Guatemalan Artist Residency | Black Sand Beaches

Organizer

Studio Luce

Guatemalan Artist Residency | Black Sand Beaches Deadline: 01 Mar 2027 Country: Guatemala Studio Luce invites writers, academics, and artists of all disciplines to Villa Rosa—a premier four-bedroom villa and creative studio with a private pool, situated just steps from the iconic black sand beach of El Paredón. Here, residents enjoy full access to tailored creative spaces, from a dedicated art studio to private writing desks, designed to inspire your next project. We boast a distinguished alumni network, including a PEN America/Robert W. Bingham Prize winner, literary press directors, and award-winning filmmakers and activists. Our mission is to bridge international talent with Guatemala’s rich cultural landscape, building a lasting creative community both locally and nationally. Founded by author Ben Davies Crisp, Dr. Katie Gaddini, and artist Carlin Francis, Studio Luce is a proud registered AIR member of Res Artis. Duration of residency The residency last for 12 nights. Accommodation During your stay, you will be in Villa Rosa. It is beautiful villa, inspired by the colonial architecture of Antigua, yet with a modern, beach influenced twist. It offers a spa-like retreat in a hidden corner of El Paredón. It has three beautiful bedrooms that all look out on to the pool and the palm trees beyond. It offers an open plan kitchen and lounge area full of artistic touches. It is home to a writing/art studio for guests to use or work remotely from. In 2014 a library was built in El Paredón by local non-profit La Choza Chula. Staying at Villa Rosa/Studio Luce enables us to pay $500 monthly to the librarian Mhajo, to pay her and her assistant’s salary. This enables the library to continue it’s full education programme, working with the primary school in the mornings and providing education opportunities in the afternoon when the school is closed. Disciplines, work equipment and assistance Studio Luce welcomes creatives from all disciplines—including writers, visual artists, filmmakers, musicians, and academics—to find inspiration at our Villa Rosa sanctuary. While residents must bring their own specialized art supplies, tools, and technical equipment to suit their specific craft, our team is fully dedicated to assisting you with daily logistics, travel coordination, and local arrangements to ensure a seamless and distraction-free stay.Studio / Workspace Studio Luce offers several peaceful, inspiring areas to create throughout the property: Our newly built studio features two large desks and a cozy reading nook—ideal for sketching, digital work, or planning. Every bedroom is en-suite and includes a private desk.Fees and support High Season (April & Oct) | 13 Nights General (International): $1,400 Guatemalans, Central Americans, Mexicans & Diaspora: $1,100 Low Season (June & Aug) | 13 Nights General (International): $1,200 Guatemalans, Central Americans, Mexicans & Diaspora: $900 To secure your spot, a 25% deposit is required upon confirmation of attendance. The remaining balance is due two months before the start of the program. Please note that deposits are non-refundable, and residency dates cannot be transferred. Expectations towards the artist Studio Luce is a self-funded, self-directed residency. We give artists and writers the freedom to manage their own schedules, trusting them to use their time as they see fit. We believe artists know how they work best, and our role is to support that. This is a very hands-off residency where you, as the creative, determine how best to use your time. Application information Apply here: https://www.studioluceguatemala.com/applicationsFind out more here: https://www.studioluceguatemala.com/

Eligibility

Eligible countries: No country restriction

Open to writers, academics and artists of all disciplines