Organizer Information
Trinacria Theatre Company is an international nonprofit theatre and arts collective founded in 2016 and based in the tiny mountain village of Pezzolo (province of Messina, Sicily). From a restored 100-year-old family home (Casa Trinacria) and the newly opened Trinacria Art Garage, the company produces original performances, hosts residencies, and runs the annual Trinacria Arts Festival. Led by Nigerian-American artistic director Iyvon E., Trinacria is committed to rural placemaking, intercultural exchange, and sustainable artist support in one of Sicily’s most remote and beautiful locations.
Title & Description
Pezzolo Retreat Residency 2026 – Trinacria Theatre Company (10th Anniversary Edition)
This self-directed creative retreat offers 1-, 2-, or 3-week stays in the serene, off-grid mountain village of Pezzolo, Sicily, providing uninterrupted time for artistic process, reflection, and inspiration from the natural surroundings. Open to all disciplines, the residency prioritizes personal growth and experimentation over outcomes—no public presentations or finished works are required. Residents stay in the historic Casa Trinacria, access workspaces like the new Trinacria Art Garage for making or rehearsing, and immerse in village life: wandering ancient paths, hiking terraced landscapes, or simply disconnecting from digital distractions. Optional communal elements include one catered meal daily, grocery runs, and informal gatherings for connection, but solitude is fully respected. The retreat's flexible structure suits artists seeking recharge—whether drafting scripts amid olive groves, capturing field recordings of village sounds, sketching geological forms, or exploring interdisciplinary ideas rooted in place. As a precursor to the Trinacria Arts Festival, it fosters subtle intercultural dialogues with locals, blending global perspectives with Sicilian rhythms. This intimate program (max 3 artists at a time) celebrates the company's 10th year by honoring creative freedom in a hidden European gem, where the whisper of winds through stone houses sparks renewal. Past participants have described it as a "reset for the soul," emerging with deepened practices and unexpected collaborations. By design, it counters urban burnout, inviting creators to engage ethically with the environment—using found materials or eco-practices—while building quiet solidarity in shared spaces. Trinacria's vision transforms Pezzolo's isolation into a canvas for possibility, empowering artists to return to their worlds revitalized. (Word count for this section: 278)
Categories
All disciplines welcome: Theatre & Performance, Playwriting, Dance, Visual Arts, Music & Sound Art, Film/Video, Literature, Photography, Interdisciplinary, Craft, Research-based practices, etc.
Eligibility
- International artists (individuals or small groups of max. 3 people)
- 18 years and older
- Emerging to established practitioners
- Comfortable with rural, stair-heavy, mountain-village environment (limited accessibility)
- Able to work independently; good working knowledge of English required
- Responsible for own passports, visas, and travel medical insurance (required for non-Italian participants)
Program Benefits & Awards
- Private room accommodation in Casa Trinacria (shared bathrooms)
- Fully equipped shared kitchen
- Access to workspaces (private or shared, including traditional/non-traditional village locations and the Trinacria Art Garage)
- Pick-up/drop-off at local airport bus stop
- 1 catered meal per day
- Transportation 1-2 times per week to local grocery store
- Creative freedom: self-directed schedule, no public outcomes required
- Optional communal meals/gatherings for connection
- Optional informal feedback sessions with Trinacria’s artistic team
- Optional end-of-residency sharing (informal presentations, studio visits, conversations)
- Encouragement for applications from BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and underrepresented artists
Application Fee
€45/night or €315/week (non-refundable; covers participation and logistics)
Application Requirements
- CV (max 2 pages)
- Short artist statement & description of what you hope to explore (300–600 words)
- 5–10 work samples (images, video links ≤3 min, writing excerpts, etc.)
- Preferred dates and length of stay (1, 2, or 3 weeks: Week #1 May 12-18; Week #2 May 19-25; Week #3 May 26-June 1, 2026)
- One reference contact (name + email) for advancing candidates
- Optional: Anonymous Equality & Diversity monitoring form
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 21 December 2025
- Interviews: Early January 2026
- Artists announced: End of January 2026
- Residency Period: May 12 – June 1, 2026 (flexible 1–3 weeks within this window)
Location
Pezzolo, Sicily, Italy
Additional Details
- Very limited Wi-Fi (perfect for a digital detox; stronger connection in the Art Garage)
- Shared kitchen; most residents cook together or eat at local trattorie
- Bring suitable shoes for cobblestone streets and hiking
- Italian/English spoken; basic Italian phrases appreciated but not required
- Eco-friendly practices encouraged (solar power, composting, etc.)
- No alcohol, snacks, or additional groceries included
- Access needs: Email residency@trinacriatheatre.com for large print/inverted color PDFs
- Maximum 3 artists for an intimate environment
