Frequently asked questions


WHAT TYPE OF ORGANIZATION ARE YOU?

Artist-run.

HOW LONG HAS THIS RESIDENCY BEEN GOING ON?

The Studio Building is undergoing a full renovation and will be open for the first Resident in 2025.

WHAT IS THE DURATION OF THE RESIDENCY?

3-6 weeks. Longer residencies will be considered upon request.

NUMBER OF RESIDENTS AT ONE TIME?

One Resident will share the studio with Nicola Parente, one of the hosts.

HOW DO I APPLY?

Application will be submitted using Café (Call For Entry).

DO YOU CHARGE AN APPLICATION FEE?

Yes, there is a $25 application fee.

DO YOU CHARGE FOR THE RESIDENCY?

No, the Residency includes a grant for airfare, housing, studio, rental car, and €300 per week for expenses.

HOW OFTEN AM I ALLOWED TO APPLY?

If you have not been accepted in a previous application period, you are encouraged to re-apply. There is no waiting period.

If you are a past recipient of our residency, you may re-apply after five years.

WILL THE SELECTION PROCESS INCLUDE A WAITING LIST?

Yes, one artist will be selected per application period, and two additional artists will be placed on the waiting list in case the selected artist has to cancel.

AM I ALLOWED TO DEFER MY RESIDENCY?

Residencies may not be deferred. However, you may re-apply as soon as it is convenient.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY APPLICATION HAS BEEN RECEIVED?

You will receive a confirmation e-mail from Café (Call For Entry) after you hit the submit button on the payment page of the application. If you do not reach the payment page, you have not completed the application. If you are uncertain of which steps are incomplete, please contact the hosts for assistance.

I DON’T HAVE PROFESSIONAL DOCUMENTATION OR TRAINING. SHOULD I BOTHER TO APPLY?

Yes. Talent is the sole criterion for acceptance. Professional training and achievement are not required. You may use the appropriate sections in the application form to highlight information relevant to the pursuit of your creative work.

WHEN WILL I BE NOTIFIED OF THE RESULT OF MY APPLICATION?

For the Spring Session you will be notified by December 1. For the Fall Session you will be notified by April 1.

WHO REVIEWS MY APPLICATION?

Every year there is a panel of 5 local jurors, plus 2 previous Residents. They are listed on the website.

WHICH AIRPORT SHOULD I USE?

The most convenient airports are Nice Cote d’Azur (1.5 hour drive), Milan Malpensa (3.5 hour drive), Torino (2 hour drive), and Genova (1.5 hour drive).

AM I REQUIRED TO DRIVE?

It is a requirement that the Resident drives. A grant is provided to cover the car rental. The Resident must make sure that the driver’s license from their home country is valid in Italy. Obtaining an International Driver’s License from a business such as AAA is a requirement as well.

DO I NEED TO SPEAK ENGLISH?

You are required to be able to speak English, Italian, or Spanish.

HOW DO I GET MEDICAL AND DENTIST CARE DURING THE RESIDENCY?

Applicants should be aware that medical facilities are limited within the Arroscia Valley. There are village doctors, pharmacy, dentist, and Red Cross in the nearest town of Pieve di Teco 3 kilometers away, but the nearest hospital is 26 kilometers away. If artist requires routine visits to a doctor or have some medical condition that could require emergency care, you are encouraged to inform the hosts of your special needs in advance of your arrival. Artist will be responsible for their medical care.

Purchasing Italian medical insurance for the duration of the residency is highly recommended.

DOES THE RESIDENCY HAVE A VACCINATION POLICY?

The residency will follow the requirements of the Italian Government at all times. It is the responsibility of the Resident to check the vaccination requirements between their home country and Italy.

CAN I RESERVE EXHIBITION SPACE?

Yes, the main studio space includes exhibition space that will be available to the artist for the duration of the residency.

IS THIS RESIDENCY WHEEL CHAIR ACCESSIBLE?

No, Lavina and Pieve di Teco are medieval villages. Both villages, the housing and the studio require use of stairs.

ARE INSTRUCTORS, CLASSES, OR SUPPLIES PROVIDED?

This is a self directed residency and does not provide instruction for artists-in-residence. The intention is that artists practice their work independently without assistance and provide their own materials and tools. The stipend can be used for the purpose.

If you wish to ship supplies in advance please contact the hosts to make arrangements.

MAY I BRING MY PARTNER, CHILD, OR PET WITH ME?

Spouses, children and friends are welcome to attend towards the end of the residency for the gallery exhibition, but are expected to cover all of their own expenses. The artist is to ensure that visits from spouse or friends do not interfere in any way with the production of the body of work during the residency. Pets cannot be accommodated.

WILL THERE BE TELEPHONE SERVICE?

No land line is available in the studio or housing. It is recommended that the artist acquire a virtual SIM card for their cell phone so that they can have an inexpensive communication method. Use of a foreign cell phone service can be very expensive. Cell phone service is the artist’s responsibility.

WILL I HAVE WI-FI AND USE OF A COMPUTER?

High speed Wi-Fi will be provided. No TV or computer are provided. Artists are encouraged to bring their personal computer or tablet.

IS THERE AIR CONDITIONING/HEATING?

Both the Housing and the Studio are equipped with heat. Air-conditioning is available in the studio.

IS FOOD PROVIDED?

The Resident is expected to provide their own food. The stipend can be used for this.

CAN I DO LAUNDRY AT THE RESIDENCE?

Laundry can be done at the Housing.

WILL I HAVE THE RESIDENCE TO MYSELF?

Yes, you will have a two bedroom apartment to yourself.

WILL I HAVE THE STUDIO TO MYSELF?

The studio will be shared with Nicola Parente, one of the hosts.

WHAT TO BRING?

Plan on bringing comfortable, layered clothing. It often rains. Good shoes for hiking and walking the beach as well as slippers for cold floors are recommended. Please bring art supplies and whatever professional materials you need for your creative work. We do have some basic art supplies, office supplies, tools, and cleaning supplies that you can use.

LOCAL WEATHER?

This region enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, but is subject to quick changes due to its mountain location.

IS THERE A RECYCLING POLICY?

Italy is very strict about recycling. Different colored bags will be provided. You will be required to adhere to the weekly schedule of garbage and recycling, door to door collection.

MAY I SMOKE IN THE HOUSING OR IN THE STUDIO?

Both the Housing and Studio buildings are strictly non-smoking.

ARE FIREARMS ALLOWED?

Firearms are strictly forbidden.

ARE THERE QUIET HOURS IN PLACE?

Italian hill towns consist in tightly packed homes. It is very important that Residents respect the community, its customs, and keep nighttime noise and music to a minimum. Quiet hours are from 10:00pm to 8:00am. Noise and music carries far in a village built of stone.