Buinho Creative Residency: Live, Work, and Create in Messejana
Buinho’s Creative Residency Program offers artists, designers, and researchers a unique opportunity to live and work in the picturesque town of Messejana, Portugal, for up to two months. With access to fully equipped studios, workshops, and digital fabrication tools, residents can immerse themselves in their creative practice while engaging with a vibrant local and international community.
Residency Spaces: Where Creativity Meets Comfort
Buinho oversees five distinct houses, each designed to cater to different artistic needs and lifestyles.
1. Casa da Avó
Located in the heart of Messejana, Casa da Avó features:
- Two spacious studios with views of the town square
- Two private bedrooms offering privacy and quiet
- A cozy jewelry laboratory with a fireplace for winter stays
- A charming courtyard and terrace, perfect for relaxation
2. São João House
This 19th-century shepherd’s house, renovated in 2019, is ideal for visual artists and writers due to its:
- Quiet environment with high white walls
- Garden with a panoramic view over Messejana
- Studios designed for deep creative focus
3. Joaquina’s House
For artists seeking complete solitude, Joaquina’s House offers:
- A private studio and accommodation in a one-person apartment
- A central location just 300 meters from the town square
- A newly rebuilt space for an exclusive residency experience
4. Buinho Residence
Serving as Buinho’s primary headquarters, this residence features:
- A modern, open-space design
- A central studio for collaborative work
- A fully equipped backyard workshop
- Home to Fablab and Precious Plastic facilities
5. Buinho Educativo Messejana
This space is dedicated to educational initiatives and digital fabrication, offering:
- Laser cutters, 3D printers, and vinyl cutters
- A large collection of electronic and robotics components
- VR headsets and advanced digital tools
- A hub for workshops, training programs, and community engagement
Residency Types: Choose Your Path
Buinho offers two types of residencies:
1. Visiting Residents
By invitation only, these residents receive external funding and are not required to apply. They actively engage with the local community and contribute to Buinho’s internal projects.
2. Spontaneous Application
Artists, designers, and researchers can apply independently. Accepted residents pay a weekly or monthly fee, covering accommodation, workspace, and access to all facilities.
How to Apply
To apply, send an email to info@buinho.pt with:
- A brief project description outlining your creative goals and reasons for applying
- A biography/CV
- A small portfolio (PDF or website link)
- Your preferred residency dates
Applications are reviewed by Buinho’s curatorial committee, which considers:
- The strength of the portfolio and biography
- The motivation and feasibility of the proposal
- The project’s alignment with Buinho’s resources
Residency Fees (as of May 2023)
The cost of the residency varies based on accommodation type:
- São João House (large bedroom, private bathroom, shared studio): €900/month
- São João House (shared bathroom, shared studio): €800/month
- Joaquina’s House (entire house, private studio): €1,000/month
- Casa da Avó (private studio, shared bathroom): €900/month
Accompanying person: 50% discount (must share accommodation)
Important Payment & Cancellation Details
- Minimum stay: Two weeks
- Maximum stay: Two months
- Residencies start on the 1st or 15th of each month
- A 50% deposit is required upon acceptance
- The remaining balance is due in the first week of residency
- Full deposit refunds available only for cancellations made five months in advance
Why Choose Buinho?
- Access to professional studios, tools, and a creative community
- A peaceful environment in a historically rich town
- Opportunities to exhibit and collaborate with local artists
- Support for experimental and interdisciplinary projects
If you are looking for a creative escape where you can focus, innovate, and connect, the Buinho Creative Residency is your ideal destination.
For more details, download the Creative Residency Guidelines or contact info@buinho.pt.
