Organizer Information
Essere Writer & Artist Residency is an independent, international residency program based in Italy, founded and directed by Jennie Lee. With over 26 years of experience in spiritual coaching, creative development, and wellness practices, Jennie Lee has designed Essere as a holistic environment that supports both artistic production and personal growth. The residency integrates creative practice with mindfulness, drawing from Lee’s background in yoga therapy, meditation instruction, and self-development writing.
The program is hosted within a privately owned historic estate in rural Tuscany and brings together a diverse, global community of artists. Essere emphasizes interdisciplinary exchange, inclusivity, and the nurturing of each participant’s unique creative process. It is particularly distinguished by its dual focus on artistic output and inner wellbeing, offering a hybrid model of residency and retreat.
Title & Description
Essere Writer & Artist Residency 2027 (Tuscany, Italy)
The Essere Residency is a two-week, self-directed, multidisciplinary residency designed to provide artists with uninterrupted time, space, and community to develop their creative work. Set in a tranquil, medieval estate in southern Tuscany, the program encourages both professional artistic growth and personal reflection.
Participants are invited to immerse themselves in their individual projects while engaging in a supportive international community. The residency balances independent studio time with optional group activities, including artist-led talks, mentorship sessions, and communal dinners.
A distinctive feature of the program is its integration of wellness practices, such as guided meditation and personal coaching, alongside traditional artistic development. Residents may also participate in optional cultural and recreational activities, including excursions to nearby historic cities and thermal springs.
This residency is ideal for artists seeking a reflective, inspiring environment to either complete a project or initiate new creative directions.
Categories
- Visual Arts
- Writing & Literature
- Film & Video
- Photography
- Music & Sound
- Performance & Theater
- Digital Media
- Interdisciplinary Practices
Eligibility
- Open to international applicants
- All artistic disciplines accepted
- No strict age limit specified
- Open to individuals, and limited shared accommodation available for couples or collaborators
Target groups for fellowships include:
- BIPOC artists
- Emerging creatives
- Artists exploring identity (race, gender, migration, etc.)
- Musicians and composers
- Single-parent creatives
- Art educators
Program Benefits & Awards
Participants receive:
Accommodation & Hospitality:
- 14 nights in a private or shared room in a historic Tuscan estate
- 10 three-course dinners with wine + 1 brunch
- Access to shared kitchens, lounges, and outdoor spaces
- Housekeeping, WiFi, and laundry facilities
Creative & Professional Development:
- Access to studio spaces and work areas
- Artist talks and interdisciplinary discussions
- One-on-one mentorship with guest Artists-in-Residence
- Personal coaching and guided meditation sessions
- Opportunity to present work-in-progress
- Feature on Essere’s social media platforms
Additional Support:
- Invitation letter for funding applications
- Assistance in sourcing materials
Fellowships:
- 6 partial fellowships (€1000 each) available under thematic categories (e.g., identity, emerging voices, musical development, etc.)
Application Fee
- No application fee specified
- Residency Fee:
- Private Room: €3900
- Shared Room: €3400
- Additional payment processing fees may apply
Application Requirements
- Completed application form
- Artist CV/biography
- Portfolio or writing samples
- Project description or creative intent
- Personal background information
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 15 June 2026
- Notification Date: 30 June 2026
- Residency Period: September 20 – October 4, 2027
Location
Cetona, Province of Siena, Tuscany, Italy
Additional Details
- The residency is self-directed, with no mandatory output requirement
- English is the primary working language
- Optional excursions to cities such as Siena, Florence, and Montepulciano
- Meals beyond the included plan, travel costs, visa, and materials are not covered
- Participants are encouraged (but not required) to engage in community activities
The program uniquely combines creative incubation, cultural immersion, and personal transformation, making it especially suitable for artists seeking both productivity and introspection.