OBRAS is an international artist residency offering artists and researchers time, space, and solitude. Located near the village of Évoramonte in Portugal’s Alentejo region, the residency exists to support sustained, self-directed work
OBRAS—a Portuguese word meaning work in progress—refers to the active state of making: work that is underway, evolving, unresolved. The residency is built around that condition, offering artists the space and time to focus on their work without prescribed outcomes or imposed programs. Each resident determines the direction and pace of their stay.
The focus here is not on finishing something or producing a result, but on giving your work the attention it needs to develop. A residency could lead to a completed work. Or to a shift in direction, a series of experiments, or a clearer understanding of what your practice.
Residents live and work alongside a small international group while maintaining the independence necessary for concentrated practice. Opportunities to share work exist informally through conversations, artist talks, shared meals, and twice-yearly open studios, but participation is never required.
OBRAS welcomes emerging and established practitioners working across disciplines, including visual art, writing, music, film, architecture, performance, and research-based practices.
The property has developed over generations and includes traditional Portuguese buildings, independent cottages, and studios spread across the landscape. Surrounded
Residency Eligibility
Residency Experience Summary
Application Information
OBRAS welcomes applications from artists and researchers who are looking for focused, independent time for sustained work. Artists with both established and emerging professional practices are encouraged to apply. Couples/Groups are welcome; each applicant should submit a separate application
Residents are provided: private accommodation; studio access (assigned based on availability and practice needs); utilities and limited Wi-Fi; access to shared communal areas.
Residents are responsible for travel, materials and project costs, food and daily living expenses, and health insurance.
Residencies typically run between three and eight weeks; this length tends to suit the rhythm of the place—long enough to settle in, short enough to stay focused.
Occasionally, shorter stays are possible. These are considered individually, and the weekly rate may be slightly higher.
https://www.obrasresidencies.com/residency - structure and costs