OAXACA, MEXICO AND THE ARQUETOPIA OAXACA ARTIST RESIDENCY SPACE
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The colonial city of Oaxaca is reachable via three international airports: Oaxaca (OAX), Puebla (PBC), and Mexico City (MEX). Nestled in a valley in the Sierra Madre mountain range of southern Mexico, Oaxaca is located 450 km (280 mi) southeast of Mexico City. With a population of 265,000, Oaxaca boasts magnificent colonial architecture, the most outstanding example being Santo Domingo church and its former convent, now home to an impressive anthropology museum. The city and its surrounding areas also feature a high concentration of native Zapotec and Mixtec cultures and archaeological sites. Oaxaca was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 for its central historic district and the archaeological site of Monte Alban. Getting around Oaxaca is easy and enjoyable; museums, studios, libraries and landmarks are all in walking distance. At an elevation of 1,555 m (5,100 ft), Oaxaca features a subtropical climate, resulting in mild-to-warm temperatures year-round.
Rich in history and culture, Oaxaca is a fascinating destination where you can appreciate ancient civilizations, colonial art and architecture, and vibrant cultural traditions. Oaxaca is one of the safest Mexican destinations you could choose.
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ARQUETOPIA OAXACA RESIDENCY INCLUSIONS
Staff Support:
All Arquetopia residencies include weekly individual meetings with our staff for research assistance, project guidance, and critiques.
Accommodation, Meals, and Transportation:
Furnished, private bedrooms and use of Arquetopia Oaxaca’s well-equipped residency space including wireless Internet, kitchen, dining room, covered patio and lounge space, and shared bathrooms with modern fixtures and showers are provided. Meals, 24-hour open access to stocked kitchen and dining room, and housekeeping are included. Though cheap, everyday public transportation is also available from the residency vicinity into the city, Arquetopia provides scheduled transportation into downtown Oaxaca once per week by van.
Studio Workspace:
Individual live/work space with natural light is provided with table or desk. Larger, shared studio is also provided with large tables and some tools. For instructional residencies, materials and supplies for the instructional course are included. For self-directed residencies, materials and supplies are brought by the artist or are available for purchase locally.
Artist-in-Residence Rosa Tolnov Clausen (Denmark) with Master Instructor
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New as of 2015: In contributing to more focused environmental consciousness and renewing our commitment to sustainability and nature, we are excited to announce the new Arquetopia Oaxaca. This new space honors Oaxaca’s traditions by incorporating into our residency a deeper comprehension of how art and the surrounding ecosystem coexist harmonically. Arquetopia’s residency spaces continue to be open for dialogue, exchanges, and encounters while emphasizing our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint, reusing materials, and recycling waste.
Our alpine-style villa hosts up to four artists at a time, with sweeping mountain and city views from the artist rooms.
In this countryside space, the intersection of art and nature set the tone for reflection, research and production. We welcome artists who are interested in developing projects with non-toxic techniques and seeking a deeper connection with the community, nature, and the environment. Artists are also encouraged to participate in diverse activities such as field trips, cycling, and hiking as well as helping to maintain our organic garden.
Our residents enjoy a safe and peaceful environment surrounded by the mountains of San Pablo, a nature reserve of 7,500 acres with rich biodiversity. The residency center is located in the countryside village of San Pablo Etla, only 30 minutes away from the center of the city of Oaxaca on the south side; and to the north, it is only 20 minutes away from the Centro de las Artes San Agustín, an early 20th-century textile mill transformed into a spectacular arts center. Though cheap, everyday public transportation is also available from the residency vicinity into the city, Arquetopia provides scheduled transportation into downtown Oaxaca twice per week by van.
Arquetopia’s new gallery, DECENTERED, opened December 1, 2017
in Puebla’s historic district and was recently featured by Hyperallergic.
The current exhibition, Disruptions, runs through March 1, 2018.
ARQUETOPIA OAXACA ARTIST AND WRITERS RESIDENCY
OUR SECOND SPACE IN THE OAXACA COUNTRYSIDE![]() |

Artist-in-Residence Fernando De Ita (Mexico)
RESIDENCY PROGRAMS WE OFFER AT ARQUETOPIA OAXACA — CLICK EACH FOR INFORMATION
1. ART PRODUCTION Residency (self-directed, as an optional extension to the Instructional Residencies)
3. NATURAL INK SILKSCREEN Instructional Artist Residency
4. NATURAL PIGMENTS Instructional Artist Residency
4. NATURAL PIGMENTS Instructional Artist Residency
6. WRITERS Residency (self-directed)
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