Living with the Land

Eligibility

Eligible countries: No country restriction

Open to artists, writers and researchers of any discipline.

Open call 2027. Living with the Land Deadline: 30 Sep 2026 Country: Mexico Living with the Land is an international artist residency exploring the relationship between artistic practice, landscape, craftsmanship, and sustainable ways of living. Located in the mountains of Tapalpa, Jalisco, Mexico, Manchoza Art Residency hosts only one resident at a time, allowing each artist exclusive access to the accommodation, studios, and surrounding landscape. The residency emphasizes focused creative work, experimentation, and meaningful engagement with place. Rather than following a fixed program, each residency is developed collaboratively around the artist’s project and interests. Residents are encouraged to engage with the local environment, traditional crafts, and the rhythms of daily life while pursuing independent artistic research and production. Artists from all disciplines are welcome to apply. We particularly value thoughtful proposals, curiosity, openness to experimentation, and projects that resonate with the theme Living with the Land. Duration of residency 4–12 weeks Flexible residency periods between January and June 2027. Accommodation Residents are accommodated in a private, fully equipped guesthouse reserved exclusively for one artist at a time. The house includes a bedroom with a queen-size bed, a private bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, living area, Starlink high-speed internet, and outdoor terraces overlooking the surrounding forest. Located at approximately 2,100 metres (6,900 feet) above sea level in the mountains of Tapalpa, Jalisco, Mexico, the residency sits on a 4,000 m² property with access to indoor and outdoor studios, gardens, walking trails, and workshop facilities. Artists can enjoy complete privacy, uninterrupted working conditions, and exclusive use of both the accommodation and studios throughout their stay. The residency operates with solar energy, rainwater harvesting, composting systems, and ecological water management, offering artists the opportunity to experience sustainable living alongside their creative practice. Disciplines, work equipment and assistance Manchoza specializes in sculpture, particularly wood, ceramics, and bronze, while welcoming artists from a wide range of disciplines. Residents have access to: A fully equipped woodworking and sculpture workshop. A gas-fired ceramic kiln and workspace for hand-building and material experimentation. Professional tools for wood and clay sculpture. The opportunity to collaborate with a traditional bronze foundry in the nearby town of Tapalpa, suitable for sculptures up to approximately 30–40 cm. Private chainsaw sculpture workshops available upon request. For painters, the studio includes a large wall suitable for working on stretched canvases, adjustable lighting, and an outdoor covered terrace overlooking the forest that can also be used as a painting studio. For writers and researchers, Manchoza offers dedicated workspaces with two writing desks, quiet indoor areas, and two private outdoor terraces designed for reading, writing, and reflection. Disciplines Sculpture Installation Ceramics Painting Drawing Photography Writing Literature Architecture Design Research Interdisciplinary ArtsStudio / Workspace Flexible indoor and outdoor studios designed for focused artistic practice. Facilities include a fully equipped woodworking and sculpture workshop, ceramic studio with gas kiln, covered outdoor work areas, naturally lit painting spaces, adjustable lighting, and quiet workstations for writers and researchers. The surrounding gardens and forest provide opportunities for site-specific work, research, and experimentation.Fees and support MXN $22,000 per month (approximately USD $1,150, subject to exchange rate). The residency fee includes: Private accommodation (exclusive use of the guesthouse). Full access to all studios and workshop facilities. High-speed Starlink internet. Utilities (water, electricity, gas). Weekly housekeeping. Artistic guidance and project consultation. Connections with local artisans and craftspeople when relevant to the project. Access to the ceramic studio, woodworking workshop, and shared tools. Airport Pickup Trips for materials and supermakets Additional costs: Art materials. Bronze casting fees (paid directly to the foundry). aprox 750 dollars for 3 pieces. Chainsaw sculpture workshops (available upon request). Food, transportation, and travel expenses. Selected artists will receive an official invitation letter to support applications for external grants, funding opportunities, or visa processes when required. Expectations towards the artist Artists are expected to focus on the development of their proposed project and to actively engage with the residency environment. At the end of the residency, residents are invited to share their experience through an informal artist talk, open studio, presentation, or conversation about their work. This is encouraged but not mandatory. Workshops, community activities, or collaborative events may be proposed by the artist or the residency when appropriate and are always optional, unless otherwise agreed upon in advance. Residents are also expected to respect the shared values of the residency, including care for the natural environment, sustainable living practices, and consideration for the local community and surrounding wildlife. Application information please send the following information to [email protected] LA MANCHOZA — RESIDENCY APPLICATION —————————————- Full Name: Email Address: Website / Portfolio: Instagram (optional): Country of Residence: Artistic Discipline: What project would you like to develop during your residency?: Desired Residency Length: Preferred Dates: Allergies or dietary restrictions: Do you have medical insurance?: Will you be bringing family members?: Will you be bringing pets?: Do you require specialized equipment or technical support?: Anything else we should know?:

What to submit

Portfolio, Motivation letter

How to apply

Send full application form (name, contacts, portfolio, project proposal, preferred dates) by email to [email protected].