Arquetopia Foundation

My second residency at Arquetopia is winding to a close, and I'm reluctant to leave this beautiful place which has so critically impacted my practice. All of the discussions I had at Arquetopia were extremely thought-provoking. Artistically and philosophically, I found them to be the most important conversations I've had at any residency and immensely helpful in my understanding of myself and my work. My first residency was a year ago in Oaxaca (writing/research), and my second one (ending tomorrow) was in Puebla (ceramics), each a runaway success. The project support and cultural immersion components were stellar, especially during my second one. I recommend this residency program for artists who really want to learn from tremendous experts and scholars and not only those intending to produce substantial work.

I have been to Arquetopia Puebla twice and Arquetopia Cusco once. I worked on self-directed projects all three times, and every experience very bountiful in its own way. Part of the Arquetopia experience includes weekly meetings and readings meant to educate and engage participants and encourage thinking critically, however it is not a strict academic setting. No one will be judged if they tried but didn’t manage to complete the reading due to time restraints. Their residency may also include some planned outings which are quite informative, and I would also suggest exploring the surrounding location yourself or with fellow residents during weekends because there is so much worth seeing in those areas. I do recommend: reading their manual thoroughly beforehand, and learning some basic Spanish to be well prepared!

I had an incredible experience in residency with Arquetopia! I received a weekly syllabus that pushed and deepened my artistic praxis in new directions. I also had 24 hour access to studio space and complete freedom to create and explore at my own pace. In addition to the sense of satisfaction and connectedness my residency left me with, Arquetopia also served as the jumping off point for my career as an exhibiting artist globally! The exposure that I received through Arquetopia made it possible for me to show a solo exhibition at the Florence Biennale XIV, and put me on the radar of gallerists in Italy, London, and New York. Although the residency is decently expensive, and I would recommend planning to buy groceries for breakfast and lunch (dinner is provided), I felt the experience was beyond worth the cost!! Working with, and learning from the Arquetopia team has definitely pushed my practice in exciting directions.

Benefits, rigorous reading and lively and honest discussions. Readings were tailored to my interests and personal experience Challenges, as with any residency what to bring? Practical advice, go deep as you like! Great food, friendly small city. Costs and gains are entirely related to the kind of work when I exited. Travel was expensive , however the cost of the city, meals, etc., was more than reasonable