How do I become a resident artist?

In the fall of 2025, the first formal call for applications for residencies will be launched, guided by a selection committee that will be established in the summer of 2025. In the meantime, interested artists may contact Do Picho with informal expressions of interest, particularly if they would like to pursue projects, alone or in collaboration with up to two other artists, that engage with environmental issues and their impact on people, LGBTQI issues, or human rights more broadly.

How were the first resident artists selected?

Do Picho is currently in a pilot phase that started in February 2024 with the drafting and circulation of a concept note about Do Picho, and that has continued into 2025. Since the concept note was first circulated for comments and input, artists have approached Do Picho’s founder, Ralf Jürgens, because they were interested in its focus on the environment and on human rights. In particular, a number of them were keen to make a contribution through their art and activism to the fight for the protection of the environment in central Galicia. Ultimately, they were selected because the projects they developed for their residencies fit well within Do Picho’s aims and because they were interested in helping shape a new residency program.

How long is the residency?

Residencies will typically be 4 to 6 weeks in duration; exceptionally, they could be shorter or longer. Overall, every year the residency program will usually run from April until the end of November. During the rest of the year, the residency home will be used as a retreat space and will also be available for individual or group rentals.

What is the accommodation like at the residence?

Artists live and work in the residency home, situated in a house adjacent to the house of Do Picho’s founder, Ralf, with a shared garden. The residency home has 3 bedrooms (one of which can easily be converted into a small atelier), a very large, high, and bright main space, a fully equipped kitchen and a bathroom. Laundry facilities are available in Ralf’s home. Internet connection is good. A Rhodes (electric) piano is provided. Artists can come alone or apply to come with their loved ones (and kids) or apply together with one or a maximum of two other artists, to pursue a collaborative project.

How do I get to Do Picho?

Residents will be picked up at a nearby airport or train station in Galicia and driven back to the airport or train station at the end of the residency. Bikes are available to residents – but there are no bike paths leading to Finca Do Picho. From the Finca, it is a 25–30-minute walk to Palas de Rei through the woods. A car can be made available to residents, at a cost (see below, under cost).

Are there exhibition opportunities?

There will always be at least one event linked to each residency, and ideally also an exhibition or performance(s). Residents might also give a talk at a university or arts organization during their residency; and/or opportunities will be sought for showcasing their work in Palas de Rei itself. For each resident, a reception will be organized.

What is the cost of the residency?

Ultimately, the aim is to provide not only the space and opportunities to the artists for free but also travel costs. This will, however, be dependent on the extent to which various sources of funding can be secured for Do Picho. During the pilot phase (and/or until resources are secured to make this possible), the residents are expected to cover their transport and to contribute towards basic residency costs and to the cost of using a car, if artists are interested in using one.  Residents determine the amount of their contribution themselves, based on their ability to pay and other relevant factors*. Typically, each resident contributes between a minimum of 50 euros/week and a maximum of 500 euros/week. All the money raised this way, as any other income raised by the Program, goes towards the residency program itself. If they want to use the car, residents are expected to contribute an additional 50 to 100 euros/week.

*“Free and Conscious Participation”: Free and Conscious Participation is another way of considering the remuneration of an activity such as a workshop or a residential seminar. It is a participatory, transparent and supportive mode of valorization. In all cases, this conscious contribution must be proportionate to the financial capacity of each person.

What else do artists contribute to the program?

Visual artists are expected to donate an artwork for display in the residency house and to bring catalogs from previous projects for contribution to a growing library in the residency house, and as a record of participants. The artworks and catalogs will be on display during ‘open day’ events.