Residency Details
The 360 XOCHI QUETZAL Artist and Writer’s Residency Program is located in Ajijic, on Lake Chapala, the largest lake in Mexico, where the perfect year-round climate and stunning lake and mountain views have long established the region as an international artist mecca. Residents will be inspired by the natural beauty, history and culture of this special part of central Mexico. Ajijic is located 25 minutes from Guadalajara International Airport and 45 minutes from Guadalajara, one of the largest cities in Mexico boasting abundant cultural resources: museums, galleries, theatre and artist supplies. Xochi Quetzal is the Aztec goddess of creativity and fertility and protector of artisans. She is sure to inspire you during your stay!
CRITERIA: National and international visual artists, photographers, writers, playwrights, new media makers and musicians over the age of 23 are invited to join us as participants in our residency program.
RESIDENCY PROGRAM: We offer 8 live/work spaces for 2 weeks and up to 4 months. There is no formal application, just CLICK HERE to see more details about the location and pricing of the spaces at Garden of Dreams Hotel in Ajijic. This is a perfect opportunity to finish a manuscript, prepare for a show, collect your thoughts, or plan your next body of work.
LIVE WORK SPACES: Each room or suite at the Garden of Dreams has a siting area, large closet, fan and full bathroom with a walk-in shower. Some of the rooms have decorative fireplaces and they all include a refrigerator, toaster oven and coffee pot. We will provide an easel, work table & lamp and floor covering if needed for you to create your art. We are happy to rearrange or remove furniture in the room if you require more space. The rooms are situated around our tranquil garden giving you many places to sit and write, paint or work. The property is spacious and is full of mature trees (jacaranda, mango and even a massive pine tree) and many species of birds. We employ gardeners six days a week, so the garden is picturesque and well-card for. You are welcome to make yourself at home anywhere on the property. Whether you are in your room, on the shady lawn or perched above the property from our rooftop terrace, there is plenty of room to find your inspiration.
OTHER COSTS: In addition to the rent on your live/work space, you are responsible for your travel to and from Mexico. It is easy and safe to take an airport taxi which costs $480 pesos to Ajijic. Pay at the kiosk and take your ticket to the taxi stand. Upon arrival at the Garden of Dreams, a $100 peso tip would be an appropriate amount to give the driver.You will also need to pay for your local transportation (taxis usually $5 USD), entertainment, gifts and dining. Food is inexpensive in Mexico, typically costing about $30/week USD. Eating out is quite affordable with meals costing $4 – 10 USD. International calls can be made by getting an international cell plan from ATT or Sprint or downloading WhatsApp before you arrive.
WHAT IS AJIJIC LIKE? In a word, charming. This is a small town with a population of 15,000. You will hear horses trotting along the cobblestone boulevard in the morning on their way to the stables. Cowboys ride by using their cell phones. Birdsong accompanies you throughout the day. In the winter, thousands of white pelicans entertain us on the lake. Trees blaze with psychedelic color year round. The mountains turn green during our 5-month rainy season (June – Oct). Vendors pass by during the day hawking fresh strawberries, bottled water, and ice cream.
FUN: You are minutes from the malecon, a park-like promenade that runs along the lake for a mile. The lake is surrounded by mountains and you will enjoy spectacular sunsets almost every night. The weather is sunny 300 days a year with average daytime temperatures in the 70s. Lake Chapala is becoming a wine region with several vineyards that offer tours and tasting. Community festivals with decades old traditions are scattered throughout the calandar. Other nearby activities include hiking, dancing, bird-watching and thermal springs. You will discover a plethora of events and activities that are arts-focused and will keep your daily itenerary very busy.
COMMUNITY: Ajijic has dozens of cafes, galleries, cultural centers, art openings and hundreds of artists to connect or study with. Everything you need is within walking distance and bus service is frequent and inexpensive. This is a safe place to live and work and the Garden of Dreams grounds are locked and secure.
LANGUAGE: Although speaking a little Spanish will make your time here more culturally integrated, you do not need to speak the language to get what you need. Most waitstaff and shop workers speak some English. However your use of a translation app would be beneficial. We recommend downloading “DeepL”. It is free to download and you can use it on your laptop or your mobile phone.
HOUSE RULES: Pets are not permitted at the Garden of Dreams. Several of the staff at the hotel have lovely dogs. You will find them entertaining, very friendly and super snuggly. Smoking, drugs and firearms are expressly prohibited.
NON-DISCRIMINATION: 360 Xochi Quetzal encourages applications from artists of all backgrounds and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual identity, HIV status, marital status, disability, or veteran status.
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