Open call for Montemero Art Residency, an ecological co-op in semi-deserts of Almeria, Spain
We are looking for artists & art professionals from all disciplines who work in alternative art production and/or whom nature and the surrounding land could be an exciting theme to work on. We offer a space to think, time to develop a new idea or to continue working on an existing project.
The Program
Montemero Art Residency is an organization dedicated to sustainable ecology and alternative art production. Being located on a biological reserve near the Tabernas Desert, the location offers a unique perspective that aims to cultivate a 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.
With our interdisciplinary program and ongoing environmental projects, we intend to create an environment and offer facilities conducive to creative work integrated with nature. We embrace and emphasize the experimental, undefined, and unexpected states of creativity while promoting intercultural collaboration to bring people from different fields to share and further our approach to ecological and cultural sustainability.
Duration of residency
1 to 3 months
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. Our program offers a fully-equipped printmaking studio, other open spaces that are suitable for a variety of artistic practices, and ongoing mentoring sessions.
The studio is equipt with printmaking tools, printing blocks, letterpress, easel, and high-quality papers, but anything further/specialized will need to be acquired by the artist prior to the residency. 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, or order to our location prior to their stay. Though we cannot provide specific materials for artworks, the materials located in the scrap yard are free to be used by artists. This process will be supported by weekly online/video chat feedback sessions, individual portfolio reviews, and brainstorming sessions with our curator.
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. From 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, linocut, and letterpress printmaking. During the residency, artists will have access to this studio and his archive, as well as the outside areas that can be used for their creative practices.
Accommodation
Artists will have their own private room in a shared house with a large kitchen, 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.
Expectations towards the artist
Our residency is a place to experience new perspectives and acquire new references, by default we are expecting our residents to be open-minded, respectful towards others, and take part in our curatorial sessions regularly.
As our program is highly based on individual residents’ needs, we don’t require any formal outcomes from artists, such as finishing a project or having an artist talk. With that being said, we encourage artists to incorporate new mediums and disciplines into their practice, create and hold both public and private workshops regarding their practice - if it’s beneficial to their practice - and join other events that are organized by Finca Montemero.
Fees and support
This is an artist/curator-run residency. Sadly we do not have the funding to support artists financially at the moment. The fees are there to function as a residency, not to profit, which covers 40% of the total costs of participation in the program. €850 participation fee for one full month (4 weeks). This fee will go towards accommodation, utilities (Wi-Fi, gas/water/electricity, cleaning supplies, etc…), upkeep of the facilities and appliances, the studio, administrative tasks, and consultations. The fee also covers a pick-up and drop-up from Jaravia train station, San Juan de los Terreros, or Vera bus station. We also can provide you with bikes (limited) and snorkeling and diving equipment.
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 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.
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 fill out the application form, and send us a CV/Portfolio in PDF format, and a brief description of your practice.
The application is free of charge and should be completed in English. If you have questions please contact the program managers at montemeroartresidency@gmail.com. Please, read our Terms and Conditions before applying!