Pezzolo Creative Immersion
Messina, ME, Italy
The Pezzolo Creative Immersion is an intensive training residency for artists eager to refine their craft. Join leading practitioners in Sicily for a 1 - 2 week immersive workshop designed to deepen creative skills and artistic practice. These workshops are scheduled at set points throughout the year, and will be offered in a variety of creative disciplines. With hands-on learning, guided mentorship, and curated cultural experiences, this residency offers a unique opportunity for professional development in a breathtaking setting. Open to artists at all levels; a participation fee is required to attend.
Contact
residency@trinacriatheatre.com
Via Mendolara 1
Vill. Pezzolo
98138 Messina ME
Italy
Residency Program Information
Year Founded
2016
Context
Rural
Remote
Residency Structure
Stand-alone
Embedded in intentional community
Residency Program Type
Studio-based (with housing)
Thematic
Community-engaged
Curriculum
Experiential
Residency Program Summary
Residency Length
7 days - 21 days
Languages
English
Other
Average Number of Artists in Residence at a Time
6
Collaborative Residency
Must apply and be accepted individually
Discipline
Acting
Book Arts
Choreography
Costume/Fashion Design
Dance
Documentary
Drawing
Ecology
Environmental Arts
Environmentalism/Conservation
Fiction
Graphic Design
History
Illustration
Installation Arts
Interdisciplinary Arts
Journalism
Literary Nonfiction
Literature
Mixed Media
Moving Image
Multimedia Arts
Music
New Genres
Nonfiction
Painting
Paper Arts
Performance Art
Philosophy
Photography
Playwriting
Poetry
Public Art
Screenwriting
Sculpture
Social Practice
Sound Art
Storytelling
Theater
Translation
Visual Arts
Writing
Companions
Pets are not allowed
Country of Residence
Open to artists based anywhere in the world
Family Friendly
N/A
Stage of Career
Any stage of career
Additional Expectations/Opportunities
Other
How does your residency program support artists?
Opportunity to be in another context
Opportunity to travel
Immersion in new culture and/context
Access to training on new artistic techniques and/or apprenticeship
Inspiration from natural environment
Inspiration from cultural context
Professional development support and/or trainings
Opportunities to collaborate with other artists/residents
Opportunities to develop relationships with other artists/residents
Opportunities for work with the local community
Opportunities to exhibit or perform new work
Application Information
Additional Eligibility Information
The application process is dependent on the specific Pezzolo Creative Immersion being offered. Open Calls will be published throughout the year.
Number of Artists Accepted in Most Current Year
6
Artist Stipend
0
US Dollar (USD)
Travel Stipend/Material Stipends
0
US Dollar (USD)
Residency Fees
1200
Euro (EUR)
Fee Details
Pezzolo Creative Immersion Fees are based on the number of days and inclusions of the exact residency, starting at 1200euro for 6 days. This information will be given in the Open Call.
Each residency includes expert-led training, accommodation, meals, airport transfers, local transportation, curated excursions, and meaningful engagement with the local Sicilian community. There may be additional performance or exibition opportunities, depending on the specific Immersion theme.
Grant/Scholarship/Other Funding Support
Application Fee
0
Euro (EUR)
Application Type
Open application
Accessibility
What does your program provide during the residency experience?
Pre-orientation
Manual / handbook before arrival
Communication before arrival to discuss accommodations, medical conditions, or other health needs
Orientation upon arrival
Full description of accessibility on campus
Links to resources, effective practices, grievance procedures, etc.
Contact info for accessibility requests for event/programming
Is your campus wheelchair accessible?
Inaccessible
Additional Accessibility Information
- Mobility: Our residency takes place in a village that is over 800 years old and was built on a mountainside at approximately 365m above sea level. Unfortunately, many parts of the village are only accessible by footpaths (sometimes uneven) or stairs. The living quarters of Casa Trinacria can only be accessed by stairs. Unfortunately, this makes the residency unsuitable for individuals with limited mobility or wheelchair users.
- Distance: The village of Pezzolo is separated from surrounding towns by a winding drive up a mountain road. This road is 7km long and takes approx. 15 - 20 minutes to drive. It may be challenging for inexperienced drivers or those who experience motion sickness.
- Medical Facilities: The nearest medical facility is the Policlinico Hospital in Messina, approximately 20 km away (about a 30–40 minute drive, depending on road conditions).
