Creative Writing Residencies in Portugal

Obras Portugal

Alentejo region, Portugal

Located in the picturesque Alentejo region of Portugal, OBRAS Portugal is set in a 200-year-old stone building, embodying the quintessential Portuguese Monte. Overlooking a savanna-like landscape with a medieval fortress on the horizon, this artist residency offers a tranquil and inspiring setting. The residency consists of a main house with several apartments and workspaces, two cottages, four artists' studios, various open-air working places, and a swimming pool. The main house, Casa Principal, features seven apartments, a music room, and a meeting room, each designed to provide comfort and facilitate creativity. Casa Miradouro and Casa Vicente, the cottages, offer additional living and working space, boasting stunning views and terraces. Artists also have access to multiple studios, including a big hall for larger projects and performances. OBRAS Portugal provides a unique environment for artistic exploration, offering spaces for both solitude and interaction. From land art creations in the surrounding nature to shared dinners and open atelier events, the residency nurtures both the individual artistic process and community engagement. Its proximity to natural landscapes and historical sites, coupled with a range of artistic facilities, makes it an ideal destination for artists seeking a blend of cultural richness and creative freedom.

Zaratan

Lisbon, Portugal

Zaratan AIR offers a multidisciplinary residency in Lisbon for emerging and professional artists, curators, and writers, targeting both international and Portuguese artists living abroad. The program, lasting 4 to 12 weeks, accommodates two artists at a time, fostering an experimental and collaborative environment. Residents are provided with private accommodation, a personal studio, and receive technical and promotional support, though specific technical facilities are not available. Regular interaction with Zaratan's curatorial team is encouraged, along with public presentations of their work. The application process is ongoing, with a selection committee evaluating submissions. The residency, operated on a not-for-profit basis by Zaratan gallery, requires a fee that covers accommodation, studio, and support, with artists often securing funding from their home countries.