Awaken Azores

Overview

Operated under the Awaken Azores platform by local hosts Veronika and Fred, Crater’s Artist Residency is an independent artist residency located in the heart of the volcanic crater of Sete Cidades on São Miguel Island in the Azores, Portugal. Situated in a private garden setting, the residency features a full private house, a unique converted camper van indoor studio (The AstroVan), shared garden areas, and the hosts’ on-site food truck, Carioca Breezy. Alongside its core artist residency, Awaken Azores hosts Erasmus+ traineeships, youth employment programs, and seasonal collaborator stays.

Mission

Crater’s Artist Residency aims to offer a slow, contemplative, and poetic retreat focused on deep creative immersion and simplicity, far removed from the pressures of networking, galas, or compulsory production. By replacing urban noise with the quiet rhythm of the Azorean volcanic landscape, the initiative seeks to encourage self-reflection, unhurried experimentation, and authentic connection with raw nature and the surrounding rural community.

Programs / Opportunities

• Crater’s Solo Artist Residency: A fee-based residency for a single artist at a time, offering full private house accommodations, access to the AstroVan creative studio, shared garden spaces, and personalized local guidance from the hosts.
• Summer Seasonal Collaborations: 30-day summer stays (June through September) for up to four seasonal collaborators who receive a private studio on the property, provided meals, and a stipend.
• Erasmus+ & University Traineeships: 2-month traineeships (30 hours/week) for European and local university students supporting day-to-day operations across gastronomy, art, and hospitality initiatives.
• Local Youth Employment & Apprenticeships: Paid seasonal summer positions and year-round apprenticeships for local secondary school students at the Carioca Breezy food truck.

Target Community

• Independent Creators & Thinkers: International and domestic visual artists, writers, researchers, and interdisciplinary creators seeking tranquility, emotional space, and self-directed creation.
• Local Community & Students: Secondary and university students in São Miguel, Erasmus+ trainees, Sete Cidades residents, and visiting international travelers.