Residency

WilderHaven 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: 4–8 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 24/7 access to workspaces, shared 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:

Sichuan Province (Daliang Mountains, Anning River Valley)
Guizhou Province (ethnic Yi and Miao regions)
Yunnan Province (tropical minority cultural hubs)

Each site offers unique landscapes—from misty mountains to terraced fields—and close engagement with Intangible Cultural Heritage and ethinic communities.

Exhibition Opportunities

Group Exhibitions: Twice yearly, WHAR curates a showcase in Beijing or Sichuan featuring resident work.
Pop-Up & Solo Shows: We can help identify local venues on a case-by-case basis (note: all exhibition costs are artist-borne).
Local Space: Informal opportunities to exhibit in the host community for expanded local engagement.

Family-Friendly Environment

WilderHaven happily welcomes residents with children—our spaces are designed to accommodate families and foster a supportive creative atmosphere for all.

Funding

WilderHaven operates as a self-funded program, with residency fees directly sustaining our facilities and local partnerships. While we strive to keep costs accessible, we strongly encourage participants to seek supplementary funding through grants, sponsorships, or crowdfunding initiatives.

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