4 - W E E K S

T H E M A T I C

R E S I D E N C Y

M A Y 2 0 2 4

S P A C E S

T O

H O L D

Ó r g i v a , S p a i n

A thematic residency about spaceholding

'Spaces to Hold' is a pilot 4-week Artist-in-Residence (AiR) program hosted by Andy Chaleff and Jennifer Kumer in May 2024.

The residency focus on bringing together artists, writers, or creatives whose practice involves, or aspires to include, the practice of holding space for others to explore, experiment, transform, or be vulnerable.

ABOUT

April 28th - May 26th, 2024

The official program period is 4 weeks (28 days).

Arrival day and departure day on Sundays.

Residency Fees

The fees of the residency ranges from 600 to 950 Euros

(depending on room type and whether the room is shared)

THE RESIDENCY

• accomodation incl. towels and bedlinen
• once a week excursion (artist talks, studio visits, cultural activities, and workshops)
• the use of the working spaces in the shared studio
• the use of the shared spaces of the shared house
• use of a number of basic household items such as: cleaning supplies, toilet paper and use of the washing machine (detergent and softener)
  

• Airfares
• Visas
• Airport pickup or return (although we will help organize this for you)
• General living costs such as food, health, and travel insurance (we will assist you in finding proper groceries and staples)
• Art supplies (we will assist you in finding specific supplies if necessary)
  

Surrounded by olive trees planted by the Moors 1,000 years ago on a 2-hectare estate, the residency is situated in Cortijo de Santa Cruz, an authentic Andalusian farmhouse and studio house in Órgiva, Spain with 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen, laundry, living rooms, indoor and outdoor dinning area, studios, swimming pool, multiple patios and olive groves.

The house was refurbished in 2023 with air-conditioning.

There are two nearby supermarkets within 15 minute walking distance.

ACCOMODATIONS

Cortijo de Santa Cruz

Rooms

Master Bedroom #1:

2 beds (or 1 king) with ensuite bathroom, shower, bathtub

1750 euros alone or 950 euros p.p for two

Master Bedroom #2:

2 beds (or 1 king) with ensuite bathroom, shower, private patio

1750 euros alone or 950 euros p.p for two

Double Bedroom:

2 beds (or 1 king) without bathroom (shared bathroom via outdoor walk)

1250 euros alone or 700 euros p.p for two

Studio Room:

2 beds (or 1 king) with ensuite bathroom, shower

1400 euros alone or 800 euros p.p for two

Office Room:

1 single bed with desk (shared bathroom via outdoor walk)

750 euros alone

Amenities

Dishwasher, oven, microwave, toaster, fridge, washing machine, tea/coffee machine, air conditioning, TV, private pool, barbeque facilities, and fireplace

Equipments

B&W printer, speaker, yoga mats, flip board, paper cutter, prototyping materials (markers, sticky notes, scissors, tape…etc), and basic art materials (paint, glue sticks, and brushes)

Nestled in the picturesque Alpujarra valley between the Sierra de Lújar and Sierra Nevada, Órgiva is a Spanish town with a population of approximately 6,000 known for its artsy bohemian ambience. Embraced by lush valleys and olive groves, it has become a magnet for artists and free spirits seeking inspiration amidst its historic allure.

Órgiva's multicultural community, shaped by Moorish, Christian, and Jewish influences, adds a rich tapestry of traditions and perspectives. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, the town provides a tranquil retreat while offering easy access to vibrant local markets, cultural festivities, and scenic walks.

• 10 KM from LANJARÓN (Approx. 15 minutes by car)
• 33 KM from GRANADA (Approx. 40 minutes by car)
• 65 KM from MOTRIL (Approx. 1 hour by car)
• 80 KM from MALAGA (Approx. 1.5 hours by car)

The main street near the church has many atmospheric cafés. Once a week farmer’s market, twice a week flea market, regular yoga and dance workshops in town.

ÓRGIVA, SPAIN

The Bohemian village of Órgiva

Getting to the Residency

The two nearest airports are Malaga and Granada airport.

Malaga Airport (AGP)

125 km away, 10 - 15 euros by Blablacar carpool or 100 euros private taxi

Granada Airport

72 km away, 6 euros to Orgiva by bus or 80 euros private taxi

There is a public bus from Granada to Orgiva (several a day) and one bus a day to and from Malaga. You can also check BlablaCar for affordable carpooling options (ranging from 10 to 15 euros).

RESIDENCY HOSTS

Andy Chaleff & Jennifer Kumer

Andy Chaleff is a multiple-award-winning author known for his ability to explore the depths of the human experience through captivating storytelling. In addition to his writing, Chaleff offers his guidance and expertise as a mentor and advisor to various nonprofit organizations. He emphasizes in particular mindfulness, education, and parenting.

Andy Chaleff

Author, Public Speaker and Mentor

Author of "The Last Letter", "The Wounded Healer", and "The Connection Playbook"

Jennifer Kumer is an accomplished applied game designer, recognized for her proficiency in crafting play-based tools that ignite meaningful conversations around crucial topics. In addition to designing, Jennifer also leads Play Tools Design with a passion for co-creative approaches, combining game mechanics, design thinking, and creative coaching to help visionaries reimagine learning solutions.

Jennifer Kumer

Game Designer and Creativity Coach

Designer of "When My Time Comes", "Cards for Couples", and "Emotional Insights"

Application Inforamation

APPLICATION

Who Should Apply

We welcome applications from artists, writers, and creatives working in various disciplines, including but not limited to visual arts, performance arts, literature, and interdisciplinary practices.

Ideal applicants are those committed to exploring the transformative power of creativity and the practice of holding space for community, audience, or participants. In the selection process, an emphasis is put on applicant’s approach and suitability to the program theme.

• You must be at least 23 or older to apply (in 2024)
• Children and pets are not permitted in the residency
• You may apply as an individual or a collaborative duo or team of three
• Pre-selected candidates will be emailed for a 30-minute online interview with Andy & Jennifer
  
• Please note that your residency is not secured until your confirmation and deposits are received
• Artists will pay in advance €250 as a deposit (by bank transfer or Paypal) to reserve a place
• Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis

Questions/concerns:

please email andy@meaningfulrelations.com

• Important to Note:
• The residency intentionally deviates from conventional, impersonal structures, refraining from imposing strict guidelines and deliverables on residents. Instead, we wish to offer an open, collaborative space encouraging artists to connect, share, and explore without constraints, fostering a genuine and transformative creative experience.
  
  
• The residency is NOT a fully scheduled ‘retreat’. Residents are expected to dedicate a significant portion of their time to individual projects, fostering a self-directed and flexible environment.
  
  
• Andy Chaleff and Jennifer Kumer, the hosts of the residency are both experienced coaches who will be immersed in their own creative pursuits throughout the residency, participating in group programs as peers rather than assuming mentorship roles.

• The boss of the house is Mitsy, the cat. She is primarily outdoors, but she sometimes gets in. If you have a cat allergy, please let us know.
  

Requirements: