Sierra Madre Artist Residency

Sierra Madre Artist Residency is dedicated to providing both emerging and established visual and literary artists —including those in fields such as fine arts, design, and film— a unique space in Durango, Mexico.

Here, artists can escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in a peaceful, secure, and relaxed environment that nurtures creativity.

Welcome to Durango

Durango is a city rich in cultural and historical heritage in the heart of northern Mexico. Surrounded by stunning mountainous landscapes and vast deserts, Durango offers a unique natural setting that inspires creativity and reflection. Its semi-arid climate, with warm summers and cool winters, provides a pleasant environment year-round.

Additionally, Durango boasts a vibrant cultural scene that spans visual art, literature, traditional music, and film, making it an ideal place for artists seeking an enriching and tranquil setting to develop their work.

The House

Located at Misión San Agustín #112, in a private and secure neighborhood, Sierra Madre offers an ideal environment for artistic creation in Durango. The house features four rooms available for artists, which can be used either singly or double occupancy, each equipped with a private bathroom, desk, and bookshelf, providing a comfortable and functional space for creative work. The serene and sheltered setting is complemented by a beautiful garden, a pool available during the spring and summer months, and a spacious shared studio designed for visual artists, as well as a dedicated studio for literary artists.

The residency is located 22 minutes from the airport and 18 minutes from the city center.

The AiR Program

Sierra Madre is a magical place where each individual will find what they need for their creative process—whether it's moments of tranquility and reflection or spaces to connect and collaborate with other artists.

Our residency is a haven for those seeking inspiration in the serenity of the environment, while also offering opportunities for cultural and artistic exchange that transcend borders. We believe in Durango's potential to once again become a cultural epicenter, helping to decentralize the artistic and cultural landscape in Mexico. We are committed to supporting artists in the exploration and expansion of their creative practices and fostering a dialogue that enriches both the local community and the global art world.

Duration

The residency is designed to offer stays ranging from 2 to 4 weeks.

Goal

The residency is designed to adapt to the creative ideas and processes of the participating artists. Whether artists wish to use their time here to develop a creative project, rest and recharge, reflect and find inspiration, or connect and collaborate with other artists, the residency provides a flexible environment to meet their needs.

Modality

The residency accommodates the artist's preferences: it can be undertaken individually, as a couple, or as part of a group. This flexibility is a core aspect of Sierra Madre, offering a space where each artist can find the right environment for their creative process. Each cycle is attended by up to 8 artists at the same time.

Elegibility

Open to artists 21+ of all nationalities and from any geographical location, from a wide range of disciplines including visual arts, performance, writing, and filmmaking. Our program values the diversity and richness that various art forms bring to our community. Both emerging and established artists are encouraged to apply. We look for individuals who show a strong commitment to their artistic practice.

The Application and Selection Process

To secure a spot at Sierra Madre Artist Residency program, you must respond to the open call through the online application form, which requests examples of work and CV information. Promising applicants are interviewed by Sierra Madre’s staff following which a shortlist is compiled. After the staff has made a decision, places are offered to successful artists in writing at least a month before the residency starts.

Cost and Fees

While we aspire to offer all these invaluable opportunities at no cost to the artists, the reality of achieving this is quite challenging. However, our residency program stands out by offering luxury accommodations at a fraction of the cost of traditional residency programs.

Numerous international artists secure funding to cover their residency expenses through their respective cultural ministries or other funding programs. Once admitted, we will provide artists with an invitation letter that can be utilized for funding applications.

Please refer to the Accommodations and Facilities page to explore the different pricing options.

What’s included with your fee?

  • Accommodation in a single or double room with an ensuite bathroom.

  • Two meals per day (breakfast and dinner), snacks (coffee and tea all day long), and meals during special events.

    All meals provided are made from scratch with fresh, organic, local ingredients.

  • Shared studio.

  • Use of common areas (T.V.room, garden, pool, kitchen).

  • WiFi throughout the property.

  • Group activities during the entire residency.

  • Logistical and technical support from our staff for the successful completion of projects.

  • Excursions to galleries, museums, studio visits, and other art-related events.

  • Transportation to and from the airport.

  • Transportation to excursions and shops.

  • Project feedback from members of the local art scene in Durango.

  • Group exhibition, covered by local media.

    What’s NOT included in your fee?

  • Transportation/airfare from the artist's place of residence to Durango and back.

  • Meals not specified in the previous section.

  • Medical insurance.

  • Materials and expenses related to the creation of work.

  • Staff gratuity.

  • Tickets to parks or other excursions organized by the residency.