Montemero Art Residency 2022 – An Interdisciplinary Ecological Hub for Arts

Montemero Art Residency is an organization dedicated to sustainable ecology and alternative art production. We believe that the experience of living and creating in a different context has to be facilitated through collaboration and exchange. Thus, we opened our facilities to artists for them to network and collaborate with professionals from other fields.

The Program
Our program offers a fully-equipped printmaking studio, and other open spaces that are suitable for a variety of creative practices (from visual to performing arts and anything in between). Being located on a biological reserve near the Tabernas Desert, the location offers a unique perspective that aims to cultivate the personal connection with nature and how it functions, while further expanding the idea of eco-living. With minimal external interference, artists-in-residence have the opportunity to focus on themselves and their work in a way that more densely populated areas are unable to provide. The residency is open to people of all ages and backgrounds, and we welcome all those who are looking for space and time to explore new forms of interdisciplinary and intercultural collaboration.
Although, our long-term objective with this program is to create an eco-art project, here some of our short-term goals:
• To create an environment and offer the facilities conducive to creative work, integrated with nature, a place to experience new perspectives and acquire new references.
• Promoting international collaboration and networking, to bring together people from different fields to share and promote ecological and cultural sustainability.
• Embrace and emphasize the experimental, undefined, and unexpected states of creativity.

Technical Information/Facilities

Montemero offers a private bedroom with a shared living space to artists in residence. Additionally, a fully-equipped printmaking studio and workshop for basic fabrication needs (wood/metal-working) are provided, as well as a scrap yard where salvaged materials are kept that can be used for artists’ projects. The shared living-space includes: large kitchen, 2 full bathrooms (1 indoor/1 outdoor shower), laundry facilities, a small library/living room, a large covered patio, and open rooftop, a traditional solar-heated hot tub, caves, and several large outdoor areas conducive to any workflow.

Location
The Montermero Art Residency is based at San Juan de los Terreros, 500 meters from the Mediterranean Sea, and a 30-minute walk/10-minute bike ride to a small nearby town. We are located in a rural area, with a weekly farmer’s market during peak seasons and a couple of small markets providing the basic groceries/essentials. Please note that shops are limited, and transportation, though potentially available upon request, is not provided. As such, ensure that you’re prepared to walk to/from the store (2km) and with being isolated prior to applying.

Duration of residency

1 to 3 months

Accommodation

Artists will have their own private room and there are plenty of spaces both indoor and outside to create and be inspired. All activities at the residency are arranged in the community with the host(s) who are using the property for the time being. This also applies to living arrangements such as cooking meals and keeping tidy. Fundamental courtesies apply.

Disciplines, work equipment and assistance

The residency is open to people of all ages and backgrounds, and we welcome all those who are looking for space and time to explore new forms of interdisciplinary and intercultural collaboration. We cannot provide specific materials for artwork. The residency is in a rural area, so we recommend artists to travel with their own materials. Some basic materials/high-quality papers are provided in the printmaking studio, but anything further/specialized will need to be acquired by the artist prior to the residency. Materials located in the scrap yard are free to be used by artists. Depending on your practice we might be able to provide some materials for asmall fee (prior notice is required). Feel free to reach out to us to discuss your production process and needs.

Studio / Workspace

Montemero was the former atelier of German artist Wolfgang Simon. Wolfgang Simon studied from 1957 to 1962 at the Berlin College of Fine Arts. Simon practiced as an apprentice of Friedrich Schröder Sonnenstern. Since the late 1960s to his last days, he lived in Andalusia and dedicated his life to the conservation of this land, forming the Finca Montamero Biological Reserve while continuing his work as a printmaker. As such, he equipped his studio for woodcut and linocut printmaking. During the residency, artists will have access to this studio, his archive, and outside areas that can be used for their creative practices.

Fees and support

€850 participation fee for one full month (4 weeks). This fee will go towards rent, utilities (Wi-Fi, gas/water/electricity, cleaning supplies, etc…), upkeep of the facilities, administrative tasks, and consultations. In return, the host also offers bikes (limited) and snorkeling and diving equipment. The fee also covers a pick-up and drop-up from Jaravia train station or San Juan de los Terreros bus station.
Please note: If you are selected as one of our participants, you will be required to deposit 40% of the fee within 10 days of your acceptance to secure your place. Artists should cover their travel costs, daily expenses, and the cost of production of personal works beyond supplies provided by the residency. We cannot provide materials for specific artworks. The residency is in a rural area, so we recommend artists to travel with their own preferred materials as art supply stores are non-existent. Feel free to reach out to us to discuss your production process and needs. We do our best to ensure guests’ safety at all times, but we cannot take responsibility for personal illness, injuries, or accidents. Nor can we take responsibility for lost, stolen, or damaged personal belongings. Please make sure you have adequate travel and health insurance prior to travel.

Expectations towards the artist

Throughout the program, participating artists will have a chance to incorporate new mediums and disciplines into their practice. Salvaged materials in the scrap yard will be open to artists’ creation and interpretation. This process will be supported with weekly online/video chat feedback sessions, individual portfolio reviews, and brainstorming sessions with our curator. At the end of the stay, we ask participants to present a small talk about their work and practice. In order to increase community engagement and gain experience, we also encourage artists to create and hold both public and private workshops regarding their practice and to join other events that are organized by Finca Montemero. Other events can be organized by the residents, within the bounds of possibilities of the organizers.

Application information

We have a multi-phase application process. If you’re selected in the first round, you’ll be asked to have a Skype interview with our curator. For the first phase please send us the following: the filled out application form (https://bit.ly/2022mar), a letter of motivation, contact details, and a CV/Portfolio in PDF format and/or a brief description of your practice. The application is free of charge and should be completed in English. All files should be sent to the program managers at info@iksvyart.com.
Please, read our Terms and Conditions before applying! Terms and Conditions: https://bit.ly/2022TC