Organizer Information
The Lakkos Artist Residency is an independent, artist-run multidisciplinary space located in the historic heart of Heraklion, Crete. Founded in 2016 by visual artist Mathew Halpin, the residency was born out of a desire to revitalize the "Lakkos" district—a neighborhood with a complex history that was once the city's underground soul. The project gained international recognition for its mural initiatives and community-driven art. Today, the residency operates out of a traditional house within the old Venetian walls, offering a "hands-off" environment where creators can research, explore Cretan culture, and connect with other international practitioners in an informal, communal setting.
Title & Description
Lakkos Artist Residency: Creative Research and Urban Exploration
The Lakkos Residency offers artists a unique opportunity to live and work in Heraklion, the largest city on the island of Crete. Unlike highly structured programs, this residency prioritizes self-directed research and creative freedom. While there is a strong history of street art and murals in the neighborhood, artists are not pressured to produce a final exhibition or leave work behind. Instead, they are encouraged to immerse themselves in the local atmosphere, explore the nearby Minoan archaeological sites, and engage with the city’s complex layers of Arabic, Venetian, and Ottoman history. It is a space for "unhurried" creation and cultural exchange.
Categories
The residency is multidisciplinary and welcomes:
- Visual Arts (Painting, Drawing, Murals)
- Sculpture & Ceramics (Partnership with a local studio available)
- Photography & Film
- Literature & Writing
- Performing Arts & Research
- Architecture & Urban Studies
Eligibility
- International: Open to artists, researchers, and cultural workers from all over the world.
- All Levels: Open to emerging, mid-career, and established artists.
- Requirements: Applicants must be self-sufficient and comfortable living in a communal, shared-house environment. As an artist-run initiative, it suits those who prefer independence over rigid institutional supervision.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Accommodation: Living quarters in a traditional house in the Old Town, featuring private or shared rooms and communal kitchen/living spaces.
- Studio Access: Use of the residency’s shared workspace.
- Networking: Direct contact with the local art scene and other visiting international artists.
- Location: Proximity to world-class museums (Heraklion Archaeological Museum), historic sites (Knossos), and the Aegean coast.
- Pop-up Opportunities: While there is no dedicated gallery, artists may organize one-night pop-up shows in the residency's common spaces.
Application Fee
- Free to apply.
- Participation Fee: As an independent project without government funding, the residency survives on artist contributions. Fees typically range from €350 to €550 per month (depending on the room and season), which covers housing and utilities.
Application Requirements
- Personal Information & Bio
- Portfolio/Website: Links to previous work or a PDF portfolio.
- Project Proposal: A brief outline of what you intend to work on or research during your stay.
- Preferred Dates: Proposed duration (usually 2 weeks to 2 months).
How to Apply?
If you wish to apply for a stay at the Lakkos Artists Residency, please email mathewhalpin@hotmail.com. In your email, please explain;
- What you want to do at The Lakkos Artists Residency?
- Who else will be coming with you?
- The dates you are interested in?
- How long would you like to stay?
- How did you hear about us?
- A link to your website or an Instagram page. If you don't have either, just a brief description about your practice.
Key Dates
- Deadline: Ongoing
Location
Heraklion, Crete, Greece
Additional Details
The residency is "hands-off," meaning the organizer (Mathew) is available for advice and occasional check-ins but does not manage the artist’s daily schedule. For ceramicists, there is no kiln on-site, but the residency has an agreement with a professional ceramics studio nearby where equipment can be rented. Artists should be prepared for the Mediterranean climate, especially the heat of the summer months.