Self-directed terms of 3 to 8 weeks during 2015 in either Arquetopia space in Puebla or Oaxaca, Mexico.

Apply Now Through Monday, April 27, 2015. 

JOURNALISM RESIDENCIES

The Journalism Residencies are new residency programs offering competitive professional opportunities for emerging or mid-career, national and international journalists, photojournalists, graphic journalists, graphic artists, writers, and graduate students who are engaged critically with other professional fields. We are aware that understanding Mexico’s cultural context and complexity is key for a successful cultural exchange; therefore, we offer a flexible program that provides the necessary social and cultural research to connect the journalism projects with the context of Puebla and Oaxaca. As part of Arquetopia’s mission, we also promote international experiences in the field of culture by promoting Mexico’s rich and diverse artistic heritage. All proposals are welcome.

AVAILABLE CATEGORIES

1. Journalism

2. Photojournalism

3. Graphic Journalism

Our programs are process- and research-based, and we welcome journalist from diverse backgrounds including but not limited to: columnists, correspondents, documentary photographers, graphic journalists, cartoonists, illustrators, and editors who are interested in creating work while researching a theme specific to Mexico and/or specific to Puebla or Oaxaca.

Each residency is unique, based on the residency research needs and the journalist’s proposal. Residents are chosen on the basis of artistic merit and evaluation of the proposed project.

OUR ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAMS

Our Artist-in-Residence Programs offer competitive professional opportunities for emerging and mid-career, national and international artists, designers, curators, art historians, art educators, journalists, writers, and cultural researchers age 25 and over. Our programs are based on a non-exploitative model promoting social consciousness. Residents are strongly encouraged to explore various ways of cultural exchange as part of their artistic and/or research goals and to actively engage in critical discussions as part of their residency experience. As Arquetopia’s mission is to promote social transformation, understanding Mexico’s context, and specifically Puebla and Oaxaca’s cultural complexity, is key for a successful cultural exchange.

In contrast to the many vacation rentals, spa resorts, B&B’s, and sublets advertised as quasi art centers, both Arquetopia and Arquetopia Oaxaca have always been professional spaces exclusively for artists and include structured programs; a network of collaborative workspaces, institutions, and studios; and project support.

RESIDENCY GUIDELINES

Selection decisions are based on artistic work and proposed project. Candidates at all stages of their careers (emerging and established) must demonstrate a clear sense of potential. Our pool of applicants and residents is diverse in all aspects. Our residency programs are competitive opportunities for artists and researchers to pursue their own work, free of pressure (especially work that in their particular circumstances would normally be difficult to produce). Selection priority is given to projects that explore a responsible connection between the applicant’s artistic practice and the cultural context of Mexico, of Puebla, or of Oaxaca. The connection can be as broad as a social topic or as specific as a local theme. The creation of community with fellow residents and staff during the residency period is important.

ARQUETOPIA

Founded in 2009, Arquetopia is an award-winning, Mexican official nonprofit foundation for visual arts and music, run entirely by artists. Arquetopia’s programs promote development and social transformation through contemporary art with a nontraditional, culturally diverse and multidisciplinary approach. Arquetopia offers artist residency programs of the highest quality, making its staff available and creating a community among staff and resident artists. Arquetopia’s resident artist and staff backgrounds are diverse in all aspects. As part of Arquetopia’s mission is to promote diversity, artists from Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Middle East are especially encouraged to apply.

http://www.arquetopia.org/puebla">ARQUETOPIA PUEBLA

New for 2015: http://www.arquetopia.org/puebla">A large, spectacular, four-story 1939 Mexican Colonial castle-style compound conveniently located in Puebla's central historic district and close to the Zócalo (city square) accommodates the offices, residency space for up to twelve artists-in-residence, and numerous production spaces of Arquetopia. Recently and artfully renovated, the residency offers large, natural-light studios; a natural-light art gallery; a classroom; a printmaking studio; a darkroom; a natural pigments lab; twelve furnished bedrooms; an indoor/outdoor dining facility for 20 persons; an open-access kitchen; furnished outdoor terraces; a botanical garden; a research library; a residents' rooftop lounge; and a small, fair-trade retail store.

PUEBLA, SOUTHERN MEXICO

Known as the “City of Angels,” Puebla is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that lies 136
 km (84 mi) from Mexico City and has approximately 5,000 colonial buildings. With a population of 2.7 million, Puebla is famous for a deep cultural identity, delicious cuisine, Talavera ceramics, and traditions rooted in the 16th-century Baroque and enriched by a blend of five pre- Hispanic/indigenous cultures, Arabic, Jewish, French and Spanish influences. Accessible via two international 
airports in Puebla (PBC) and Mexico City (MEX), Puebla lies 45 km (28 mi) east of the Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes, giving the residents a magnificent view of
 their snow-topped peaks. At an elevation of 2,200 m (7,200 ft), Puebla features a temperate subtropical highland climate, resulting in an average of only three days a year seeing temperatures rise above 29°C (84°F).

