Mattering Worlds is an international media art residency exploring artistic practice in relation to more-than-human ecologies, technological infrastructures, and environmental transformation. Hosted by Ars Techne in Armenia, the program brings together artists, researchers, and cultural practitioners working across disciplines such as media art, sound, bioart, speculative design, and critical technology studies.

The residency supports research-driven and process-based artistic work that engages with ecological responsibility, situated knowledge, and experimental forms of collaboration. Participants are encouraged to develop projects that reflect on planetary conditions, local contexts, and the entanglements between human and non-human agencies. Rather than focusing solely on production, the program emphasizes dialogue, field inquiry, collective learning, and public engagement.

Residents take part in workshops, site visits, reading sessions, and open studio moments, while also contributing to Ars Techne’s public program through talks, presentations, or small-scale interventions. The residency aims to foster meaningful exchange between international and local communities, strengthen interdisciplinary networks, and create space for critical reflection on how artistic practices can respond to contemporary ecological and technological challenges.

nWilderHaven Artist Residency (WHAR)

The WilderHaven Artist Residency aims to gather artists, musicians, writers, scholars and local artisans, cultivating a space where creative minds converge to explore, experiment, and connect. In an era marked by a deepening awareness of individuality and the pursuit of freedom, WHAR serves as a sanctuary for interdisciplinary practices. As artists navigate foreign lands and cultures, their work becomes a bridge between traditions and contemporary thought, contributing to a broader understanding of existence and the ever-evolving relationship between art, science, politics, economics, and spirituality.

Residency Structure

• Cohort Size: 8-14 artists per season, representing diverse media and career stages.
• Program Length: 2-week or 4 week stays (4 weeks strongly encouraged for a fully immersive experience).
• Key Events:
  1. Open-Format Artist Presentations (mid-season)
  2. Public Open Studio (final weekend)

Support & Flexibility

To keep fees accessible and creative freedom high, our team:

• Acts as on-site facilitators, not administrators—assisting with logistics, material sourcing, and technical questions as needed.
• Provides shared workspaces, amenities (kitchen, snack bar), and curated cultural excursions.
• Adapts living and studio arrangements to suit individual needs.

Where We Work

Residencies take place in multiple towns and natural retreats across:

• Yunnan Province (tropical ethnic cultural hubs)
• Guizhou Province (ethnic Yi and Miao regions)
• Sichuan Province 

Rest Retreats at the Respite Roundhouse grant nature-infused rejuvenation and healing for those in need of rest.  Open for booking April - July 2025. Retreatants will choose their own self-directed retreat during seasonal, available dates. $40/per weekday night. Weekend bookings available at reduced, market-rate if can stay for minimum of three nights. your choice : self-cleaning or paid cleaning.

Retreatants get access to:

• gaia herb products donated by compassion access project
• Soaking tub, wood burning stove, rooms encased in windows for open air, forest trail, river medicine, wood for camp fires, vast library of movement, poetry and naturalist / buddhist books.
• All the emergent discoveries you will find here.

Retreats will be granted according to solidarity scale, what folks can afford to pay, with a minimum non-refundable contribution of $80 for two nights / three days.

Read and See Reviews of past retreatants.

Are you an artist or writer seeking a space to focus on your next project? Look no further! We're thrilled to share that we have just opened applications for self-directed residencies for 2025. 

We are currently accepting applications for self-directed residencies during the months of November and December, 2025 and into 2026.

*A self directed residency is for:

• Individual artists or writers who are looking to focus on their own projects or practice in a private studio space.
• Small groups of artists or writers (10 individuals or less) who are looking to spend dedicated creative time in a share studio space. *Typical 2-3 artists can comfortably share a studio space at Gibraltar Point.

Immerse yourself in the history of Gibraltar Point and focus on your practice in a supportive environment. Whether you're a painter, writer, musician, or any form of creative mind, we welcome you to spend time in the new year on Toronto Island.

Spots are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so don't wait! Apply now through the link in our bio to secure your place and unlock a week or more of uninterrupted inspiration.

The ART-14 Residency, in conjunction with the L.a. Studio community’s art outreach and programming, was founded in 2023 as a haven for artists looking for a comfortable, collaborative, and creative space to explore their art and concentrate on their projects, while our local community simultaneously benefits from the activity at L.a. Studio.

We are located in the renovated St. Mary’s School building (constructed in 1912), which features 12-foot high ceilings and large 7-foot windows, with plenty of natural daylight and spacious workspaces for various artistic disciplines. Artists have 24h access to designated studio spaces including ceramics, stained glass, woodworking, and 3D printing/laser engraving equipment, as well as tons of open studio space for painting, sculpting, writing/composing, research, recording, and whatever else our artists can dream. Residents reside in newly renovated apartments conveniently located above the studios, on the second floor. Private rooms are available with shared access to kitchens, bathrooms, laundry, and a fully equipped gym.

Zero Foot Hills (ZFH) is a residence on a rural property for artists to live, rest, think, and create, with a focus on natural spaces and materials.

our mission:

To foster artistic creation and practice as integral and complementary aspects of a life in balance with nature.

our vision:

To provide space and time for guests to live, rest, think and create in a setting that provides ample opportunities to integrate nature into their practices.

our values:

To bring our mission to as many people as is safe and productive, Zero Foot Hills is committed to:

• Good stewardship of the land, allowing sustainable growing, foraging, and recreation
• No tuition/fees and limited costs for guests
• A space welcoming artists' families
• Respect for our neighboring communities
• Good faith commitment to maintain or improve ethical and equitable practices
• Readiness to host and collaborate with artists who share our Mission/Vision/Values