in my own work.

I found MADE to be well-maintained, clean and a lot of care into the space. It is not an airbnb or a hotel, so you do take care of your own space, but the sheets, etc, are changed mid- month. It is like many artist residencies where you are responsible for cleaning up after yourself and if you need to borrow a broom, it is easy to ask. 

As someone who has spent time working and living abroad, this was a great place to stay and a memorable and positive experience. It is important to be open to other ways of living, and to be mindful of resources in a finite world. The popularity of SMA and a warming planet has resulted in water concerns for the mountain town - I saw two fliers for public talk/presentations about while I was there (organized by long-term US expats). Caring for the place that you visit is important whenever you go; you are a guest given the gift of time to be in special place. 
 Towards the end of my stay, I came across a painted bench outside of an elementary school that read, “Lo esencial es invisible a los ojos, solo se puede ver con el corazón”. (The essential is invisible to the eyes, it can only be seen with the heart). It was a positive message to share with young children, but felt it was a reminder to adults too, to see with your heart. I highly recommend the MADE Creatives in Residence as a recharge for the heart and spirit, led by the big hearted Yesica who brings people together and instills the values of community and care for the residents and the community at large.

Overview: Dates of Residency: March 2025. I applied online after a friend attended (September 2024), a community colleague (March 2024), and life changes occurred (death and unemployment). Application Process: The application process was straightforward to follow. Provided my interest in attending the program and my intention. I received a call soon after submitting from Yesica, founder/creative director. I explained where I was in my life and what I had accomplished over the years as a creative. I explained that I had heard of San Miguel de Allende (SMA) and her facilitation and process, with everyone having positive experiences. We discussed photography and printmaking classes, given the access I would have after completing the residency to continue my practice. Time of year: When we spoke, we discussed the availability and the best time to attend and enjoy the city's culture and events. I was given time to decide when it was best to participate after being informed about what the program could offer. I responded within a month that I would be attending in March. I have neurodivergent tendencies, and after submitting my deposit, Yesica reached out and encouraged me to submit paperwork in a timely manner. Unfortunately, in January 2025, some programs were temporarily closed, and the photography workshop I had planned to take would be unavailable while I was there. I was informed quickly, and I pivoted to taking a class at El Sindicato, a cultural center that employs local artists and is a pillar of the community. Discipline: Photography & Drawing. Overall Impression/Rating: 5 stars - I highly recommend. Facilities and Resources: Studio space: I chose a single room. The room was ample and allowed for privacy when needed. Ventilation was excellent, as to be expected of city living, but even better because you are in SMA. The space was clean, there was cleaning schedule discussed prior to attending and if you wanted to clean outside of that schedule supplies were offered. There was plenty of natural light. If you know Mexican homes in that region, you are aware that they often have a central area of natural light, which is incredible! The residents had access to both the downstairs and upstairs outdoor areas. Upon the recommendation and assistance of Yesica, we placed a long table on the first floor, allowing us to work on projects outside of workshop times with daylight. At any given moment, it could be one artist working alone or a group of us sharing our experiences. Accommodations: I was informed of all that would be provided in a thorough contract, and a week before arriving, the cohort was introduced and connected via a group thread. Three days before the residency began, I received another message via the group thread, informing me of the internet access, the closest place for groceries, and small businesses near the residency. Yesica provided us with the name of a laundry facility that others had used and been satisfied with. When I spoke with Yesica the first time, she informed me about the hill near the residency and the distance to the laundry facility. It was incredible to walk to and from town. I felt safe, and Yesica provided the cohort with an extensive list of restaurants, coffee shops, art stores, leisure activities, and entertainment options. There is a great deal to do in SMA. Yesica also provided the name of a taxi service in case it was needed. Taxis were accessible, along with Uber. Responsiveness: Yesica responded promptly to any questions or concerns – I rarely had any, thanks to the information provided upon arrival. Workshops/ Program Structure and Support: Printmaking: My instructor was fantastic. I learned linocut (completed three prints), Tetra-Pak printmaking (two prints), and Collography (one print). The instructor was accessible and very thorough. She spoke about her life growing up in Mexico and her learning process. I was able to see her work, and she shared insights about the region of Mexico where she grew up and how it influenced some of her pieces and her teaching with local students. The class was 2-3 people. Mexican Cartoneria: My instructor was incredibly joyful and knowledgeable. Not only was I taught how to do the sculpting, but I was also able to learn the history of the art form. The classes included locals and another resident. The space was filled with the cultural richness and vibrancy of the community. I created a meaningful piece that resonated with me culturally and reflected who I am becoming. Honors my past, respects my present, and provides me with the hope for my future. The instructor was accessible outside of class hours and was able to provide direction when I worked on my project at the residency. Yesica also assisted with the process, and I was able to get input from my cohort – we provided each other feedback throughout our stay. Library/Research Resources: Yesica provided several books throughout my time there, and we discussed others that intersect with creativity and wellness, which fall within my specialty. Community/Peer Interaction: While there, Yesica offered information about local events and the connection with traditions in the area. The city's culture is evident in our visits to the People's Market, Fabrica Aurora, and Atotonilco (home to the Sanctuary of Atotonilco, a UNESCO World Heritage site), as well as our encouragement to explore places like the Toy Museum, Bellas Artes, the Saturday Organic Market, and the Mercado de Artesanias. I only know all of this because Yesica provided the information. Conclusion: I am providing a thorough response because my experience was terrific, and if you are open to being culturally immersed in search of some connection or inspiration, then this may be a good fit for you. I felt safe, cared for, and appreciated for where I was in my journey at the time of arrival, while being mentored and nudged to step outside my comfort zone, which I enjoyed and expected in such a space. I met with other artists who are friends of friends, and I spoke to them about the program, the space, and the direction I was being given. They were all very impressed. I have also discussed the program with others in my artist circle and have referred several to attend. My father-in-law is an artist who used to take students to SMA, and he also stated that he was impressed with my experience. I have and will continue to recommend this program because it was an invaluable experience with a beautiful cohort brought together with intention by Yesica.

