NOTE: applications are considered and selected between the opening of the call out and the deadline for application 12th April 2025 we advise prospective resident artists to apply before the deadline to avoid disappointment.

Joya: artist in residence / AiR apply

Content on this page:

What we offer -

What we ask from resident artists and writers -

Application information -

Application form -

Application procedure -

Getting here -

Address for passenger locator form -

What we offer -

Joya: arte + ecología / AiR is an off-grid and climate positive interdisciplinary residency (since 2006) 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 and curated 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 2006, Joya: AiR has welcomed over 1500+ 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.

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

*Our food is local and home made. Seven nights a week we prepare meals for residents to share and eat communally.

What we ask from resident artists and writers -

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 artists website. ( examples are to be found here)

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.

Joya’s working languages are English and Spanish.

Application information -

DISCIPLINES AND MEDIA:

Interdisciplinary: Visual Art / Sculpture / Ceramics* / Dance / Theatre / Performing Arts / Music / Writing / Educational Programmes / New Media / Curatorial / Film Making

*We have an abundance of clay in our location available for modelling / ceramics. We actively wish to encourage the building of temporary wood fired kilns (winter only) as a group / community action. We do not have specific pottery equipment.

TYPE OF ORGANISATION:

Independent not for profit association (Asociación de Arte y Ecología - Joya)

APPLICATION:

Joya: AiR is currently accepting applications in Spanish and English only.

RESIDENCY PERIOD:

The length of the residency would be 1 to 2 weeks (longer periods are available)

NOTE* the experience of previous resident artists strongly indicates that a two week residency is much more preferable and productive than one.

APPLICATION OPEN

NOW

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

12th April 2025

RESIDENCY PERIOD:

1st May - 31st July 2025

FEE:

The Joya: AiR residency has a fee of €400 per week + tax (10%). This covers the cost of accommodation, studio space and all meals. It also includes collection from our nearest transport hub, Vélez Rubio.

The fee includes:

Private bedroom with attached bathroom

Private studio

Three homemade meals a day* The main meal being communal supper

* breakfast and lunch self catered with produce we provide

Artists presentations, readings and studio visits

free collection from our nearest transport hub Vélez Rubio (normally 40€ by taxi each way)

Broadband internet*

*Access to satellite broadband: There is an additional fee of €10 per week (€1.42 per day) please indicate on the application form below if you require internet.

If you would like to know what our previous resident artists and writers think about the opportunity look here…

The Joya: AiR minimum deposit is equal to one weeks residency €400 + tax (10%) per person or 50% of the fee for residency durations longer than two weeks.

TERMS & CONDITIONS:

1) CONFIRMATION: Residencies are confirmed only upon receipt of a deposit.

2) DEPOSITS: If you have paid your deposit but are unable to attend on the agreed-upon dates, please note that deposits are non-refundable.

3) CHANGING DATES: If you wish to change the dates of your residency after paying the confirmation deposit, you can do so under the following circumstances:

• Up to fourteen days after the specific deadline date of the call-out you have applied for.

• If there is space available to move your dates within the call-out period.

Note*: If you wish to change your dates but cannot meet the criteria above, your deposit is non-refundable, and you will need to pay another deposit to secure new dates.

4) FRIENDS and FAMILY: Accompanying friends and family are welcome, subject to the same fees and conditions as the resident artist.

5) RESIDENCY FEES: The residency fee is per person, not per room, and covers the cost of your accommodation and studio, along with all meals.

*At Joya: AiR, our aim is to carefully select and invite artists and writers, building specific and dynamic groups. This enhances the creative experience during the residency. Additionally, building such groups allows us to host the residency at the price point we offer. Our term and condition policy (3) is intended to secure these aims. 

APPLY:

The following data is required to consider applications to Joya: AiR and to conform to Spanish law. This data is retained for one year before being deleted. Unsuccessful applicants will have their data deleted as soon as their applications have been processed. Joya: AiR will not use or share your data for any other purpose.

INCLUSION POLICY:

In practice and policy we provide equal access, opportunities, and treatment to all, regardless of differences in race, gender, age, ability, or any other characteristic that might lead to exclusion or discrimination. At Joya: AiR we have a commitment to fostering an environment where diversity is celebrated, everyone’s voice is heard and every individual feels respected, valued and supported.