Artist-in-Residency and Writer Retreat
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Yunnan . Guizhou . Sichuan
Yunnan
Covering 28,000 mu, the landscape features over 3 million tea trees, including 1.1 million ancient trees growing naturally beneath a biodiverse forest canopy. Unlike industrial plantations, Jingmai utilizes a unique “forest–tea symbiosis” system. This traditional understory model—where tea grows alongside protective native trees—has been preserved for centuries without chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
This ecological balance is maintained by the Blang, Dai, Hani, and Wa peoples. Their agricultural practices and ancestral "Tea Ancestor" beliefs have sustained the forest as a living cultural landscape. Historically a vital source for the Ancient Tea Horse Road, the mountain remains a vibrant center of traditional village life, ritual, and craft.
The locals’ agricultural and craft traditions embody a philosophy of ecological balance and coexistence with nature.
Jingmai Mountain’s blend of ancient ecological wisdom and cross-border cultural heritage provides a profound environment for artistic research and slow, place-based practice.
A video related to the culture: History of Tea
About the location: Jingmai Mountain
Threaded Canopy:
Growth, Weaving, Diaspora, and Living Ecology
Residency period:
March 22 — April 4th (Two weeks)
March 22 — April 18th (Four weeks)
Apply through: November 10th, 2026 - December 20th, 2026
Application deadline: December 20th 11:59 PM, 2026 (EST)
Notification: Two weeks after Due date
As spring warmth returns, Jingmai Mountain awakens with peak tea harvest and lush forest canopy growth. WilderHaven invites artists, curators, ethnographers, anthropologists, and agricultural researchers to engage directly with this site of seasonal renewal, ancestral trade routes, and living heritage.
We focus on the intersections of ecology, diaspora cultures, indigenous women’s weaving traditions, and eco-friendly art.We welcome proposals exploring landscape, sustainable living, cultural movement, and site-responsive practices alongside local Blang, Dai, Hani, and Wa communities—honoring living textile heritage, land stewardship, and shared borderland histories.
Participants are encouraged to develop projects inspired by the landscape, culture, and social context of Jingmai Mountain, but proposals are not limited to a specific theme.
Residency Cohort
This residency session will host a cohort of up to 14 artists, writers and researchers.
The perfect size group format is designed to support various engagement and networking, community exchanges, and collective learning among participants.
Upon proposal acceptance, accepted residents may enroll in an optional 6-day traditional backstrap weaving workshop for an additional fee.
Group Activity
Participants in the 2027 spring residency will also join a group trip to visit local textile communities
Grant Oppotunity:
WilderHaven Netherlands Fellowship Grant (Apply here)
Supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, WilderHaven offers one fully funded fellowship for a Netherlands-based artist, researcher, or curator during the Spring 2027 Jingmai Mountain residency session.
Participate fee
APPLY
Practices of Slowness:
Tea, Textile, and Ecologies of Time
Residency period:
Oct 12 —- Oct 25 (Two weeks);
Oct 12 —- Nov 8 (Four weeks), 2026
Apply through: April 1st - May 31st
Application deadline: May 31st 11:59 PM, 2026 (EST)
Notification: Two weeks after Due date
Guizhou
Announcement coming soon for the Guizhou site residency.
Coming soon.
Sichuan
WilderHaven Artist Residency (WHAR) is launching its inaugural program in the Daliang Mountains of Sichuan Province, China. In partnership with GuiYuan Garden, we’ve transformed this tranquil retreat into a dynamic hub for artists, anthropologist, and meditators from around the world.
About Dechang
Nestled in the Anning River Valley, GuiYuan Garden was created by visionary artist Gu Jian. Traditional and contemporary wooden watchtower houses rise above a flourishing dragon fruit farm, all surrounded by vibrant native flora. Located within a Yi and Lisú autonomous region, GuiYuan blends ancient traditions with modern design to offer an inspiring backdrop for creative exploration and mindful living.
At WilderHaven, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and egalitarian space. Here, creators and educators of every discipline can come together to exchange ideas, collaborate, and draw inspiration from the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Southwest China. Join us as we build a community where artistic innovation flourishes, and age-old traditions meet fresh perspectives.
Get to know the culture of Daliangshan (Daliang Mountains)
Opportunities: Daliangshan International Theatre Festival, exhibitions, local interviews.
Application Deadline: Monday, June 30, 2025 at 11:59 pm EST
Notifications: Monday, July 14, 2025
Residency Dates: September 1 – December, 2025
Duration: 2 weeks, 4 weeks ( more than 4 weeks are determined case by case)
Stipend available
Who Can Apply
Artists (21+ year-old) working in any medium are welcome. International artists are welcome. All accepted residents receive a dedicated workspace tailored to their practice.