Artist Residency Reviews

Passionate staff, large studio to yourself, large bedroom and bathroom to yourself. Great engagement with the community. Hurdles were just facilities; however, they clearly state what is available, so it was not a surprise when arriving.

Tal and Brenda were amazing, super helpful and professional. The studio was big and full of everything I needed. The only thing I was a bit unhappy about is the fact that the final exhibition was too short (only one night) and lots of people couldn’t come.

The residency was quite well organized and structured to foster strong group dynamics as well as individual growth. The technical support was phenomenal, and should be taken advantage of!

Arteventura, nestled in a picturesque finca in Spain, offers a unique and inspiring artist residency experience. Nearby a small town, there is a close connection to the local community and vibrant cultural tapestry of Spain. With a supportive community of fellow artists, participants at arteventura find themselves immersed in a dynamic exchange of ideas and techniques. The serene environment of arteventura serves as a retreat, allowing artists to focus on their craft while enjoying the beauty of the Spanish countryside. The residency provides dedicated studio space and living area.

Very nice big shared workshop space. Besides that, you have a private apartment that's beautiful and is very good for drawing, writing, etc.

Arteventura is a rather unique place, it is really one of a kind. It is much more than an artist residency and is not for everyone. You have to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle and the raw nature you are in the middle of. However, I went 3 times in quick succession, so that should tell you that I loved it there. I wish I could go back more often to be honest. There is no better place to spend time with your thoughts and getting back to yourself. It is remote but in the best kind of way. I would advise getting in touch with past participants, they will have a wealth of knowledge to share. Take the knowledge because there are so many things to learn. I would not stay for less than 2 weeks. The benefits far outweigh the costs, it's a magic place and it is worth every penny.

Perfect for total time out and personal development in an impressive (naturewise) local environment. The distance to facilities can be a challenge sometimes, but just consider it as your freedom. You'll make the most of it by adapting to the local tempo and experience the surroundings to the fullest. A time I will never forget. Totally worth it.

Overall the location of the residency is superb, quiet, in nature, beautiful!! Large studio space, well-equipped kitchen, everything connected to the outdoors, full nature. Friendly and very helpful owners. A bit away from town, and art supply stores are minor. The owners facilitated options to connect with a local craftsman.

The highlight of this residency was the location and the space you get to work in. Studios are very large and filled with natural light. You can pay for it or find funding that covers the cost of staying there for over a month.

The studio are semi-private, for better or for worse. Loved the experience of Cobertizo!! Would highly recommend.

Resources are limited in Jilotepec. I saw that as a challenge, but it's important to take with you any essentials from the city in advance. Anyway, take for sure that staff is ready to help you solve any problem. WiFi is not the best in the world, take that in mind if internet is a key part of your work. You will love the place, the food, and unique atmosphere.

The space is beautiful; you are in the nature but also can go to the little town. The studio and the rooms are also very nice and can be used very well for any kind of practice. The team that works in the residency is also amazing and helps you with everything. The food is the best. Being able to share my work with the other residents and the mentor was life changing. Also the final open studio was really nourishing by sharing my work with people outside the residency. I highly recommend this residency.

The studio spaces were great and the home itself offered a calm environment to be able to focus on producing work. I think one of the hurdles is the financial cost of the program; however, there was no additional charge for group outings to museums or art-related trips, which was great and allowed for a really stimulating experience. Everyone at El Sur was helpful and wanted to support you in any way they could.

Es interesante proponer un archivo constante de los residentes sobre los temas coincidentes y que detona el espacio y la región de jilotepec, por ejemplo un recetario, que era algo que comentábamos con Cármen, responsable del area de cocina. (It is interesting to propose a constant archive of the residents on the matching themes that detonates the space and the region of Jilotepec, for example, a recipe book, which was something we discussed with Carmen, responsible for the kitchen area.)

You can source tools and other materials in the town!

Benefits: Great opportunity to dip one's toes into Mexico's art district. Challenges: Little to no knowledge of the Spanish language poses a significant obstacle to meeting local actors. (No mediators available). Practical advice: It is advisable to adapt one's artistic practice to an itinerary dynamic. There are little to no supplies available in town and the staff can't provide basic tools. Costs vs. Gains: At a price of USD 1800 (for non-Mexicans, 2022) this residency is a bona fide scam. They are not able to deliver on their promises and often advertised opportunities which were, in fact, unavailable.

It is a good residency to get to know the local art scene. Although it is located at the very south of the city, you can get connected via public transport. The house is amazing and the garden too.

Benefits Amazing living space and studio space. CDMX is a fantastic city overall. Challenges Site is located outside the city a bit. Definitely will need to take Ubers or use MetroBus to see cultural attractions. Practical Advice* Do some research on what you will need to and how and where you will get supplies. Overall highly recommend!

The El Sur residency brought numerous positive outcomes for my art. Immersing myself in the vibrant Mexican culture provided a rich source of inspiration, resulting in an evolution of my artistic style. The exposure to diverse perspectives and artistic influences at El Sur has expanded my creative horizons. Networking with fellow artists has been super inspiring. Challenges: Balancing cultural exploration with focused creative work. Costs vs. Gains: While there were financial costs for travel and accommodation, the gains in artistic growth, cultural enrichment, and networking were worth the investment, making the El Sur residency a valuable and rewarding experience.

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.