Can Serrat
The international residency program invites writers and contemporary artists from all over the world for residencies of short and mid-term durations. Can Serrat holds open calls throughout the year and chosen projects are selected by a jury. One full grant for each call modality and several partial stipends are available. There is also an option to apply for the ‘ongoing call’ at any point during the year, but bear in mind no grants or stipends are provided for this option.
The residency program supports writing and artistic production in process, offering time, space, individual and collective support, and a professional network since 1989. Monthly activities are organized to activate the individual projects in production and allow for connections amongst the residents, with the surroundings, and with locals: conversations, a book reading club, experimental translation exercises, visits to relevant spaces, a dinner open to the local community (summer time only), studio visits, and project presentations, to name a few. The organized activities reflect an interest in being present to process, research, question, doubt, understand, be curious, and debate.
Can Serrat would be a good fit for someone who is looking for a studio space in a rural environment and who is interested in community living, art/literary connections, collaborations, process, and slowness. Unlike other programs, there is no obligation to produce final work or set up an exhibition at the end of your stay. Despite this, most residents still do. That’s because residents are free to self-organize any other relevant activities. The staff may also organize or propose relevant impromptu activities based on the interests of the group.
As a live-work space, with many individuals and groups passing through throughout the year, Can Serrat experiments with sustainable ways for maintaining the household as well as being present for the work and content of everyone's practices. Part of the communal experience includes participating in the general cleaning of personal spaces as well as common areas.
They do not expect a finished product upon completion of the residency, although we do ask you to send a summary before leaving the residency). They don’t have the goal to organize shows in galleries. They do create a biennial digital catalogue that highlights work created during the residency time, which will be made available via download.
- An antique wine cellar, located on the ground floor, (260 m2) has been converted into a multi-use studio with facilities for printmaking and performance.
- 2 shared multi-use and inter-disciplinary studios (35 and 75 m2), all located on the first floor. During months of highest occupancy, please be aware that studio space will be limited (approx 15m2 per artist).
- Ample outdoor workspace (both covered and open).
- Manual printing press (80 cm wide), blankets, and a paper press. Various basic tools are available for use, but it is suggested that experienced printmakers bring their own tools. Basic printmaking knowledge is advisable as there is currently no studio technician. Please note the printmaking studio is NOT set up for acid etching.
- Equipment which can be used freely by all artists includes: easels, drawing boards,, projector, and various hand tools.
- Materials that must be brought or purchased locally are inks, plates, varnish, personal specific tools, paper, canvas, paints, brushes, etc.
Please share studio space and common materials according to occupancy and respect other artists’ privacy and creative process while working in the studios.
12 rustic and charming bedrooms of various sizes, for single, double, triple or quadruple accommodation. Linen and towels are provided upon arrival and residents can use the washing machine located in the bathroom area to wash their sheets, towels, and other personal items during their stay. It is expected that each individual clean their bedroom during their stay and before departure. A community bathroom with sinks, 3 private toilets, and two private showers are available on the ground floor, and cleaned on a weekly basis, as well as other common spaces like reception, living room, kitchen, etc. In addition to 1/week cleaning service, residents are expected to chip in with household chores. A base of food supplies is provided. Monthly deliveries of dry goods are made, as well as a weekly delivery of fresh fruits and vegetables. A communal dinner is prepared on Friday evenings and for all other personal items, a grocery store is within walking distance of the residency. There are a number of restaurants located in and near the village that offer lunch menus at very affordable prices. The residency kitchen has a microwave, toaster, water boiler, coffee machine, pots and pans for cooking, and plates and utensils.