Writing / Literature Residencies in China

A4 Residency Art Center

Chengdu, China

The A4 Residency Art Center, based in Chengdu’s Luxelakes Eco-City, is an interdisciplinary and community-driven residency dedicated to fostering boundary-crossing creative practices. Since its foundation as part of the A4 Art Museum, it has supported artists, scientists, designers, and other thinkers from over 23 countries through deep, localized engagements. A4 emphasizes sustainability, transdisciplinarity, and co-creation with the public and community. The program offers artists studio and accommodation space, round-trip travel, production support, and access to a unique “Super Agent” system—local residents who help artists integrate culturally and socially. Residents are expected to engage with the community through public events, collaborative workshops, and open studios. The residency fosters experimental, interdisciplinary projects that examine the relationships between people, place, and culture. Each session ends with a major public event such as RE-CREATE Art Season or the RE-SALON Residency Forum. A4 is a hub for international creators seeking to blend artistic innovation with social relevance in China’s rapidly evolving urban and ecological context.

Swatch Art Peace Hotel

Shanghai, China

The Swatch Art Peace Hotel artist residency in Shanghai is a unique cultural initiative that combines artistic creation with the vibrant energy of the city. Established by Chema Alvargonzalez and supported by Memoria Artística Chema Alvargonzalez, it focuses on creative exchange among international artists. The residency is situated in a historic modernist-style building, fostering an inspiring environment for artists. The program invites a diverse range of contemporary artists, including dancers, musicians, photographers, filmmakers, and writers, to live and work in the heart of Shanghai. During their stay, artists contribute an artistic "trace," enriching the residency's legacy. The Swatch Art Peace Hotel embraces artistic freedom and encourages artists to explore new ideas and collaborations. This residency is known for its strong connection to the global art scene and its commitment to supporting artistic development in a dynamic urban setting.

WilderHaven

Chengdu, China

WilderHaven is an artist-founded initiative based in Southwest China that fosters cross-cultural dialogue and interdisciplinary creation in deeply immersive rural settings. Founded in 2024, it offers artist and writer residencies in the provinces of Sichuan, Yunnan, and Guizhou, engaging directly with the region’s diverse landscapes and minority cultures. The residency supports visual artists, writers, musicians, performers, and designers through flexible programs designed to bridge global practices with local traditions. With small cohorts and a balance of solitude and community, WilderHaven emphasizes experimentation, collaboration, and critical inquiry. Participants have access to studios, cultural excursions, and local engagement opportunities with ethnic Yi and Lisú communities. Group and pop-up exhibitions offer residents ways to showcase work locally and in major Chinese cities. Family-friendly accommodations, bilingual support, and curated events make it accessible to a broad range of creatives. The program is primarily self-funded but offers merit-based stipends to reduce participation costs for selected artists.