Short Description
The Immersive Learning Program: Day of the Dead focuses on the significance of the Day of the Dead as a cornerstone of national identity, rooted in indigenous wisdom, and explores its impact on the development of Mexican modern art, as well as its transformation into a secularized element of popular culture. The program examines the performative nature of rituals in Mexico, with a particular focus on the mortuary celebrations. Within the context of this national holiday participants will engage in practical Spanish language lessons, culinary exploration, and hands-on art learning fostering a multidisciplinary approach encompassing art creation, culinary arts, and linguistic practice. Moreover, the program prompts critical inquiry into themes of eternity, nationalism, and identity, challenging preconceived notions surrounding death as a national symbol and questioning its portrayal as a morbid facet of identity construction.
Eligibility
We welcome applications from emerging and mid-career artists, designers, photographers, curators, art historians, writers, and researchers age 20 and over.
How to Apply
Step 1. Send a short, introductory e-mail to info@arquetopia.org containing all of the following:
A. Your current CV, or short summary of your life experience.
B. Artists, photographers, and designers: attach five (5) sample images of your works (JPEG, PNG, or PDF format, 72 dpi, maximum 2 MB each file) and a brief statement attesting that all works are of your own original creation. Your sample images can be of any type of your art works and do not have to be of the same category/technique as the residency program for which you are applying.
Curators, art historians, writers, and researchers: attach five (5) sample texts of your works (3 pages each excerpt) and a brief statement attesting that all works are of your own original creation.
Step 2. Submit your tax-deductible donation of USD $35.00 via the purple “DONATE NOW” module on the right side of this page. Your donation will go toward our local outreach program, “Support Arquetopia Youth Music Scholarship Programs,” and is required to activate and validate your application. (We do not charge an application fee.)
Step 3. Complete and submit your Arquetopia Artist-in-Residence Online Application
Program Benefits & Awards
Staff Support:
- Each resident artist meets weekly with our directorial and curatorial staff for personalized mentoring, research assistance/resources, project guidance, and critique
Accommodation:
- Furnished, private bedroom
- 24-hour access to the kitchen for participants to prepare their own meals; meals/food are the participants’ responsibility
- Wireless Internet
- Use of Arquetopia’s common spaces including outdoor terraces
- Shared, serviced (single) bathrooms with modern fixtures and showers
- Housekeeping
Studio Workspace:
- 24-hour access to a large and bright shared art studio with generous natural light
- Personal workspace with a large table and wall space
- Some tools provided
- Materials and supplies for the instructional course were provided
- Materials and supplies for extended project production are not included, but are available for purchase locally
Entry Fee
$35.00
Location
Puebla, Mexico
Timeline
- Application Deadline: 1 September 2025
- Program Dates: 2 weeks – October 20 to November 3, 2025
Website Link: https://www.arquetopia.org/day-of-the-dead-residency
