Joya: arte + ecología / AiR is an “off-grid” interdisciplinary residency rooted in the crossroads of art, ecology and sustainable living practice. It is located in the heart of the Parque Natural Sierra María – Los Vélez, in the north of the province of Almería, Andalucía. Joya: AiR offers abundant time and space for residents to make, think, explore and learn from their surroundings.

Joya: AiR supports a range of disciplines including, but not limited to, visual art, writing, music, dance, curatorial and film. Founded by Simon and Donna Beckmann in 2009, the Joya: arte + ecología / AiR programme is grounded in the foundation that dynamic and sustainable creative activity is the backbone to regenerating the land that has been slowly abandoned over the last fifty years.

Since 2009, Joya: AiR has welcomed over 700 artists and creatives to realise their projects within one of the most unique and beautiful regions of the country. This is one of the sunniest regions of Europe receiving over 3000 hours of sunlight a year.

Joya: AiR is a not for profit arts residency developed by artists for artists of every conceivable discipline. Consider Joya: AiR not only a unique, stimulating and contemplative environment for international artists and writers, but as a meeting point for divergent and creative thinking. This is a multi-disciplinary residency, self determined, critical and profoundly engaging.

Joya: AiR / climate positive and off-grid

Duration of residency

The residency duration is a minimum of one week up to a maximum of three months.

Accommodation

Residents have access to studio space and 20 hectares of land. Accommodation (private room with attached bathroom) and meals are included, as is the collection and return to the nearest public transport system.

Disciplines, work equipment and assistance

DISCIPLINES AND MEDIA:

Interdisciplinary: Visual Art / Sculpture / Ceramics (enquire before applying) / Dance / Theatre / Performing Arts / Music / Writing / Educational Programmes / New Media / Curatorial / Film Making We provide tools for three-dimensional work and technical support for specific projects.

Studio / Workspace

AiR currently offers three studio spaces of varying sizes. Part of our selection criteria is to mix and match the disciplines of resident artist. Accordingly residents may have individual spaces are shared. Private studio space can be offered on request.

Fees and support

residency has a fee of €325 per week + tax (10%). This covers the cost of accommodation, wood for heating and all meals. It also includes collection from our nearest transport hub, Vélez Rubio.

Expectations towards the artist

Selected artists are invited to contribute to the Joya: artists listing and are asked to contribute a small text outlining the nature of their practice whilst in residency. This will be posted to the Joya: website along with a link to the resident artists website.

Selected artists are requested to make a presentation of their work to other artists in residence during their period at Joya: AiR. This is not obligatory but it does contribute to the overall experience of all artists in residence.

Application information

Applicants are asked to apply to Joya: AiR with a link to their website. If an applicant does not have a website, please email five images of recent work for visual artists or three writing samples for writers along with your application to info(at)joya-air.org. We do not accept Facebook profiles in place of an artist’s website. We will consider an Instagram feed if accompanied by a c.v. Images should be no more than 500 pixels. Writing samples should be in PDF format.

Artists should apply using the Joya: AiR application page http://www.joya-air.org/apply