Lonely Planet, the world’s largest travel guidebook and digital media publisher, announced that Puebla made its Readers’ Choice Top 10 “Best in Travel” list for 2012. A New York Times article named Puebla as #13 of the “45 Places to Go in 2012,” and The San Francisco Chronicle recently named Puebla as one of the top five safest places in Mexico for travelers.

http://www.arquetopia.org/oaxaca">ARQUETOPIA OAXACA

New for 2015: In contributing to more focused environmental consciousness and renewing our commitment to sustainability and nature, we are excited to announce the new Arquetopia Oaxaca. This new space honors Oaxaca’s traditions by incorporating into our residency a deeper comprehension of how art and the surrounding ecosystem coexist harmonically. Arquetopia’s residency spaces continue to be open for dialogue, exchanges, and encounters while emphasizing our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint, reusing materials, and recycling waste.

http://www.arquetopia.org/oaxaca">Our alpine-style villa hosts up to five artists at a time, with sweeping mountain and city views from the artist rooms.

In this countryside space, the intersection of art and nature set the tone for reflection, research and production. We welcome artists who are interested in developing projects with non-toxic techniques and seeking a deeper connection with the community, nature, and the environment. Artists are also encouraged to participate in diverse activities such as fieldtrips, cycling, and hiking as well as helping to maintain our organic orchard.

Our residents will enjoy a safe and peaceful environment surrounded by the mountains of San Pablo, a nature reserve of 7,500 acres with rich biodiversity. The residency center is located in the countryside village of San Pablo Etla, only 20 minutes away from the center of the city of Oaxaca on the south side; and to the north, it is only 20 minutes away from the Centro de las Artes San Agustín, an early 20th-century textile mill transformed into a spectacular arts center.

OAXACA, SOUTHERN MEXICO

The beautiful colonial city of Oaxaca is nestled in a valley in the Sierra Madre mountain range of southern Mexico. Oaxaca is located 450 km (280 mi) southeast of Mexico City and is reachable via three international airports: Oaxaca (OAX), Puebla (PBC), and Mexico City (MEX). With a population of 265,000, Oaxaca boasts magnificent colonial architecture, the most outstanding example being Santo Domingo church and its former convent, now home to an impressive anthropology museum. The city and its surrounding areas also feature a high concentration of native Zapotec and Mixtec cultures and archaeological sites. Oaxaca was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 for its central historic district and the archaeological site of Monte Alban. Getting around Oaxaca is easy and enjoyable; museums, studios, libraries and landmarks are all in walking distance. At an elevation of 1,555 m (5,100 ft), Oaxaca features a subtropical climate, resulting in mild-to-warm temperatures year-round.

Rich in history and culture, Oaxaca is a fascinating destination where you can appreciate ancient civilizations, colonial art and architecture, and vibrant cultural traditions. Oaxaca is one of the safest Mexican tourist destinations you could choose.

JOURANLISM RESIDENCY INCLUSIONS

The residency fee covers the costs of accommodation in our facilities including meals, utilities and housekeeping; personal workspace; access to research resources and experts; and weekly meetings with guidance and assistance from our staff. For self-directed residencies, residents bring their own materials and supplies or obtain them locally.

Staff Support:

All Arquetopia residencies include weekly individual meetings with our staff for research assistance, project guidance, and critiques.

Accommodation and Meals:

Puebla: Comfortably furnished, private bedrooms and use of Arquetopia’s residency space including wireless Internet, lounge areas, kitchen, dining room, outdoor terrace, and shared bathrooms with modern fixtures and showers are provided. Meals, open access to the kitchen, and housekeeping are included.

Oaxaca: Comfortably furnished, private bedrooms and use of Arquetopia Oaxaca’s well-equipped residency space including wireless Internet, kitchen, dining room, covered patio and lounge space, and private bathrooms with modern fixtures and showers are provided. Meals, open access to the kitchen, and housekeeping are included.

Workspace:

Puebla: Personal workspace with desk or table is provided.

Oaxaca: Individual live/work space with desk or table is provided.

RESIDENCY FEE, DATES, AND TERMS

USD $529 per week for a term of 3 to 8 weeks. Dates are not predetermined but nominated by applicant.

Deposit of 10% of Residency Fee due within 14 days of selection notification.

Total Residency Fee due by 90 days prior to residency start date.

HOW TO APPLY

Visit the Arquetopia website at http://www.arquetopia.org">www.arquetopia.org
Complete and submit the Arquetopia Artist-in-Residence http://www.arquetopia.org/our-artist-residencies/residency-application-apply-online-now">Online Application Form, following the instructions on the web page.

Following selection, applicants are notified immediately via e-mail.

Arquetopia is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our diverse local and international community. Arquetopia’s resident artist and staff backgrounds vary in all aspects. As part of Arquetopia’s mission is to promote diversity, Arquetopia actively fights discrimination by offering access to its programs and activities without regard to race, color, gender or gender expression, national origin, age, religion, creed, or sexual orientation.

Arquetopia on the Web: http://www.arquetopia.org">www.arquetopia.org

Arquetopia Blog: http://www.arquetopia.com">www.arquetopia.com

Arquetopia on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Arquetopia">www.facebook.com/Arquetopia

Arquetopia Oaxaca on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ArquetopiaOaxaca">www.facebook.com/ArquetopiaOaxaca