Atelier Anamú Residency Program welcomes artists and educators from a wide range of disciplines, including visual arts, writing, sound, ecological, and cross-disciplinary approaches. The program offers residents a space for inner peace, connection to land, and personal growth.

Located on the farmland where artist Sofía Maldonado Suárez maintains her studio, the residency setting draws from her plein air painting practice, but it also welcomes ephemeral and experience-based projects. Residents are encouraged to slow down, observe, and engage with the land and its stories.

Artists may begin new work, expand ongoing projects, or pursue research during their stay. The program fosters self-reflection and creative freedom by encouraging residents to use the open farmland as a studio space. Residents seeking feedback can receive mentorship from Sofía, who is deeply committed to connecting residents with Puerto Rico’s cultural, artistic, and environmental diversity.

Lodging:

Artists may stay from one week to six weeks. We accept only one artist or couple per term. The selected resident is accommodated in a private, fully equipped RV camper on the perimeter of the farmland, with a queen-size bed, a futon, a comfortable dining/living area, and a kitchenette with a microwave, refrigerator, and coffeemaker. The unit also includes a full bathroom, air conditioning, WiFi, and a TV screen with connection capabilities. Residents have access to an outdoor gas stove and shower.

The experience is designed to feel like glamping! For added security and comfort, the RV is equipped with solar panels and a built-in water cistern in case of utility shortages. It´s located within walking distance of the beach and local restaurant.

Studio:

Artists are encouraged to use Atelier Anamú’s open farmland as their studio or experimental space. Residents are invited to explore the natural environment and use the surroundings as their creative grounds, with nearby hikes such as Reserva Natural Inés M. Mendoza and Punta Tuna. Atelier Anamú team is available to discuss each resident’s specific workspace needs during the selection process.

The RV camper is intended as a living and office space, not as a studio. For those needing a more traditional workspace, we can arrange a nearby tent with a table; however, it will remain an open-air space that allows you to use organic, material-based processes. We also have some resources to support resident projects, such a portable painting easel, scrap wood, a projector, a sewing machine, and a wood-fired pit for ceramic experiments.

Those interested in farming therapy will find ample space to explore this practice, along with a partnership we have developed with a local agro-ecological farm.

Application process:

Atelier Anamú accepts applications year-round, with a particular emphasis on projects focused on nature immersion. The process is transparent and communicative. Interested artists are invited to email their proposal to: sofia@sofiamaldonado.com

The email subject line should read “Atelier Anamú Residency Program Inquiry.” Project proposals should be limited to 500 words, include your website or Instagram, and include up to 5 images; they should also include preferred residency dates and the lenth of your stay. Puerto Rican artists may be eligible for a reduced artist’s rate and are encouraged to inquire if this applies to them.

Selection process:

Atelier Anamú welcomes artists whose work fits the residency’s spirit and focus. We review every proposal for creativity, intention, and compatibility with the residency’s facilities. We may contact shortlisted candidates for additional details or invite them to a video call interview to discuss their project in more detail. Selected artists are notified within 30 days of inquiry, along with details about the artist’s rate based on the proposed stay.

Transportation:

Artists should note that a car is necessary for travel around Yabucoa and its nearby towns. While Atelier Anamú can assist with basic trips for groceries, hardware store and essentials, residents are responsible for planning their own transportation logistics before arrival.

VIA AIRPLANE: International and mainland visitors should fly into Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan. Arriving via Ceiba is also a suitable option, particularly for those traveling from other Caribbean destinations or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

VIA CAR: From San Juan, visitors can rent a car near the airport or take a taxi or rideshare service. Note: Yabucoa has no public transportation, so plan accordingly.