MADE is a creative refuge for anyone who wants to explore their craft and enrich their perspective. The house represents Mexico's history so beautifully, inviting the cohort to co-create while also providing everyone with their own safe space. MADE's team is caring and supportive, guiding residents from beginning to end. My only recommendation for anyone who feels called to apply (especially if you've never been to SMA) is to be genuinely interested in immersing yourself in a wonderful and rich culture. It's a perfect opportunity to question and transform your voice within your work by engaging with SMA's people, gastronomy, history, and art.

I will never forget my experience at MADE Creatives in Residence. Located in beautiful San Miguel de Allende, in a true neighborhood, as opposed to being in an isolated ex-pat community, it is close to markets, laundromats, cafes, and a weekly farmers market. It is a good, easy walk to the central part of town, too, and I loved walking the cobblestone streets to explore, which is the theme of this residency. Yesica, the founder of MADE makes each resident feel welcome and supported, and is there to guide you with anything you need--selection of classes at the amazing local art institutions, what neighborhoods, food places to explore, and shares about all of that month's local cultural celebrations to be able to witness. Yesica shares that this residency is more about the time and space to create, but also to try an art form outside of your regular practice, and to immerse yourself in the people and place of SMA. It is not a typical, hole yourself away and create in your room yet you can structure your time to your desired experience. I loved being able to connect with the other artists there, to commune over cooking in our communal kitchen, to even collaborate on a shared art piece. Yesica was always there if we wanted to talk about art, or future goals, and again for guidance on things we could experience while inSMA. I hope to return one day again to MADE, which really was a positive, transformational experience for me.

MADE Creatives was a magical, mind-blowing experience, thanks to Yesica, the director. I am incredibly grateful to Yesica for her exquisite knowledge, generosity, enthusiasm and wisdom in guiding me through the residency and through the various communities of San Miguel. I came here not really knowing what to expect. Through the sights, smells, sounds and touch of the city my new work developed. I deeply appreciate that MADE offered time and space to move into the research and let things marinate as long as necessary. Being in a new environment where culture is valued, accessible and integrated into LIFE is a revelation. Being with other creative minds – 3 other artistis in residence – was generative and inspiring. I loved hearing and learning about their interests and sharing so many new things together. The work was made possible by the contributions of many people and experiences I met and had here. These introductions were made possible by our fearless La Jefa, Yesica.

MADE was my first artist residency experience. I wasn't sure what to expect. After submitting my application, I had a phone conversation with Yesica. I reviewed the residency contract and prepared a list of questions for her. She answered the questions and I was confident that I had a good idea of what was expected from residents as well as from MADE. Yesica made the arrangements for the classes I selected. There was a glitch in one class selection but Yesica quickly found an alternative that turned out to be the print making class I wanted. She came to the classes periodically to make sure everything was going ok. The residency is located in a neighborhood. I appreciated the experience of living with Mexican people. The roosters did crow but I had my earplugs! My apartment was clean and linen was changed mid-month. I read this in the application so it wasn't a surprise. MADE is not a hotel or AirB&B.. I had to do some cleaning, purchase/cook my own food, make up my bed etc. I came to MADE for an opportunity to enhance my artistic education but also to learn about another culture. Weekly the residents gather to have dinner and talk about our experiences and ourselves. We were a diverse group of 5. We were from all over the United States. The ages ranged from 30s to 70+. We also attended several festivals and excursions in and around San Miguel. This trip was life changing for me. Artistically, I exploded. I found the art vibe to be very strong. I was turning out collages with an intensity I didn't know I possessed as well as completing a book. Yesica created an atmosphere that gave us an opportunity to get to know each other as well as delve deeper into our own artistic endeavors. I would definitely go back to MADE again.

