Fez Art Residency

Overview

Fez Art Residency (FAR) is an independent, artist-led, place-based residency collective located at Dar Drouj in the heart of the historic Fez Medina, Morocco—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s oldest and largest functioning medina. Rooted in the belief that artistic practice expands through direct engagement with context, FAR offers a flexible framework combining historical surroundings, local artisan partnerships, and career-advancement mentoring. Operating on an independent, self-funded sliding scale with subsidized places for local and underrepresented creators, FAR serves as an incubator for creative entrepreneurship and place-based art practices.

Mission

Fez Art Residency aims to empower artists, writers, and cultural practitioners to move beyond simple output-oriented residencies and actively build the future direction of their practices. Grounded in its proprietary CARES Framework (Career Advancement & Residency Engagement Strategy), the residency seeks to foster entrepreneurial thinking, facilitate meaningful non-touristic connections with local Moroccan artisans and craftspeople, and instill the confidence needed to convert artistic ideas into sustainable, long-term opportunities.

Programs / Opportunities

• The CARES Programme: FAR’s flagship, outcome-structured mentorship residency providing personalized project guidance, strategic outcome planning before and during the stay, and up to six months of post-residency career support.
• The Artist Immersion Week: A foundational, exploration-structured program offering creative freedom, guided medina navigation, and direct connections to traditional artisan workshops (e.g., ceramics, leather, textiles, metalwork, mosaic/zellige).
• Longer-Term Residencies & 8WEEKSinFEZ: Extended, deeply engaged stays designed for artists seeking to learn traditional craft skills from master artisans, execute large-scale projects, or build lasting local relationships.
• Host a Retreat Programme: A creative entrepreneurship platform allowing independent practicing artists, educators, and facilitators to utilize FAR’s logistical support, accommodation, and local knowledge to host their own custom retreats.
• Reduced-Fee & Equity Opportunities: Financial support and reduced-rate slots reserved specifically for Moroccan creators, students, and underrepresented or lower-income artists.

Target Community

• Multidisciplinary Artists & Cultural Practitioners: Amateur, emerging, mid-career, and established visual artists, researchers, writers, designers, craft practitioners, and creative facilitators worldwide.
• Fez Medina Artisan Network: Local master craftspeople, traditional artisans, historians, and the broader cultural community of Fez.