- Amenities: There is only one business remaining open in Pezzolo, which is a small butcher shop. The butcher shop also stocks a few other dry goods, such as pasta, rice, canned goods, beer, cleaning supplies, and other necessities. There is also a small pharmacy which operates on very limited hours. For all other amenities (such as grocery stores, supply shops, post office, ATM, etc.), it is necessary to drive to nearby towns, a drive which takes at least 15 - 20 min in both directions.
- Wildlife: There are several colonies of feral cats living in Pezzolo. Other local wildlife include small lizards and geckos. Mosquitos are common in the summer. Less commonly seen, but still present in the local area, are garden snakes, hedgehogs, bats, owls, and even occasionally wild boar.
- Heat: Summer in Sicily is extremely dry, hot, and sunny. Shoulder seasons provide milder, more temperate weather. No matter the time of year, hydration and sun protection are essential. Artists are always encouraged to always pack refillable water bottles, sunscreen, and protective coverings such as hats. Tap water in Pezzolo is potable, and there are additional public drinking fountains throughout the village, directly from fresh mountain spring sources, where bottles can be refilled.
- Internet Connection: Please note that there is no Wi-Fi provided, and cell phone service can be spotty. We encourage participants to embrace this as an “unplugged” opportunity to focus, reflect, and immerse themselves in the unique environment.
Caregiver/Aide/PCA
Case by case consideration by staff
Accessibility Contact Name
Mariagrazia La Fauci
Accessibility Contact Email
mariagrazia@trinacriatheatre.com
Other Services/Aids Offered in Residency + Other Programming
- Unless otherwise indicated, residencies are conducted primarily in English.
- The local community is primarily Italian-speaking. A knowledge of Italian may be helpful, but not required.
- For community engagement activities, Trinacria can provide interpretation translation. For more extensive language-based artistic projects, we are unable to provide full literary translation.
Housing & Accomodation
Type of Housing
Private bedroom in a shared housing facility on campus
Shared bedroom
Accessible Housing
Inaccessible
Housing for Companion And/or Caregivers
Case by case consideration
Accessible Communal Spaces
Inaccessible
Common/Communal Spaces Information
- Most residencies are hosted at Casa Trinacria. This is a 4 story family home managed by Trinacria. The house consists of:
- Floor 0: A large garage which can be utilized as a workspace, including a half bath
- Floor 1: A fully equipped shared communal kitchen, communal living and dining room, terrace, and full bath
- Floor 2: Three bedrooms, each with 2 single beds (can be pushed together to create a double bed), and a full bath
- Floor 3: Laundry machine and large rooftop terrace
- All participants should expect to share rooms, bathrooms, and other living spaces.
- Rooms are not air conditioned. Fans are provided in each room.
- Additional housing is at times used depending on the size of the group. These are in private family homes generously lent to us by members of the local community. All of the same expectations apply (room sharing, shared living spaces, and no air conditioning).
Additional Housing Information
Access to laundry in housing
No WIFI in housing
Meals Provided
All meals
Groceries provided for residents to prepare their own meals
Residents have access to shared kitchen
Additional Meals Information
Vegan meal options can be requested
Vegetarian meal options can be requested
Gluten-free meal options can be requested
Food allergies and restrictions can be accommodated
Studio & Facilities
Computer/Internet Access
No WIFI available
No computer access available
Studios/Facilities Details
- Working space is allocated and shared based on the needs of the individual artists participating in the residency.
- Casa Trinacria has a large street-level garage space with a bathroom which can be used as a studio or rehearsal room.
- We are often able to access the Sala di Santa Maria, a community hall owned by the local parish church. This is a large open space with a small stage and a bathroom.
- Pezzolo is a village with an abundance of abandoned or semi-abandoned spaces. Our resident artists often elect to create in open or public spaces such as piazzas, streets, and courtyards. We are sometimes able to arrange access to private spaces based on the needs of our participating artists. Prior to your arrival in Sicily, we will have a conversation about your working space needs.
- Artists should not expect air conditioning in working spaces. If necessary, a fan will be provided.
Studios/Special Equipment
Shared Studios
Dance Studio Without Sprung Floor
Easels
Drawing Benches
Large Sinks
Studios/Facilities Accessibility
Inaccessible
Studio Support/Tech
No studio support provided