The new 360 XOCHI QUETZAL artist residency is located in Chapala, Mexico on the shores of the largest lake in Mexico where the perfect year-round climate and stunning lake and mountain views have long established the region as an international artist mecca. Visual artists, musicians and writers will be inspired by the natural beauty, history and culture of this special part of central Mexico. Chapala is located 25 minutes from an international airport and 45 minutes from Guadalajara, one of the largest cities in Mexico boasting abundant cultural resources: museums, galleries, theatre and artist supplies. Xochi Quetzal is the Aztec goddess of creativity and fertility and protector of artisans. She is sure to inspire you during your stay!
STUDIO: There is a large work table and a 16 ft long x 8 ft high work wall. The adjoining bathroom doubles as a cleaning area. The studio also has a desk and there is free wi-fi. Plein air painters, writers and artists who draw have endless access to warm, outdoor beauty. There is a spinet piano downstairs for musicians.
LIVING: We offer a beautiful home with kitchen and living room downstairs and your bedroom and a spacious studio upstairs. There are also 2.5 bathrooms. You will also have free local phone service. International calls can be made via skype.
FUN: You are walking distance to a park with a running track, pool, tennis courts and walking trails. You are also 5 minutes from the malecon, a park-like promenade that runs along the lake for a mile. The lake is surrounded by hundreds of mountains and you will enjoy spectacular sunsets almost every night. The weather is sunny 300 days a year and temps average in the 70s. Other activities include hiking, dancing and thermal springs.
COMMUNITY: Chapala and nearby Ajijic have dozens of cafes and galleries, art openings, and hundreds of artists to connect or study with. Everything you need is within walking distance and our bus service is frequent and inexpensive. This is a safe place to live and work and the house is secure.
FEES: This is a free one-month residency. Your residency offers you free wi-fi, local phone service, weekly maid service, a food stipend of $1,000 pesos and all utilities. You will only be responsible for your food, laundry, local transportation and entertainment. You are responsible for your travel to and from the Guadalajara International airport, which is just 25 minutes from Chapala. We can arrange for someone to pick you up and take you to the airport.
MISC: Although speaking a little Spanish will make your time here more culturally integrated, you do not have to speak the language to get around and get what you need. Food is inexpensive here in Mexico, typically costing about $20/week US. Eating out is quite affordable with meals costing $3 - 10 US. You are just a 5 minute walk from stores and restaurants.
HOUSE RULES: Your spouse/significant other is welcome to join you. Your children, guests and pets are not permitted (there are many bed and breakfasts nearby for visitors). Smoking and firearms are expressly prohibited.
ELIGIBILITY: We base our selections on artists who demonstrate artistic accomplishment, a well-conceived residency project, indication that this residency will make a significant impact and evidence of the self-reliance required for a residency in the developing world. National and international artists, writers and new media creatives over the age of 25 are welcome to apply.
RESIDENCY DATES: Our next free one-month residency will begin May 1, 2013 and continue through May 31, 2013. Our next residencies will be in October 1 - 31, 2013 and December 21, 2013 - January 20, 2014. There is some flexibility with the dates.
APPLICATION: Our on-line application will be available on CAFÉ by October 15th. Our application fee is $36.00 and there are discounts for members of various artist organizations as well as a $12 discount for artists who are re-applying. Please familiarize yourself with CAFE which is a great website with many other artist listings https://www.callforentry.org/
DEADLINE AND NOTIFICATION: Applications through CAFÉ will be accepted now through March 16, 2013. Applicants will be notified no later than April 1, 2013.
NON-DISCRIMINATION: 360 Xochi Quetzal encourages applications from artists of all backgrounds and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, HIV status, marital status, disability, or veteran status.
For more information, please write to us at residency@deborahkruger.com
