Fundación Casa Wabi and ArtReview are pleased to announce the ninth iteration of our open-call residency prize for three artists interested in cultural cross-fertilization and wishing to enter into a creative dialogue with members of one of the communities around Casa Wabi in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca (México).
Fundación Casa Wabi is a non-profit organization established in 2014 with the aim of promoting social development and international cultural exchange through the arts. The name Casa Wabi originates in wabi sabi, the Japanese aesthetic worldview that seeks wisdom and beauty in simplicity, imperfection, and the transience of nature. Our residency, exhibition, and other programs seek to create social connections with reciprocal, mutually beneficial cultural cross-pollination as their goal.
Casa Wabi is located on the Pacific coast 30 minutes north of Puerto Escondido airport. Situated right on the beach, the main facility was designed by the Japanese architect Tadao Ando at the invitation of founder, Mexican artist Bosco Sodi. Facilities include an open-air, multipurpose palapa, six independent bungalows, six open ,and two closed, studios, and various other work areas that collectively create the ideal setting in which to recharge one’s energy amongst other artists.
Over more than a decade since its opening, the Foundation has continued to expand its 65-acre grounds through significant architectural and artistic contributions, including permanent installations by established artists and pavilions designed by leading contemporary architects.
For more information about the residency program, including a selection of successful community projects, please visit the completely revised and updated residency section of our website.
Who can apply?
Applications are welcome from all artists from any discipline, regardless of background, age, nationality, or stage of career.
Collaborative applications are welcome; however collectives must consist of no more than two members. Applicants must demonstrate an established history of working collaboratively as an integral part of their practice.
When will the residency be?
Residencies will take place in 2027, with specific dates to be coordinated between the selected artists and Casa Wabi.
How long is the residency?
The residency lasts approximately five to six weeks, depending on the selected period. Once selected, residents will coordinate with the Casa Wabi team to determine the most suitable dates for their stay in 2027. Residencies are scheduled within specific timeframes and take place alongside other artists, so participants are expected to be present for the full agreed period.
Are there any specific requirements for the residency?
Every resident is required to propose, develop, and carry out a community project during the residency period. These projects are approached through a reciprocal exchange with the local community. Please visit our website for a comprehensive overview of how these work. Please note that the proposed project may be refined or adjusted following selection, in collaboration with Casa Wabi’s team.
Casa Wabi is not a production-based residency; however, residents are provided with access to a studio space throughout their stay. At the end of the residency, all participants are asked to leave what we call a “Log” or “Bitácora”—a piece that reflects their time spent there. This becomes part of Casa Wabi’s archive and can take any form, such as a video, song, photograph, painting, sculpture, or any work that represents both their practice and their time during the residency.
Where can I find information about past artist residents and previous community projects?
Details of past artist residencies can be found here.
What is the application schedule?
Applications Open: May 11
Applications Deadline: June 14
Winners Notified: July 27
Public Announcement: July 31
What form should my application take?
Applications must be submitted as a single PDF file (under 25 MB) and should include the following:
- A brief proposal, in English or Spanish, for a reciprocal project to be completed in a community surrounding Casa Wabi.
- Up to 5 images that summarize your artistic practice. For video artists or filmmakers, up to 5 links to video work may be included within the application.
- Your CV (maximum 2 pages).*Applications sent in a different format or in multiple files will not be considered.*The application platform does not generate a confirmation email upon submission. However, selected applicants will be notified directly via email.How will the winners be chosen?Applicants will be evaluated on the overall quality of their work, their resonance with Casa Wabi’s ethos, and the potential of their proposed community project. The selection is made by a board composed of a selection committee from Casa Wabi and Art Review.
What does the residency prize include?
- Local flight from Mexico City to Puerto Escondido. (Artists are responsible for their international airfare or other transportation to Mexico City.)
- A private bungalow with a bathroom, studio space, and three meals per day.
- Project support for the resident’s community project, subject to prior approval by Casa Wabi.
Where should my application be submitted?
Apply here.
*The application platform does not generate a confirmation email upon submission. However, selected applicants will be notified directly via email.
Past Winners
First edition (2017): Marita Fraser (Australia) , Dexter Dalwood (U.K.)
Second edition (2019): Cooking Sections (Alon Schwabe, U.K. and Daniel Fernández Pascual, Spain); Michael Mieskes (Germany) and Marco Miehling (Germany); Luján Candria (Argentina); Carlos Irijalba (Spain); Laura Gorsky (Brazil) and Renata Cruz (Brazil); Aldo Álvarez Tostado (Mexico)
Third edition (2020): Mónica Naranjo Uribe (Germany)
Fourth edition (2021–22): Félix Blume (France), Rachel Garrard (U.K.), Eduardo Loaeza (Mexico)
Fifth edition (2022–23): Dolores Furtado (Argentina), Melania Toma (Italy)
Sixth edition (2023–24): Rafael Munarriz (Argentina), Nathalie Ventura (Brazil), Carles Tarrassó (Spain)
Seventh edition (2024–25): Saba Khan (Pakistan), Daniel Melo Morales (United States), Tomas Kleiner (Sweden)
Eighth edition (2025–26): Andrea Canepa (Peru), Elaine Grainger (Ireland), Li-Hui Chen (Taiwan)
