compás 88 – Spring + Summer 2025 – Residency Programs – Mexico City

From May to September, compás 88 will host a series of 45-day residencies—three in total. During this time, individual artists will work with us (and our gallery partners) to develop a project (or series of projects) that will evolve organically throughout their stay. Participants will effectively "take over" the gallery and have full autonomy over the space during their 45 day stay. The residency may conclude with an exhibition, event(s), or other form of public programming—to be determined as the project takes shape.

What is compás 88?

compás 88 is an independent project space and contemporary art gallery founded in 2021. Our main objective is to bring people together—artists and non-artists—while exploring new and sometimes unconventional ideas within art. Mostly though, we just like to have fun and challenge curatorial conventions through research-based and interactive programming.

Ideal Candidates for the Residency:

We are looking for interdisciplinary artists with unique backgrounds and life experiences. Ideal candidates will have a strong interest in research and in developing projects that are social, community-driven, or hands-on in nature.

Note: Mexico is a Spanish-speaking country. Some knowledge of Spanish is ideal, however, this is not a deal-breaker.

Residency Schedule/Program:

Beyond working on your project, the residency will include weekly scheduled activities such as studio visits, one-on-one outings with friends of the gallery, social events, openings at partner spaces, and generally, many opportunities to collaborate with members of our creative community—including curators, visual artists, musicians, academics, bookmakers, carpenters, designers, cooks, and so forth!

The philosophy for our residency program is “collaboration with a sense of shared purpose.” We want this experience to be meaningful. We’re excited to work alongside you, introduce you to our friends, and welcome you into our community. In short, we hope you’ll learn something, leave a positive impact, and enjoy your time here.

Our Roles as Curators:

As curators, our approach is to introduce ideas and experiences that go beyond traditional art-making “structures.” We're interested in mixing-and-matching practices and processes. Some of our recent interests include: food, publications, music/sound, participatory activities, science, creative writing, archiving, the internet, popular culture, education, folktales, computer programming, sports, theatre, hiking, furniture, cinema, board games, etc. 

What We Offer:

• Private housing for 45 days (a fully furnished, two-bedroom apartment.)

• Gas, water, electric, fast internet.

• 24/7 access to the gallery—to be used as your private studio. (~10 minute walk from the apartment.)

• The ability to host open studios, give workshops, organize events, and basically use the gallery however you want.

• Access to the gallery’s vehicle for travel or transportation needs (2019 Peugeot Partner).

• Your own bicycle for personal daily use.

• Fieldwork and research opportunities outside of the Mexico City metropolitan area.

• Access to resources through partner institutions, including: libraries, film archives, art collections, and other research–oriented materials.

• Subsidized production costs (e.g., 3D printing, casting, welding, woodworking, textiles, etc.)

• Subsidized printing/printed matter services (e.g., risography, offset printing, screenprinting, developing, binding, graphic designers, etc.)

• Full access to the gallery’s audiovisual equipment (live audio recording, cameras, projectors, musical instruments, cassette duplication, mixing/mastering services, etc.)

• Connections to partner spaces if you want to organize off-site events such as: dinners, concerts, screenings, karaoke nights, picnics, or whatever else you can think of!

Additional Residency Objectives:

During the residency, we want to help connect you with other institutions, creative spaces, artists, curators, and other individuals within our community. Over the years, we’ve built a strong and close-knit network across the city. We're all are eager to meet you and brainstorm ways we can collaborate.

We also have various satellite partnerships in Mexican cities like Guadalajara, Tijuana, Monterrey, Oaxaca, Puebla, and Merida, among others. 

"The End of the Residency":

In the past, we’ve held a “final show” to showcase the work(s) produced. However, depending on your project outcomes, we may organize a series of events, activities, presentations, group discussions, readings, workshops, screenings, outings, or any combination of these formats! We'll work together to determine the best way to conclude your stay.

Suggested Characteristics:

Be nice.
Be friendly.
Be relatively interested in “art.”
Be curious.
Be open-minded.
Be adaptable and flexible.
Have a sense of humor.
Be comfortable living in a chaotic city.

Pricing Scale / Free Structure:

Our program will operate under a sliding scale pricing model. We are happy to discuss payment plans and needs-based discounts to help make your participation more accessible! We are very flexible and will work with you based on your income and your financial situation. Email us for more information: hola@c88.mx
 

A few artists/projects we’ve worked with in the past:

Alex Escobedo, Aly Bosco, Angelica Granada, APRDELESP, Archivo Seim, Archivo El Insulto, Carlos Iván Hérnandez, Carolina Berrocal, Carolina Vélez, Carolina Villanueva, César López, Charlie Godet Thomas, Claire Price, Crater Invertido, Daniel Franco, Daniel Robles Lizano, Daniel Uranga, Dante Guthrie, Derrick Jimenez Bowser, Daniela de la Torre, Daniela Flores, Emanuel Juarez, El Bebo Grabaciones, Emiliano Mendoza, Erik Tlaseca, Fabiana Mapel, Fer Gress, Fernanda Herrera, filmfront, Galia Basail, Georgia Horgan, Gilda Tenopala, Gusano Local, Hugo Zelada-Romero, Ivanna Donoso, Ixchel Alaide, janet40, Jysus Ramírez, Joshua Jobb, Layla Fassa, Leonardo Ascencio, Liz Hernandéz, Lucía Taibo, Magno Huautla, María Almanza, María Enríquez, Mariana Ledesma, Montez Press Radio, Natalia Fernández, O.E.A., Ollin Vázquez, Pablo Cendejas, Pedro Assam, Pırıltı Onukar, Piedra Volcánica, Pilar Córdoba, Poxi Records, Proyecto E.M.E., Roxo, Samuel Nicolle, Santiago Gómez, Sara Fernández, Scott Galván, Silvan Cerviño, Sofia Robledo, Tia Rosa, Theo Ellin Ballew, Umico Niwa, Violeta Delfin, Victoria Núñez Estrada, World League Syndicate, etc.