Residencia en la Selva

Two days of walking along a winding path through the dense Costa Rican jungle brings them to one of the world’s most isolated indigenous communities: The Cabécars in Alto Telire. Despacio’s newest uniquely tailored residency program is for artists excited by the opportunity to engage with the local community in a place that has been inhabited for centuries but rarely appears on a map.

Thoughts

Thoughts

If we want to establish new paths in the field of art, it is essential that artists seek inspiration in places far away from the old, ingrained patterns of thinking. It is only by questioning and rethinking established rules that artists have achieved innovation throughout history and have led us to where we are now.

Like many of the world’s most secluded places, contemporary art has no meaning in Alto Telire. There is no place for art as the rest of the world knows it in the everyday life of the Cabécars, nor is there a word for it in the local language.

Information

Information

Update April 14, 2017
The application period for the 2018 residencies will be announced on Instagram later in the year.

Update February 15, 2017
Ayami Awazuhara and Matthias Dolder’s returned from their ten day trip to the jungle. A selection of images have been published on Facebook.

Update November 18, 2016
Despacio is pleased to announce the successful applicants of the 2017 Jungle Residency are Berlin-based artist Ayami Awazuhara and Cali-based artist Matthias Dolder.

---

The application period for the 2017 residencies closed on September 1, 2016.

How to apply:

Record a short video with your smartphone telling us a little about your background and practice and explaining why you believe you should be a part of this once in a lifetime residency. If you have an opinion on how art can inspire reflection and understanding of global and social issues, share it as well. Email your video to sanjose@despacio.cr.

Requirements:

• In 2016, all residents must be fluent in Spanish (English is not spoken in the area). However, we are planning to open the residency up to non-Spanish-speaking artists in 2017.
• You must be able to walk for 4 days (8 hours per day). It is a two day journey to and from Alto Telire.
• You must be in good physical condition. The nearest doctor may be as far as 18 hours walking distance away.

What the residency includes:

• Airfare to and from San José, Costa Rica
• Lodging and a stipend in San José
• Travel to Limon by bus
• Travel from Limon to Vesta by private transport
• A guide to lead you you to and from Alto Telire
• Return private transport to Limon and bus to San José

The residency takes 6-14 days, depending on the availability of local guides. Please note that you may be asked to carry a certain amount of food or medicine for the community you are visiting.