RESIDENCY PROGRAM
At El Sur, we offer visiting artists a living and working space in an international setting. Each group consists of five artists-in-residence, who will receive continuous assistance and support from our experienced staff. We foster a collaborative atmosphere that encourages the exchange of ideas through various activities. Moreover, residents are welcome to showcase their work in a solo exhibition. Many have established professional collaborations and networks during their stay. A residency at El Sur can be a source of inspiration, productivity, and a significant enhancement to our residents' artistic practice.
Our program, created by artists for artists, includes:
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Private studio space
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Logistical and technical support from El Sur staff to successfully realize projects
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Weekly visits to galleries, museums, studio tours or other art-related activities
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Project feedback and guidance from our team
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Studio visits and feedback from guest members of Mexico City's art scene
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Solo exhibition with an opening reception
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Photographs of the exhibition
RESIDENCY ACTIVITIES
The day following the arrival date, we host a welcome breakfast or lunch, succeeded by an introductory meeting. During this meeting, we cover the Residents Manual, the Activities Calendar, and conduct a question and answer session. Following the group meeting, each resident is allocated one-on-one time with our coordinator to discuss their projects and individual requirements.
EXCURSIONS
Every week, we organize excursions to explore some of our cherished locations within the southern part of the City. Different members of our team will host these outings so they can experience the city through different eyes. The tours include: pick up and drop off to the residency and entrance tickets. Some of our favorite destinations are:
Tlacuilo: The private library of artist Pedro Reyes. Residents will have time to consult the books and borrow them for research for their projects.
Las Trajineras. We get together with the Casa Lü residents for a fun 3 hours boat ride in the beautiful canals of Xochimilco. We bring drinks, snacks, and our speaker and microphone always end up being used for singing along in a fun karaoke session.
The museums showcasing the unique homes, art & studios of artists' Rivera & Kahlo: Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo, Frida Kahlo Museum and Anahuacalli Museum.
Espacio Escultórico: sculpture park at the UNAM University.
Torre de los Vientos from Uruguayan artist Gonzalo Fonseca. Unlike the other sculptures that make up the "Ruta de la amistad", this is an habitable sculpture and we take our residents to see the unique inside.
Pyramid of Cuicuilco. The circular ruin is at the heart of what’s believed to be the oldest city in the Valley of Mexico and was built by a civilization that to this day remains a mystery.
The outings may encompass other museums, galleries, and artists' studios and they may vary depending on the availability of the visiting places, but we can assure that our residents will have an amazing time no matter which outings they experience.
MEETINGS
Once a week, residents meet with different members of our team; our coordinator, concept development guide and exhibition coordinator, who will guide them, technically and conceptually, for the successful realization of their projects. Additionally, we invite a special guest for a studio visit to provide feedback and input. These sessions serve as platforms to discuss their artistic endeavors and prepare for the upcoming solo exhibition.
OPEN STUDIO
At the culmination of our 3 WEEKS PROGRAM we host an Open Studio event, offering an opportunity for the public to connect with our residents and their artwork. Each resident presents their work, followed by a feedback session involving guests and members of Mexico City's art scene. This initiative aims to stimulate dialogue and constructive critique concerning the creative process and concepts behind the residents' projects.
EXHIBITIONS
At the culmination of our 4 WEEKS PROGRAM, we organize a solo show for each one of our residents, our objective is to promote a deeper engagement and exchange between the resident artists and the local community.
Starting in 2024, all of our programs will last for 26 days, and all residents will be invited to present their work in a solo show at the end of their stay.
ACCOMODATIONS
We accommodate five residents at a time: four in the main house and one in La Casita. Both houses feature art studios, fully equipped kitchens, dining rooms, TV rooms, laundry facilities, and all bedrooms are equipped with ensuite bathrooms. Linens and towels are provided.
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La Casita is a private house that can accommodate up to 4 people. The bedroom features a king-size bed, and the living room is equipped with a sofa bed. Artist duos, collectives, companions, and family members are welcome to stay for the entire duration of the program at no extra cost.
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Accommodation A is the largest bedroom in the house (30m2), featuring a King-size bed, a sofa bed, and a TV. The private studio and exhibition space (24m2) are connected via a private path and include their own functional fireplace. Artist duos or companions may stay for up to 7 nights free of charge, or for the entire program duration at an additional cost of 300 USD.
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Accommodation B is one of our two medium-sized bedrooms (23m2), featuring a full-size bed and a private bathroom with a bathtub. The private studio and exhibition space (22m2) boast the largest windows and offer one of the most picturesque views of the garden.
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Accommodation C is the other medium-sized bedroom (23m2) furnished with a full-size bed and a private bathroom. The private studio and exhibition space (30m2) boast its own operational fireplace.
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Accommodation D is the smallest bedroom in the house (19m2), featuring a full-size bed and a private bathroom. The private studio and exhibition space (15m2) has the most blank walls.
