With master instruction, learn to create traditional Mexican Textiles (back-strap weaving or embroidery) in the countryside of Oaxaca, southern Mexico. Extendable 3-week terms during 2015.
Apply Now Through Monday, April 27, 2015.
MEXICAN TEXTILES INSTRUCTIONAL ARTIST RESIDENCY
The Mexican Textiles Instructional Artist Residency is a unique Art Production Residency that includes 3 weeks of master instruction (classes of 9 hours per week) in creating Mexican textiles techniques. Residents learn how to weave using the traditional back-strap loom, how to assemble it, and basic weaving techniques; or they learn Mexican embroidery techniques, for which we offer instruction in the following: cross stitching, chain stitching, shading, and pepenado hilván. Each technique is offered separately as a 3-week program. Artists wishing to do both weaving and embroidery courses may apply for two consecutive residencies totaling 6 weeks.
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, 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. We welcome artists, designers, curators and historians from diverse backgrounds and disciplines who are interested in creating work or inspired by art, elements, techniques or processes that are specific to Mexico and/or unique to Puebla or Oaxaca.
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 an artistic technique 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/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.
MEXICAN TEXTILES INSTRUCTIONAL RESIDENCY INCLUSIONS
The residency fee covers the costs of accommodation in our facilities including meals, utilities and housekeeping; weekly meetings with guidance and assistance from our staff; studio space; some tools; and basic materials and supplies. For the instructional residencies we offer, the instruction our residents receive from the Mexican local master artists we contract is funded directly from the residency fee. Materials and supplies for the instructional course are included. Materials and supplies for additional production are not included but are available for purchase locally.
Staff Support:
All Arquetopia residencies include weekly individual meetings with our staff for research assistance, project guidance, and critiques.
Accommodation and Meals:
Comfortably furnished, private bedrooms and use of Arquetopia’s residency space including wireless Internet, lounge areas, kitchen, dining room, outdoor terrace, and private bathrooms with modern fixtures and showers are provided. Meals, open access to the kitchen, and housekeeping are included.
Studio Workspace and Materials:
Individual live/work space with natural light is provided with large table or desk, some tools, and materials and supplies for the instructional course. Materials and supplies for additional project production are not included but are available for purchase locally.
RESIDENCY FEE, DATES, AND TERMS
USD $730 per week in Puebla or in Oaxaca. Terms of 3 weeks, extendable as a self-directed Art Production Residency at USD $595 per week. 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