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Mexican Textiles Instructional Residency: Tapestry. All Sessions in 2018. Arquetopia Oaxaca, Mexico

Type: Residencies, Workshops, Exchanges [View all]
Posted by: Arquetopia Foundation and International Artist Residency, Mexico and Peru
Deadline: Sun, February 11th, 2018

With master instruction, learn to create traditional Mexican Tapestry in the Oaxaca countryside.

With master instruction, learn to create traditional Mexican tapestry in the countryside of Oaxaca, southern Mexico. Extendable 4-week sessions during 2018.

APPLY NOW: Fee reduction possible. Spaces are limited. Our selection committee evaluates all residency applications when they are received vs. after the deadline has passed.

http://www.arquetopia.org/our-artist-residencies/instructional/mexican-textiles-residencies

MEXICAN TEXTILES INSTRUCTIONAL ARTIST RESIDENCY: TAPESTRY
Mexican textiles are the expression of Mexico’s diversity and complex sociocultural systems; through their narratives, iconographies, and techniques, they reflect a multiplicity of artistic traditions and identities. Clothing in Mexico signals wealth and power, they incorporate elements of class and gender differentiation in the process of performing and negotiating identities. Therefore, the intricate language of textiles reflects a history of contention and resistance as a result of the amalgamation and negotiation of Mesoamerican and European civilizations.

Textiles are also sources of information for the cultural patrimony of each community. Both weaving and embroidery are techniques used to develop complex narratives, and are important ideologically in structuring roles and identity patterns. In Oaxaca, the diversity of textiles is as rich as the natural environment. Each weave and embroidery has had a destiny, and with the complex process of assimilation and negotiation, some have disappeared or have suffered gradual or radical transformation; other have become more sophisticated in their narratives, techniques and/or coloring.

This is a production residency that includes master instruction (36 hours total, 9 hours per week) in Mexican textiles techniques. Residents learn how to use the traditional large floor loom and basic, larger-scale weaving techniques. Residents wishing to do multiple techniques may apply for consecutive residencies.

With three separate programs to choose from, Mexican Traditional Weaving, Oaxacan Embroidery, or Mexican Tapestry, artists join an integral program in which they learn the technique, approach iconography and traditional textile production systems with more resources, and get a better understanding of Mexican culture.

OUR ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAMS
Our Artist-in-Residence Programs offer competitive professional opportunities for emerging and mid-career, national and international artists, designers, curators, art historians, art educators, journalists, writers, and cultural researchers age 22 and over. Our programs are based on a non-exploitative model promoting social consciousness. Residents are strongly encouraged to explore various ways of cultural exchange as part of their artistic and/or research goals and to actively engage in critical discussions as part of their residency experience. Understanding Mexico’s context is key for a successful cultural exchange. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and disciplines who are interested in creating work or inspired by art, elements, techniques or processes specific to Mexico and/or unique to Puebla or Oaxaca.

Arquetopia is distinguished worldwide for its array of unique residency programs with substantial content. In contrast to various property rental schemes, tourist resorts, B&B’s, and sublets elsewhere, our residency spaces function exclusively for productive art professionals, writers, and researchers and include structured, informative programs; a network of collaborative workspaces, institutions, and studios; and individualized project support.

RESIDENCY GUIDELINES

Selection decisions are based on artistic work and proposed project. Candidates at all stages of their careers (emerging and established) must demonstrate a clear sense of potential. Our pool of applicants and residents is diverse in all aspects. Our residency programs are competitive opportunities for artists and researchers to pursue their own work, free of pressure (especially work that in their particular circumstances would normally be difficult to produce). Selection priority is given to projects that explore a responsible connection between the applicant’s artistic practice and the cultural context of Mexico, of Puebla, or of Oaxaca. The connection can be as broad as an artistic technique or as specific as a local theme The creation of community with fellow residents and staff during the residency period is important.

 

ARQUETOPIA
Founded in 2009, Arquetopia is an internationally established, award-winning nonprofit arts and cultural foundation with a social scope that emphasizes critical thinking through artistic practices. Our Artist-in-Residence Programs are the largest and most reputable in Mexico and Latin America, with an array of contents anchored in a solid structure of collaborations with prominent cultural institutions, renowned experts, and notable artists.

We are invested in approaching art and art history with a critical perspective by understanding Mexico’s complexity in context and incorporating nuances in narratives and interpretation of its 3,000-year heritage of visual culture. Since its founding, Arquetopia has raised the bar in the residency field, becoming a reference to every residency program in Mexico and influencing most of them in approaching artmaking with more rigorous practices, critical perspectives, and high standards.

