blue cactus
artist residency
our mission
Blue Cactus Art Residency is a retreat for Artists of many disciplines, to encourage exploration and creation, in a unique inspirational environment.
Blue Cactus offers the Artist a rare place to create in direct association with nature. The Residency is designed to wrap the Artist in the natural world, not just seen through a window opening. The Artist becomes part of the landscape, energised by being at its heart.
A safe place to explore, contemplate and share ideas.
A place without judgement, where all Artists have freedom to express, Blue Cactus emphasizes the human experience in relation to the natural environment. The Residency creates opportunities for the Artist in their personal development.
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 habits.
We encourage changing such daily routines to find new paths to imagination. Such strategies can be as simple as changing working hours more in sync with nature, to set a different artistic clock.
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 workshop.
our living spaces
shared
spaces
The Artists House has a well equipped galley Kitchen with a comfortable dining and social area, with a table for 8.
The Patio outside has a table for working or dining or group work and collaborations. Beyond there are many exterior spaces and locations in which to set up a temporary Studio.
personal
spaces
The Accommodation consists of three private bedrooms, one with en suite shower room and all with double beds, storage and a desk or armchair
our working spaces
traditional
indoor
work spaces
At Blue Cactus, there are two main Studios, each with an industrial sliding door to open up one wall to north light.
The Painting Studio has easels, small work tables and large work Desk, and all walls can be used for Artist`s work.
The sculpture workshop is equipped for constructions, 3D installation, stone carving and sculpture, and is linked to a shaded area for working outside.
outside private nature studios
At the heart of the Blue Cactus vision is the private tented studio located away from the Main Residence and at prominent points in he landscape.
All the Studios are allocated to the Artist for he 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 upcoming events
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our guidelines
Blue Cactus sole criteria for acceptance is artistic excellence, pluralistic and inclusive. We encourage applications from Artists representing the wide range of perspectives and demographics, and welcome the broadest spectrum of Artistic practise and instigation. To this end, we welcome established Professional Artists to apply.
Applicants who are students, enrolled in degree courses and educational programs, as of the Date of Application are ineligible for the Residency and cannot apply. Doctoral candidates who have finished all their course work 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 expression.
There are no medical facilities or qualified personal on site. Blue Cactus Residence is situated in a semi-remote rural area with limited access to medical support or care. Applicants with special medical needs such as physical assistance etc to contact Blue Cactus before they apply on line.
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 of the residency
4 week residency - (private room with a private studio on a self catering basis)
8 week residency - (private room with a private studio on a self catering basis)
12 week residency - (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