OPEN CALL FOR ARTISTS

Formats:

10 or 35 days
// Flexible

LOCATION:

Oaxaca de Juárez, México

Capacity:

2 residents at a time

Cost:

From
$8,000 MXN / $455 USD

Language:

Spanish / English

next deadline:

28 de abril de 2026

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Bestiario artist residency is now accepting applications for its 2026 open call for artists seeking a space for creation, dialogue, and exchange in the city of Oaxaca.

Bestiario offers a professional development experience in Oaxaca, with a focus on building connections between artists, artisans, and the international community based in the city, while supporting the development of an individual or collaborative project and its exhibition.

DURATION

– 10 days (intensive)
– 35 days

* The length may vary depending on the needs of the project.

WHAT DO WE OFFER?

  • A shared workspace equipped with the essentials for artistic production.
  • Accommodation in an environment that encourages creativity and cultural exchange.
  • Support in the development of an individual or collaborative project.
  • The opportunity to share results through a public showing/exhibition.
  • When the nature of the project allows, Bestiario may facilitate connections with galleries, spaces, and cultural agents in Oaxaca.
  • An interdisciplinary living and working environment.

AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION

During the application process, select your area of practice (you may choose more than one):

  • Ceramics
  • Printmaking
  • Textiles
  • Photography
  • Other (please specify)

MENTORSHIPS

Residents develop their projects independently, within an environment designed to support production, exchange, and decision-making. Bestiario is not a school or an academic program; its support is grounded in practice and in meaningful, context-based dialogue.

One of its main strengths is the network of mentors, artists, and professionals made available to each resident. As part of the residency, Bestiario facilitates connections with people whose experience may be relevant to each project, whether conceptually, technically, curatorially, or strategically.

For those who want more focused guidance, individual mentorship sessions are also available. These sessions are optional and arranged separately at an additional cost. Payment for each mentorship goes directly to the mentor, as a way of recognizing and continuing to support their professional practice.

Selected residents will be able to review the available mentorship catalog and choose the sessions that best fit the stage and needs of their process.

PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

Artists and researchers of any nationality may apply, provided they are over 18 years old.

  • Updated portfolio
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Photocopy of an official ID
  • Statement of intent (maximum one page), explaining your interest in participating and the focus of the project you plan to develop during the residency.
  • Project proposal, outlining the general concept, development, and supporting framework of the work.
  • List of tentative materials to be used.
  • Full payment of the participation fee.
  • Travel insurance valid at the time of travel.

COST

35 days
$20,000 MXN / $1,180 USD

10 days
$8,000 MXN / $475 USD

Includes: accommodation + workspace + base curatorial support + final exhibition + documentation
Does not include: meals + transportation + materials + add-on mentorships

SELECTION PROCESS

Participants will be selected by Bestiario’s curatorial team based on the originality, feasibility, and relevance of their proposals.

PARTICIPATION CONDITIONS

  • Bestiario covers accommodation, workspace, installation, and exhibition during the residency. Other costs — such as meals, materials, transportation, travel insurance, and specialized mentorships — are the responsibility of the resident.
  • Maximum capacity: 2 residents at a time.
  • Exact start and end dates will be confirmed at the time of selection, according to the program calendar and space availability. In the application form, applicants may indicate their preferred dates for the residency.
  • To confirm participation, selected residents must cover the full residency fee within the timeframe indicated by Bestiario.
  • Each resident is responsible for their own materials, artwork, and personal belongings during their stay.
  • Travel insurance or valid medical coverage is required for the full duration of the residency.
  • Bestiario may carry out photographic and documentary records of the processes, artworks, and final exhibition for archival, communication, and promotional purposes, with proper credit given to the artists.
  • Individual mentorships are optional, arranged separately, and available at an additional cost.
  • Bestiario reserves the right to terminate a resident’s participation in cases of serious non-compliance with shared living, safety, or space-use guidelines.

AVAILABLE PERIODS

#1 SPRING: May 2026

  • Open call starts: April 6, 2026
  • Application deadline: April 30, 2026
  • Results announced: May 11, 2026
  • Residency begins: May 26, 2026

#2 SUMMER I: August 2026

  • Open call starts: June 1, 2026
  • Application deadline: June 30, 2026
  • Results announced: July 6, 2026
  • Residency begins: July 21, 2026

#3 SUMMER II: September 2026

  • Open call starts: August 3, 2026
  • Application deadline: August 31, 2026
  • Results announced: September 7, 2026
  • Residency begins: September 22, 2026

#4 FALL: November 2026

  • Open call starts: October 5, 2026
  • Application deadline: October 31, 2026
  • Results announced: November 9, 2026
  • Residency begins: November 24, 2026
APPLY NOW