ARQUETOPIA OAXACA 
In contributing to a more focused environmental consciousness and renewing our commitment to sustainability and nature, we honor Oaxaca’s traditions by incorporating into our residency a deeper comprehension of how art and the surrounding ecosystem coexist harmonically. Arquetopia’s residency spaces continue to be open for dialogue, exchanges, and encounters while emphasizing our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint, reusing materials, and recycling waste.

Our alpine-style villa hosts up to four artists at a time, with sweeping mountain and city views from the artist rooms. In this countryside space, the intersection of art and nature set the tone for reflection, research and production. We welcome writers who are interested in seeking a deeper connection with the community, nature, and the environment. Artists are also encouraged to participate in diverse activities such as field trips, cycling, and hiking.

Our residents enjoy a safe and peaceful environment surrounded by the mountains of San Pablo, a nature reserve of 7,500 acres with rich biodiversity. The residency center is located in the countryside village of San Pablo Etla, only 20 minutes away from the center of the city of Oaxaca on the south side; and to the north, it is only 20 minutes away from the Centro de las Artes San Agustín, an early 20th-century textile mill transformed into a spectacular arts center. Though cheap, everyday public transportation is also available from the residency vicinity into the city, Arquetopia provides scheduled transportation into downtown Oaxaca twice per week by van.

OAXACA, SOUTHERN MEXICO
The colonial city of Oaxaca is nestled in a valley in the Sierra Madre mountain range of southern Mexico. Oaxaca is located 450 km (280 mi) southeast of Mexico City and is reachable via three international airports: Oaxaca (OAX), Puebla (PBC), and Mexico City (MEX). With a population of 265,000, Oaxaca boasts magnificent colonial architecture, the most outstanding example being Santo Domingo church and its former convent, now home to an impressive anthropology museum. The city and its surrounding areas also feature a high concentration of native Zapotec and Mixtec cultures and archaeological sites. Oaxaca was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 for its central historic district and the archaeological site of Monte Alban. Getting around Oaxaca is easy and enjoyable; museums, studios, libraries and landmarks are all in walking distance. At an elevation of 1,555 m (5,100 ft), Oaxaca features a subtropical climate, resulting in mild-to-warm temperatures year-round.

Rich in history and culture, Oaxaca is a fascinating destination where you can appreciate ancient civilizations, colonial art and architecture, and vibrant cultural traditions. Oaxaca is one of the safest Mexican destinations you could choose.

WHAT THIS RESIDENCY INCLUDES

Technique Instruction:

36 hours master instruction (9 hours per week)

Staff Support:

Each resident meets weekly with our staff for individualized research assistance/resources, project guidance, and critiques Our residencies are process-based; residents are not expected to give talks, exhibitions, or workshops

Accommodation, Meals, and Local Transportation:

Furnished, private bedroom Meals and 24-hour access to the kitchen and dining room Wireless Internet Private bathrooms with modern fixtures and showers Housekeeping Though cheap, everyday public transportation is also available from the residency vicinity into the city, Arquetopia provides scheduled transportation into downtown Oaxaca twice per week by van

Studio Workspace and Materials:

Individual live/work space with natural light provided with table or desk 24-hour access to larger, shared studio with generous natural light Personal workspace with large table Materials and supplies for the instructional course provided Materials and supplies for additional project production not included but available for purchase locally

RESIDENCY FEE, DATES, AND TERMS
Term Length: 4 weeks during 2018, with option to extend for 1 to 8 more weeks as a self-directed Art Production Residency. Applicants nominate their own range of dates.

Fee: USD $730 per week. Optional Art Production Residency extension USD $595 per week.

Payment Deadlines: Deposit of 20% of Residency Fee due within 1 week of selection. Balance due by 90 days prior to residency start date. Fee reduction possible; e-mail us.

HOW TO APPLY
E-mail Chris at info@arquetopia.org

Visit the Arquetopia website at www.arquetopia.org
Complete and submit the Arquetopia Artist-in-Residence Online Application Form, following the instructions on the web page.

Following selection, applicants are notified immediately via e-mail.

Arquetopia is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our diverse local and international community. Arquetopia’s resident artist and staff backgrounds vary in all aspects. As part of Arquetopia’s mission is to promote diversity, Arquetopia actively fights discrimination by offering access to its programs and activities without regard to race, color, gender or gender expression, national origin, age, religion, creed, or sexual orientation.

Arquetopia on the Web: www.arquetopia.org 
Arquetopia on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Arquetopia

Posted on Thu, January 25th, 2018
Expires on Sun, February 11th, 2018

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