Self-directed terms of 2 to 3 weeks with FEE REDUCTION during March or April 2016 in the peaceful countryside of Oaxaca, southern Mexico.
Act Fast: Apply Now Through Sunday, March 6, 2016. Space Is Limited. Early applications receive immediate processing.
http://www.arquetopia.org/our-artist-residencies/writers-residency">http://www.arquetopia.org/our-artist-residencies/writers-residency
SHORT-TERM WRITERS RESIDENCY
This residency offers competitive professional opportunities for emerging or mid-career, national or international writers, journalists, playwrights, translators, and graduate students. As part of Arquetopia’s mission, we promote international experiences in the field of culture by promoting Mexico’s rich and diverse artistic heritage. 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 and aesthetic resources to connect the writer’s project with the context of Puebla or Oaxaca. All proposals are welcome.
We welcome writers from diverse genres: poetry, prose, drama, screen and playwriting, children’s literature, journalism including magazine articles and editorials, as well as translators and editors who are interested in creating work while experiencing specific cultural expressions from Mexico and/or unique to Puebla or Oaxaca.
Each residency is unique, based on the residency research needs and the writer’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 ofcultural exchange as part of their artistic and/or research goals and to actively engage in critical discussions as part of their residency experience. Understanding Mexico’s context, and specifically Puebla and Oaxaca’s cultural complexity, is key for a successful cultural exchange. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and disciplines who are interested in creating work or inspired by art, elements, techniques or processes specific to Mexico and/or unique to Puebla or Oaxaca.
Arquetopia is not a rental space but a full array of programs with substantial content. In contrast to vacation property rentals, tourist resorts, B&B’s, and sublets advertised as quasi art centers, both Arquetopia and Arquetopia Oaxaca have always been spaces exclusively for productive art professionals, writers, and researchers 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, music, literature, and research. Run entirely by artists, Arquetopia’s programs promote development and social transformation through contemporary art with a nontraditional, culturally diverse and multidisciplinary approach. 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 four 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 writers who are interested in seeking a deeper connection with the community, nature, and the environment. Artists are also encouraged to participate in diverse activities such as field trips, cycling, and hiking as well as helping to maintain our organic orchard.
Our residents 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. Though cheap, everyday public transportation is also available from the residency vicinity into the city, Arquetopia provides scheduled transportation into downtown Oaxaca twice per week by van.
OAXACA, SOUTHERN MEXICO
The 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.
SHORT-TERM WRITERS RESIDENCY INCLUSIONS
The residency fee covers accommodation, 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, Meals, and Transportation:
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. Though cheap, everyday public transportation is also available from the residency vicinity into the city, Arquetopia provides scheduled transportation into downtown Oaxaca twice per week by van.
Workspace:
Individual live/work space with desk or table is provided.
RESIDENCY FEE, DATES, AND TERMS
Term Length: 2 or 3 weeks during March or April 2016. Dates are not preset; applicants nominate their own range of dates.
Fee: For 3 weeks: Fee Reduced to USD $441 per week (USD $1323 total). For 2 weeks: USD $529 per week (USD $1058 total).
Payment Deadline: Residency Fee due within 1 week of selection.
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