Convento São Francisco de Mértola
Artist-in-residence
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.
Selected Artists may be at different stages in their careers, but must be self-sufficient and mature enough to manage the experience of living in a new environment.
Some recent artists and the work they did:
Freya Pocklington (UK), Jarred Alterman (USA), Sytske Kok (NL),Harriet van Reek (NL), Helena Aikin(ESP),Barbara van Ittersum, Tita Aaftink(NL), Rithika Merchant(IND) Elisabeth Ochsenfeld(DE), John Labovitz (US)
The self-sufficient studios specially designed and built by Christiaan Zwanikken are housed in the old stables, which overlook the beautiful gardens and hills beyond.
We offer a quiet cottage away from the main building for those in need of a place to work undisturbed
We can provide for each resident’s individual needs and there are large spaces in which to work.
Residencies can be two weeks to two months, longer periods can be agreed on.
The selection committee chooses artists on the basis of artistic criteria.
The artist in residence programme offers:
Individual Studio space, kitchen, bathroom and sleeping area.
The grounds of the Convento to produce and exhibit work.
Studio with wood stove / cool in summer.
Computer and wired internet connection.
Workshop facilities and tools.
The opportunity to meet and network with other artists
If requested, to hold workshops with local residents
The Cost depends upon requirements; the fee for an artist-in-residence is normally €165 per week / €600 per month. Breakfast and a main meal can be provided for a small extra cost.
The Convento is situated in the Alentejo region of Portugal. This beautiful area is remote but accessible by bus and taxi. A daily express bus runs from Lisbon to Mertola and from Faro airport there is a car service on request.
See also the Frequently Asked Questions page
Contact us at info@conventomertola.com or by filling in the form below.
