Convento São Francisco de Mértola
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
Visual artists, writers, filmmakers and musicians, and those working in related cultural fields.
All applicants must forward a cover letter and a curriculum vitae by E-mail or regular mail, outlining (if applicable) their past experience - publications, exhibitions etc. (All applicants may be requested to forward copies of a selection of previous works.)
Do I need to have a specific project in mind?
A specific project is not required but we would like to see an outline/general plan of your ideas and intentions. We hope that being at the Convento will inspire the artist to work in different ways.
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 works during their stay.
We accept applications in English, Portuguese, Dutch, Spanish, German and French.
Do you require letters of recommendation?
No.
How long will does the application take?
The application process will take a maximum of 1 month.
Do you offer any sort of financial aid?
The Convento is a small independent, not-for-profit organisation. Many of our residents have received grants from their local arts councils or funding from their native country.
How long do people normally stay for?
It depends on the project but the average time is two months. There is a minimum stay of two weeks and a maximum stay of three months. Longer periods can be agreed on. For residencies shorter than two weeks other rates apply.
What kind of accommodation do I get?
Please look at the accommodation section. We offer a variety of sleeping options at various prices, depending on the needs and choice of the resident.
How much of the grounds can be used?
The Convento has 40 hectares of garden, rivers and woodland. This can be used for work, inspiration and meditation. Some areas are closed during breeding times for birds. We encourage guests to not only use the studio spaces but also to use the rest of the Convento.
Can I have visitors to stay?
Visitors can stay for a small extra charge, but they must respect other resident’s need for a calm and tranquil environment in which to work.
What is the best time of year to come?
The Alentejo has beautiful weather all year round but temperatures at night in the winter can fall below zero. The best months are from March to June and September to December.
Is there heating in winter?
All studios have a wood burner; wood for the burner can be bought in sacks at a small extra cost. The winter period in Portugal isn’t long (about three months) and is a beautiful time to stay.
Does the cost include bills for gas and electricity?
Yes, but in winter gas bottles are paid for by the resident at a small extra cost.
Where can I hire a car?
Cars can be hired from Faro and Lisbon on arrival or from the town of Beja, a short bus ride away.
Is the Convento easily accessible?
The beauty of the Convento is that it's situated in a quiet, unspoilt area of Portugal. There are daily bus links which link the town to Lisbon (240km), Beja (50km) and the south coast (the Algarve; 70km).
Are there towels and linen provided?
Yes.
Are mosquito nets provided?
Yes, though we don’t have many mosquitoes in the area.
Is there a kitchen?
The studios have their own kitchens and/or a shared kitchen is available.
Are pots and pans provided?
Yes, all the kitchens have basic utensils.
Where can I buy food?
In Mertola there are grocery shops, market and several small supermarkets. There are plenty of cash machines.
Can I have dinner?
Normally residents self cater as they have their own kitchen. On request, dinners may be prepared (cost 12,50 Euro; one day's notice required). For groups of musicians or other groups, special catering arrangements can be made.
How many artists are usually resident at one time?
It depends on the time of year and other factors. If a resident stays for a few months then they may experience quiet peaceful times interspersed with busier times. The
Convento is a sociable place, but also offers a quiet refuge in which to work.
Is there internet access?
Yes, there is one communal computer available for internet access. The studios have internet and Wi-fi is available for those with portable laptops.
Where can I buy art materials?
Some basic standard materials can be bought in local shops and in Beja there is a good art shop supplying most materials. We encourage artists to use materials found in the garden and local shops and advise artists to bring materials with them.
Can I exhibit at the Convento?
Yes, we hold exhibitions in the chapel gallery and the gardens but this must be requested when the resident arrives.
What else is there to do?
There is plenty to do in the area and, with good bus links to the rest of the Alentejo region, you can access many sites of interest. Mertola itself boasts several small and fascinating museums, plus there's canoeing, hiking, boat trips and a laid back nightlife at the local bars. There are many restaurants we can recommend during your stay.
See the section on'Things to Do and See' (having said that, in our experience, despite their good intentions to travel beyond Mertola, many people do not end up venturing beyond the Convento. Indeed, there is enough to experience here - physically, emotionally, spiritually, creatively and intellectually - without needing to venture further!)
Contact us at info@conventomertola.com or by filling in the form below.
