blue cactus
artist residency

our mission

Blue Cactus Art Residency is a retreat for Artists of many disciplines, to encourage exploration and production, in a unique inspirational environment.
Blue Cactus’ mission is to be a centre of artistic nurture, offering the Artist a rare place to create in a direct way with nature. The Residency is designed to enfold the Artist in the natural world, not just glimpsed at through a window, but inserted into the landscape itself without barriers
The concept is to offer the Artist the inspiration of nature iteself. A safe place to explore, contemplate and share ideas.
A place without judgement, where all Artists have freedom to express, without explaining or justifying themselves. Blue Cactus emphasizes the human experience. The residency creates an environment for the Artist in their personal growth, while reinforcing that an end product is not necessarily the principal focus.
We encourage Artists to immerse themselves in Spanish rural life, in private creative spaces. Being far removed from their everyday environment allows the Artist to investigate their studio routines and work practice.
We encourage changing daily routines to find new paths to imagination and creative process. Such strategies can be as simple as changing working hours more in sync with nature, to set a different artistic clock.
The devastation of the environment by human activity affects us all in spite of so many years trying to work towards a great awareness. The role of the Artist is more vital than ever.
We are a rural Residency located in 12 acres of stunning countryside in the Alt Penedes, with pine forests and vineyards, with almond and walnut trees, all framed by the majestic mountain of Monserrat, a strong spiritual centre. The private spaces consist of individual tented studios in spectacular locations, a painting studio and a sculpture studio workshop.

our living spaces




shared
spaces
We have a galley kitchen with a large dining and social area with a table for 8 people. We also have a patio dining and work area with a table for 6 people which can be used for group work and communal meetings and socialising as required
The pool and the many, varied terraces and outside spaces provide plenty of areas for contemplation or relaxation, privately or shared

personal
spaces
Presently we have three private rooms with double beds, desk and armchair, which can be furnished to individual wishes.
The next phase will include a completely self-contained Eco-Studio house at a distance to the main house



our working spaces
traditional
indoor
work spaces
Blue Cactus have two traditional studios each with one wall Industrial sliding doors providing full north light
The painting studio - the walls lined for direct painting, and a flat work bench,
The sculpture workshop - for 3D works and constructions, exterior work space with sunshade for larger sculptures and installations, or just working outside with the machinery.






outside private nature studios
At the heart of the Blue Cactus vision is the private tented studio located away from the main house and at prominent points.
Allocated to the individual Artist for the duration of their stay,

our surroundings
For further inspiration, there are many wonderful places to visit in the surroundings… a cultural context to anchor the work whilst at the Residence – the many excellent local walks and places easily accessed by bicycle, and easy trips - to visit Monserrat for the stunning walking and spiritual energy, the Coast for its beaches and restaurants, and the Local Wineries, 10th century Castle of Mediona, the many medieval Monasteries…
A first-hand experience of this particular local culture in this particular environment is simply a part of being at Blue Cactus.
Blue Cactus is +350m above sea level in the Alt Penedes region. We are located 1 hour by car from Barcelona and Tarragona. The main airport of Barcelona is 50min by car. The nearest local town is Sant Sadurni D'Anoia with trains to and from Barcelona every 30min.
The local village is Sant Quinti de Mediona, 10min away by bicycle or a pleasant 30min walk. In the town you will find supermarkets, restaurants, and a good Pharmacy.
our guidelines
Blue Cactus sole criterion for acceptance is artistic excellence, pluralistic and inclusive. We encourage applications from artists representing the widest possible range of perspectives and demographics, and welcome artists engaging in the broadest spectrum of artistic practice and investigating an unlimited array of inquiries and concerns. To that end, emerging as well as established artists are invited to apply. Applicants who are enrolled in undergraduate or graduate degree programs as of the date of application are ineligible for a residency and therefore cannot apply. Doctoral candidates who have finished all coursework may apply.
Blue Cactus is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, sex, colour, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, physical ability, or disability. There are no medical facilities or medical personnel on site. Blue Cactus is situated in a rural area with limited access to medical care facilities. We strongly suggest that applicants with special medical needs must contact us before they apply online.
disciplines
Visual Arts
Painting in all mediums (except Printing)
Drawing in all mediums (except Printing)
Wood / Stone / Synthetics Sculpture,
Environmental Installations
Photography
working languages
English
Spanish
French
duration and cost of the residency
4 week residency - 2600.00€ (private room with a private studio on a self catering basis)
8 week residency - 4800.00€ (private room with a private studio on a self catering basis)
12 week residency - 5900.00€ (private room with a private studio on a self catering basis)
wifi access
Free
4G connection
Limited
online application form
spring/summer season: April - June 2024
artist:
2022
Giles Pooley - Digital Artist - https://luzidlab.com/
Andre Robert - Film Director, Cinematographer, Screen Writer - https://player.vimeo.com/video/165925663
Jessie Ford - Botanical Artist and Landscape Painter - https://www.jessieroseford.com/
Stav Yosha - Sculptor, Painter, Teacher, myth maker - https://www.stavyosha.com/
Andre Serfontein - Painter and Sculptor - https://www.andreserfontein.com/
Juan de Conde - Visual Artist and Muralist https://www.juanconde2.com/
Dani Buch - Painter, sculptor draughtsman and engraver - https://danibuch.bigcartel.com/
2023
Tami Aftab - Visual Artist Painter - https://www.tamiaftab.com
Jonathan Tang -Visual Artist Painter - https://www.instagram.com/jonyanagi/
Lisa Andren -Visual Artist Painter - instagram.com/lisaandren_projects/
Helen Benedict -Visual Artist Painter - https://www.helenbenedict.com
Zeinab Saab -Visual Artist Painter - https://www.zeinabsaab.com
Sebastian Boesemi -Visual Artist Painter - https://www.sebastian-boesmi.com
Christopher Squire -Visual Artist Painter - https://squier.co
Gerda Liudvinaviciute -Visual Artist Painter - https://www.celsius273.com
Hadar Hadarim Kleinman -Visual Artist Painter - https://www.hadarkleiman.com