Gran Canaria vs Rest of the World
Swap me!
Welcome to Swap Me!, an Artist Residency Exchagne Program created by Camino Art House, Gran Canaria.
The Idea
Camino Art House has been working as a creative and inspiring space since 2015. In recent years we have started to organize longer art and self-development camps, festivals and meetings, meanwhile we are still welcoming guests who just want to spend a few days in an inspiring, artsy environment.
Until now we offered artist residency only during the summer, but from this year we offer one of our cave rooms to one/two artists (if couple) to use during the winter season as well. So there will also be a possibility for residency throughout the whole year. More rooms are available in the summertime: we are able to host 25-30 people from mid april till mid october.
We also opened the Den, our art studio and creative space in the city. Beside the creative or inspiring time spent in Camino Art House you also have the option to enjoy your days in the vibrant city of Las Palmas, right in the center of the Old Town and do your studio work there.
All these little development made it possible for us to offer residency for artists worldwide and invite Creative/Artsy Collectives to participate in an exchange program. We are happy to host your artist for an agreed period, and in return we are asking your Project / Collective to give the opportunity to host one of our artists for an agreed period.
Why this exchange is rewarding?
- We get to know artists from all over the world, and through her/his/their work and art we also get to know other cultures, experiences and vision
- We can also get into contact with other Art Projects/Collectives that might lead for other kind of partnerships
- All participants can widen their perspective by experiencing a new community, working space, different tools and meet a new environment, or even find a little „out of the comfort zone” space that might help in creating in new ways, or new art.
- Changing your environment can help to find new narratives to your art
- It is adventurous, inspiring and fun
What Camino Art House can offer?
- Private Cave room as accommodation in the Art House for free (Agave Cave)
- Breakfast and dinner for 6€/day
- Shared studio space in Las Palmas in the Den
- The use of art tools and materials that we have or help to find what is needed (after discussing possibilites, projects and budget)
- Nature vs city vibe combo (depending on where you want to spend your time)
- Hostel vibe, travellers’ and artsy community
- Small town nearby
- Hikes from the door
- Family dinners
- Dogs and cats on property
- Possibility and space of exhibition/workshops in Camino or in the Den
- Mutual promotion (the artist mentions us on her/his/their media, and we mention the artist on our media, we are happy to make an interview or short movie as well)
- Opportunity to participate in our programs (for free or with discount – depending on the program)
Some idea how you can use your time in Camino…
Collaboration – working on a project in collaboration with Camino: exhibitions, workshops, or any kind of activity that can be open for participants from our community or others.
Research/inspiration – you need time to collect data, find ideas, or get inspired
Retreat – if you need time to be away from what you are doing normally
Creation – you have your own project and you want to develop it
What we are looking for from your side?
- Host one of our artist for an agreed period of time: free accommodation and studio space to use
- Variety of different cultural/working environment to experience something new or even out of comfort zone
- The use of art tools and materials that the exchagne partner has or help to find what needed (after discussing possibilites, projects and budget)
- Maybe possibilites for exhibitions/workshops – depending on the project of our artists
- Any other things that can be helpful or we agree after personal conversation
When?
Camino Art House offer the SWAP ME! Program all year around. Exchange period can be 1 week to 6 weeks maximum.
Who can be an exchange partner?
Any kind of art space/art collective that can delegate an artist and ready to host one of ours. The two periods don’t need to be at the same time, but in a two year period from the first day of the first hosting.
How to apply?
If you are interested in the exchagne program please write an e-mail to caminoart@caminoart.org and introduce yourself and your art collective. Please write your desire to host one of our artsit, and tell us more about when it would be the best for your collective. Camino will start an open call for its artist and choose the artist regarding to her/his/their project(s) and availability.
About Camino Art House, Agave Cave and the Den
Camino Art House opened its doors in 2015. Since than we have offered accommodation and have run different projects with artists. This includes exhibitions, workshops in art, health and lifestyle topics, and many more events. We welcome travellers who are always happy to be involved in our daily life and share their own experiences with us.
We have an old building, which is the central house, and a large plot of land, where your cave is located. Agave Cave is a man carved cave that was used for agricultural purposes. It is a natural space, we didn’t change anything, although we clean it regularly and maintain the walls. There is no electricity in the cave. You need to walk about 120 meters to reach the main house. There are dry toilets and outdoor showers that we recommend you use, but of course you are welcome to enjoy the facilities of the main house. We have a shared kitchen, but we offer Family Dinner every evening. We cook vegan, and we can offer gluten free too please always let the volunteers know about your special diet. For residents of the SWAP ME! Program we offer breakfast and dinner for 6€/day. The Den is our city studio, a 80 m2 space with two floors. It is ideal for exhibitions, small meetings and group events, and you can also use as your art studio space to create. It is located in the heart of the Old Town, very near to the global bus station, that makes the connection between Camino and the Den very easy. You can get to the beach and Las Canteras area in 20 min by bike or local transportation if you need a windy and sunny break from your work.
Some important note
Visa and Insurance: Camino Art House does not provide adequate visa and/or insurance cover for artist whilst participating in the residency program.
Transport: Camino Art House doesn’t offer any kind of financial help for your transportation to/from Camino or during your stay.
If you have questions or want to discuss more about SWAP ME! Please contact Bea on whatsapp (only text! Please do not call!) +34 633339903 or e-mail: caminoart@caminoart.org
Hope to get in touch with you soon!
Sincerely yours,
Bea Baltavari
Camino Art House and the Den
founder