desert 23°s. arts & ecology research and residency program
The Atacama Desert is an ethereal landscape that invites us to meditate on the liminal spaces between humanity and vast, more-than-human worlds. With its volcanic plains, metamorphic pools, and night skies that intertwine our human narrative with the cosmos, it presents a place for contemplation and beckons us to rethink our bond with the natural world. The extreme conditions of the territory challenge our perceptions of life on Earth, revealing stories of resilience and coexistence in the face of extreme adversity. As one of the driest habitats on the planet, it faces threats from over-mining and excessive water usage, reflecting broader narratives of environmental exploitation and human discord of our time.
Beyond a geographical location; the Atacama offers an expansive territory for ideas and processes to occur. We encourage our residents to embark on projects that explore themes through diverse and multifaceted approaches during their time with us. Engaging in meaningful relationships within the territory as they work on creative research projects.
Our site-responsive residency programs offer balance between guided and self-directed exploration centred around ecological and sociopolitical themes. Participants from diverse fields can engage with local ecologies and cultures through a curated mix of cultural encounters, research trips, and experiential learning. This approach supports personal and professional growth, and empowers creators to address global issues and foster meaningful connections with both the environment and local communities, within a dynamic framework that encourages artistic experimentation beyond traditional settings, promoting meaningful dialogues and connections with the natural world and local communities.
- Fill out our application form and click NEXT.
- Confirm your details (name and email address) and click SUBMIT APPLICATION.
- IMPORTANT: After pressing submit application you will receive an email into your inbox to VERIFY your contact details. You will need to click to verify your email to successfully submit your application and for us to be able to contact you back.
This is a unique opportunity to work creatively in a remote location in connection to the outdoors and create cross-cultural connections. Due to the extremity of the places we work we ask scenario based questions to see how applicants will react to situations, and find out if this project is suited for them to make sure that they will get the best from it. We accept applications written in English and Spanish.
