Mirante Xique-Xique (MXX)

Benefits: the residency program provides an excellent opportunity to be connected with the natural environment around the house. We can be free to walk, draw and paint directly in a wonderful landscape. The mentors provide their help and opinions, but let the artists free to create whatever we are into. The spaces we have to read and draw aren't so comfortable. During the day it's good, but when there's no sunlight, the artificial illumination is not enough. The tables and chairs could be more adequate too. But in the end, the full experience is so overwhelming, that it worth the pity to have some backache.

The residency was very rewarding. Their framework is to provide an environment for research and engagement with the location and community. Their proposal does not encompass studios and equipment, materials or funds for creating artwork on site. This residency is perfect for artists interested in the relation of their research and the environment, history, community, etcetera. Its a unique place and experience. The artists who created Mirante Xique-xique help every artist integrate each individual research to their own conception of the residency in a very organic way.

Denis and Leo are amazing. The food, nature, peace and colors, everything was beautiful.

It’s hard to rate MXX residency program based on a scale, because when immersed in Igatu life just happens and the boundaries between living and producing kind of makes no sense. Living in Igatu for the residency allows us to think about the role of art in our lives and experience other ways of existence. Igatu is a place where all boundaries get mixed up, and that’s the beauty of it. Although it’s not easy to get to MXX (airplane, bus and taxi, in my case), it’s worth the effort. The Chapada Diamantina and its surroundings are gorgeous, both in terms of culture and nature.