I stayed at Made in San Miguel during the month of March and was introduced to Jewelry making. One of the best experiences in my life. I got to be immersed in the culture by living around the local community, tasting local food. Let's talk about having someone who personally showed you places that's not toursy. I remember after one week I felt like a local, the way I moved around San Miguel. My instructor was the best, 40 years in the business. If you get the invite to stay at Made Creative, go with an open Heart and Mind and your life could change.

What’s most positive about this residency is the generous amount of time awarded the resident artists, privacy, location, and the freedom to choose whether to produce or just use the time to not do anything at all and just relax. Having so much privacy in one’s own studio and casita are also one of the greatest benefits in this residency. At the same time, having that privacy, along with the generous amount of time, I feel that these provided the ingredients to cultivate very meaningful connections with my fellow residents who have become my friends to this day. And the staff are simply wonderful and supportive. A possible practical hurdle that some may consider: to appreciate the residency fully, I highly recommend that one has a vehicle because some of the most beautiful and enchanting parts of the southwest (in fact the whole of US!) are driving distance from the residency. Fortunately the residency provides bicycles-ma fantastic way to explore the beautiful nearby areas of Taos, such as downtown, museums, nearby hikes, and more. I highly recommend the Helene Wurlitzer Foundation as a residency, and I am forever grateful to the foundation to the most precious gift of time, space, serenity and connections that I received.

I visited Villa Capri over the last 2 years several times and can highly recommend it. Every stay was very magical and I met and connected through the residencies with so many beautiful and interesting people: local artist from Mallorca and Barcelona as well as international artists. Every time I left i felt nourished and recharged and was able to develop new ideas and try out different artistic experiments. The house is and old farm house with a beautiful pool and in the garden is a dream for every forager, so many edible plants that one can cook with everyday. over the years I tried out many different recipes, for instance: nopal lemonade, nettle soup, wild mustard pesto, wild asparagus salad. it is well located in the middle of the island so one can easily explore it with the car. the sunsets in this rural part of Mallorca are stunning and quite often there are sheeps grazing on the territory which creates a beautiful soundscape and a very idyllic vibe, especially in the morning or golden hour. Lorena is a very calm, intelligent and special person, she doesn't try to push one into a certain structure but lets the structure emerge in the process of the group. I never had a bad experience there, apart from the time the previous reviewer was present, unfortunately she was disappointed because she expected something else and wanted every other resident to suffer with her, everyday she was shouting (maybe as well mental health problems) and created a uncomfortable time for the other people in order to pressure Lorena to refund her, that was very ugly, selfish and mean of her and every one was happy when she finally left. If u are looking for a luxury resort with workshops that you just need to attend then you should go somewhere else. The experience in this residency is more empowering and participatory, the residents organize themself the workshops and plan excursions together. Like this one can peek into other disciplines and get to know some magical spots on that beautiful island, like secret beaches, limestone caves, mountain trails, sustainable projects and inspiring art exhibitions.

To me, as a Northern European, Tunisia felt very exotic. The team behind the Dar Meso residency is incredibly supportive and helpful. They go out of their way to help artists connect with the local creative scene, including musicians and visual artists and they are open to all kinds of ideas and collaborations. I have very fond memories of my time there. I would highly recommend the experience to any artist looking to explore new cultural contexts in a welcoming and inspiring environment.

My time at Callie’s was an invaluable experience, shaped by the support of the outstanding team and the inspiring exchange with fellow residents. I was there during the Covid period—while Berlin, as a cultural hub, was at a standstill, Callie’s provided a space that felt both welcoming and professionally supportive. The studios are remarkably spacious and offer ideal conditions for a wide range of artistic practices. It was also a great opportunity to contribute to the opening of this institution with my exhibition at Callie’s—an experience I deeply appreciate. In short: If you have the opportunity to do a residency at Callie’s—go for it. It’s an exceptional place.

My experience with L'AiR Arts residency program at Atelier 11 has had a lasting impact on my career and artistic practice. Supported by the Canada Council for the Arts, it gave me an opportunity to develop ideas for new work, dialogue with international artists and broaden my awareness of the global artistic landscape and my place within it. As part of a self-directed residency at Atelier 11, I created a dance film that has since been screened internationally. The development I fostered through my experiences with L'AiR has catapulted me forward in my artistic vision, self assurance and body of work.

What an incredible two weeks it has been doing my research residency with L'AiR Arts. Thank you for bringing together a very diverse group of artists from around the world and in terms of practice. This experience really solidified the importance of collectives and international groups of people, especially artists, coming together, exchanging ideas and learning about the process of each artist, their artistic vision and how they approach executing their ideas. To top it all, we also had the amazing opportunity to see an incredible amount of art fairs and exhibitions in Paris that were all so unique and different!