Founded:
1999
Duration:
From 1 week to 3 months. Longer periods can be agreed on.
Paid by host:

Individual Studio space, kitchen, bathroom and sleeping area, the grounds of the Convento to produce and exhibit work, heated studios in winter/ cool in summer, computer and Internet connection, workshop facilities, the possibility to hold workshops with local residents.

Paid by artist:

Vary depending on season
1 week: one person €350 / two persons (shared studio) €525
2 weeks: one person €450 / two persons (shared studio) €675
3 weeks: one person €550 / two persons (shared studio) €825
4 weeks: one person €650 / two persons (shared studio) €975

Participants do not need to plan their stay in exact weeks and one can choose their own arrival and departure days (depending on availability).

Application guidelines:

All applicants may be requested to forward copies of a selection of previous works.
While preference will be given to those who have proven experience in their artistic fields, we also are willing to consider proposals from enthusiastic, creative types who will undertake original projects or works during their stay. Applications are accepted in English, Portuguese, Dutch, Spanish, German and French.

Deadline:
ongoing
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Convento Sâo Francisco

Convento Sâo Francisco

Description

The residency programme at the Convento offers artists, designers, writers and musicians from all over the world, the opportunity to create work in an atmosphere of supportive creativity. Artists can use the Convento as a retreat but the energy created at the Convento owes itself to the mixture of people working in different disciplines coming together, in order to experiment and produce (a new body of) art. The grounds of the Convento can be used to produce and exhibit work. The grounds of the Convento (40 hectares) include: the biological gardens, woodlands, river, bird sanctuary and Water Museum.

Studio Information

The self-sufficient studios are housed in the old stables, which overlook the gardens and hills beyond. They offer a quiet cottage away from the main building for those in need of a place to work undisturbed.

Accommodation Information

Accommodation in studios, apartments and cottage (check website for details)

Technical Information
  • Individual studio space, kitchen, bathroom and sleeping area.
  • Monastery’s Church and meditation chapel for performance arts and music making.
  • The grounds of the Convento to produce and exhibit work.
  • Small library.
  • Communal internet access point.
  • Workshop facilities and tools.
  • If requested, to hold workshops with local residents.
Location

The little town Mértola is located next to the river Guadiana. From the top of the town you can see the Convento Sao Francisco. While the nearby town can provide basic necessities of food (shops, restaurants, cafes, bars), the Convento is a quiet place for individuals to “re-tune” and meditate.The Chapel is turned into a gueststudio and exhibition space. The organic garden is also a sculpture park for the public and consists of 40 hectare. By plane is the best connection through Lisboa and the express busline which arrives at Mértola at 9.00 PM. The Convent is reachable by a little walk, or a taxi for the luggage. From Faro Airport there are no busses going to Mértola. Order a taxi from Mértola, costs are US$ 54 and takes about 2 hours.

Contact information

Convento Sao Francisco
7750 Mértola
Portugal

Email
info [at] conventomertola.com
Phone
+351 2 86 612119
Website
http://www.conventomertola.com