RESIDENCY PROGRAM
At El Sur, we provide visiting artists with living and working spaces in an international setting, offering a unique blend of support, collaboration, and inspiration. Each group is composed of up to six artists-in-residence, who receive continuous assistance and support from our experienced staff. We are dedicated to fostering a collaborative atmosphere that encourages the exchange of ideas through a rich array of activities.This bustling schedule is designed to immerse residents fully in the artistic and cultural exchange that El Sur prides itself on.
Residents are welcome to showcase their work in a solo exhibition, and many have established professional collaborations and networks during their stay, further enhancing the value of their residency experience. However, it's important to note that the abundance of organized activities means residents' schedules are quite full. This intensive engagement is integral to the residency's aim to provide a source of inspiration, productivity, and significant enhancement to our residents' artistic practice.
In light of the busy schedule and the unique opportunities for professional and artistic development that El Sur offers, we advise incoming residents to consider arriving in Mexico City a week early. This extra time allows for personal exploration of the city and engagement in tourist activities. Planning for this additional time before the start of the residency ensures that artists can focus on their artistic development during their time at El Sur.
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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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, 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 two 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 and 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 various members of our team, including our coordinator and concept development guide, who will provide technical and conceptual guidance for the successful realization of their projects. Additionally, we invite a guest from the local art scene for a studio visit to offer feedback and input. These sessions serve as platforms to discuss their artistic endeavors and prepare for the upcoming solo exhibition.
EXHIBITIONS
At the culmination of our program, we transform our studios into exhibition spaces, and residents are invited to present their work in a solo show that will open on the final Saturday of the program and will remain on display for a couple of days.
ACCOMODATIONS
We offer six different types of accommodation: four bedrooms in the main house, a small private house, and a small private apartment. All accommodations 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.
Main house:
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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.
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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.
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La Casita is a private house that can accommodate up to 4 people. Artist duos, collectives, companions, and family members are welcome to stay for the entire duration of the program at no extra cost. The bedroom features a king-size bed, and the living room is equipped with a sofa bed.
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El Departamento is a private small apartment that can accommodate up to 2 people. Artist duos, collectives, companions, and family members are welcome to stay for the entire duration of the program at no extra cost. The bedroom features a full-size bed and is equipped with a small kitchenette. Guests may use the kitchen, living room, and laundry room in the main house.
