360 XOCHI QUETZAL Artist and Writer's Residency Program

The 360 XOCHI QUETZAL Artist and Writer's Residency Program is located on Lake Chapala, the largest lake in Mexico, where the perfect year-round climate and stunning lake and mountain views have long established the region as an international artist mecca. Residents will be inspired by the natural beauty, history and culture of this special part of central Mexico. Chapala is located 25 minutes from Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) and 45 minutes from Guadalajara, one of the largest cities in Mexico boasting abundant cultural resources: museums, galleries, theatre and artist supplies. Xochi Quetzal is the Aztec goddess of creativity and fertility and protector of artisans. She is sure to inspire you during your stay!

MISSION: Our aim is to support artists, writers and musicians who would benefit from having uninterrupted time to devote to their creativity. By providing affordable live/work spaces in a beautiful and culturally rich area, we hope that our residents can make artistic progress without the stress and distractions of daily life.

CRITERIA: National and international visual artists, photographers, writers, playwrights, new media makers and musicians over the age of 23 are welcome to plan a personal residency. 

PERSONAL RESIDENCY PROGRAM:  We offer 6 live/work spaces for 2 weeks - 4 months. There is no formal application, just check our website for descriptions, pictures, pricing and availability of the spaces that are located at the historic Villa QQ Hotel.This is a perfect opportunity to finish a manuscript, prepare for a show, collect your thoughts, or plan your next body of work. It will be helpful to read some of the interviews with creatives who have come to Chapala for a personal residency 

LIVE WORK SPACES: Each space at the Villa QQ Hotel has a private entrance, sitting area, bedroom and full bathroom. Your residency also includes free wi-fi, all utilities, weekly maid service, (weekly laundry pickup is available for an additional charge) and a 22-page Residency Handbook. All rooms have patios where you can also work and relax. See pictures and descriptions on our website.

STUDIO SPACE: Our spaces are geared towards writers and visual artists. Work tables and easels are available for visual artists, desks and free wi-fi for writers. The Mirador Suite and Carriage House at the Villa QQ Hotel can accommodate couples or collaborative groups.

OTHER COSTS: There is no fee for attending the residency except for paying the rent on your room and your other personal expenses. You are responsible for your travel to and from Mexico. It is easy and safe to take an airport taxi which costs $440 pesos to Chapala. Download driving directions from our Facebook Page: 360 Xochi Quetzal (join us too!). You will also need to pay for your local transportation (taxis usually $5 USD), entertainment, gifts and dining. Food is inexpensive in Mexico, typically costing about  $30/week USD.  Eating out is quite affordable with meals costing  $4 - 10 USD. International calls can be made by getting an international cell plan from ATT or Sprint or downloading WhatsApp before you arrive. 

MAILING LIST: 

To add your name, please click on the box at the top right of our webpage: www.360xochiquetzal.com  We send out occasional newsletters featuring interviews with our visiting resident artists and profiles of local Mexican and other talented artists.

WHAT IS CHAPALA LIKE? In a word, charming. This is a small town with a population of 25,000. You will hear horses trotting along the cobblestone boulevard in the morning on their way to the stables. Cowboys ride by using their cell phones. Birdsong accompanies you throughout the day. In the winter, thousands of white pelicans entertain us on the lake. Trees blaze with psychedelic color year round. The mountains turn green during our 5 month rainy season (June - Oct). Vendors pass by during the day hawking fresh strawberries, bottled water, and ice cream.Read more about Chapala on our website

FUN: All live/work spaces are walking distance to a park with a running track, pool, tennis courts and walking trails. You are also minutes from the malecon, a park-like promenade that runs along the lake for a mile. The lake is surrounded by hundreds of mountains and you will enjoy spectacular sunsets almost every night. The weather is sunny 300 days a year with average daytime temperatures in the 70s. Other nearby activities include hiking, dancing, bird-watching and thermal springs.

COMMUNITY: Chapala and nearby Ajijic have dozens of cafes, galleries, cultural centers, art openings, and hundreds of artists to connect or study with. Everything you need is within walking distance and bus service is frequent and inexpensive. This is a safe place to live and work and the Villa QQ Hotel grounds are locked and secure.

MISC:  Although speaking a little Spanish will make your time here more culturally integrated, you do not need to speak the language to get what you need. You are just a 5 minute walk from many stores, restaurants and buses.

HOUSE RULES: Pets are not permitted at the Villa QQ Hotel (there are other options at the many bed and breakfast hotels nearby). Smoking, drugs and firearms are expressly prohibited.

ABOUT THE FOUNDER: Since 2012, Deborah Kruger has been the Director of 360 Xochi Quetzal. She is also an internationally exhibiting artist working in mixed fibers, recycled materials and screen printing. View her work at www.deborahkruger.com or follow her on Instagram @deborahkrugerstudio or Facebook at @deborahkrugerartist

NON-DISCRIMINATION: 360 Xochi Quetzal encourages applications from artists of all backgrounds and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, HIV status, marital status, disability, or veteran status.

Still have questions? Email us at  360xochiquetzal@gmail.com (in English or Spanish)