Artist Development: International Residency – Brazil
Expand your practice with a transformational residency at the highly esteemed Sacatar Institute in Bahia, Brazil
Aviva Studios’ vast spaces have been designed to provoke artists to do things differently, explore what’s possible, and offer a backdrop to create some of the most ambitious work in the world.
Now, we’re joining forces with the Sacatar Institute to offer a transformational residency opportunity in Bahia, Brazil. We want to support artists to think about their creative practice in an international context and the wider world of making work.
Together, we’re offering a nine-week residency in Bahia for artists to explore their creative practise, support transformation of ideas, engage with local communities or institutions, be part of a cohort of international artists/creatives, and develop networks that offer space, reflection and pathways to new learning.
About Sacatar Institute
Founded in 2001, the Sacatar Institute is the oldest continuously operating artist residency in Brazil. Since its creation, Sacatar has hosted more than 500 artists from all artistic disciplines, coming from more than 70 countries.
Sacatar stands out from other residencies for its interdisciplinarity reach – always bringing together artists from various creative disciplines within the same cohort. It also distinguishes itself by welcoming artists not only from around the world but also from different generations.
Another defining feature is its open-ended approach, prioritizing process and immersion in Bahian culture and the local art scene over the production of finished works. For this reason, Sacatar does not require participants to produce any final outcome such as an artwork or exhibition. Instead, artists are free to explore, experiment, and, most importantly, be affected and transformed by their experience in Bahia.
Located on the island of Itaparica, across the bay from Salvador, Sacatar offers a residency experience that offers time in the studio, engagement with the nature, culture and communities of Itaparica, and immersion in Salvador’s rich art scene. How artists choose to balance these elements is entirely up to them.
What to expect
Factory International’s Residency artist will have the opportunity to:
- Develop international experience and knowledge
- Receive travel and accommodation for the residency of nine weeks (all this is paid for) plus £2000 to support your time
- Receive peer-to-peer insight, support, and connectivity
- See and be introduced to the ecology of Bahia and the surrounding areas
- Join a cohort of other residency artists from across the globe
- Be introduced to local art spaces, cultural initiatives, and other points of interest
- Propose activities such as workshops, lectures, or even small-scale exhibitions
- Learn more about the island of Itaparica in Bahia, as well as get in touch with the rich history, art and culture of this location
- Meet local communities, artists, and activists
- Make use of studio spaces
- Interact with the Sacatar organisation and its connections in the area
What will be expected of you
Most of your time at Sacatar is self-directed. While the Sacatar team will gladly help connect you with local people and institutions, it is up to you to pursue those connections and shape your own experience. Aside from the first week of orientation and a few pre-scheduled group activities, no one will dictate how you spend your time.
You are expected to remain in residence for the full duration of the session (nine weeks). Occasional short absences—such as a weekend trip to Salvador—are permitted, but in general, you are expected to be present and engaged at Sacatar throughout the residency.
In order to get the most out of the experience, we expect that most artists will attend the residency on their own. We will not accept group applications, and friends and family members should not accompany you to the island or elsewhere during your residency.
If you’d require a personal assistant to support your participation in the programme, or have other access requirements you’d like to discuss with us ahead of time, please do not hesitate to get in touch by emailing artist.development@factoryinternational.org. We want to be able to offer everyone the support they need.
You will be in residence with six other artists from diverse countries, disciplines, backgrounds, and generations. We expect each Sacatar Fellow to approach the residency with generosity—sharing ideas, references, contacts, and experiences, and fostering a spirit of mutual exchange and support within the group.
Guidance Notes
- We are looking for an individual artist from any artform or interdisciplinary background from the North of England.
- We are looking for an artist who can manage and devise their schedule and time whilst at Sacatar
- We are looking for an artist who is confident, independent, and can use this opportunity with agency
- You can demonstrate at least seven years of professional experience and you would be able to structure your residency and manage your time
- You can demonstrate why this international residency could be transformative in your practise
- You must be available from 17 November to 19 January and be resident in Brazil for this time
- You’ll need to be available to check in with the Head of Artist Development bi-weekly
- You will need to outline how you’d use this residency
Key dates
Applications open: 5 June 2025, midday
Applications close: 21 July 2025, midday
Residency dates: November 2025 – January 2026
How to Apply
- Please summarise your artistic practise and portfolio to date and demonstrate at least seven years of professional commissions/practise.
- Please tell us why you are applying for a Factory International and Instituto Sacatar Residency and how you would use the time to support your artistic practise and career.
- Why is now the right time at this stage of your career?
- What are the key ideas and thinking you would like to develop through the process?
