Artist Residency, Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply?
What are the fees?
There is no fee to apply.
Residency fees are as follows:
Single resident--
Private room, shared bath, and a private studio: €875 per resident
Resident pair/couple--
Double room, shared bath, shared studio: €1540 per couple
Two single rooms, shared bath, shared studio: €1540 per couple
Double room, shared bath, separate studios: €1750 per couple
All residency fees include a weekly group dinner (for residents and Friends of the Art Center), use of kitchen, sunroom, il salotto verde (the green salon), library room and the extensive gardens at Casa Padula.
We do not accommodate half or partial residency sessions at this time.
Residency fees are as follows:
Single resident--
Private room, shared bath, and a private studio: €875 per resident
Resident pair/couple--
Double room, shared bath, shared studio: €1540 per couple
Two single rooms, shared bath, shared studio: €1540 per couple
Double room, shared bath, separate studios: €1750 per couple
All residency fees include a weekly group dinner (for residents and Friends of the Art Center), use of kitchen, sunroom, il salotto verde (the green salon), library room and the extensive gardens at Casa Padula.
We do not accommodate half or partial residency sessions at this time.
How long are the residencies?
Residency periods last for three weeks (18 days), with the possibility for an artist to combine two or more sessions in order to have a longer stay of up to 3 months. We do not accommodate half or partial sessions. That is, if you need to leave earlier than the end of the session, the session fee will remain the same.
Can I bring a partner/child/PET/friend?
We are open to accommodating non-artist partners, children, and pets, depending on circumstances. Please contact us to discuss your particular situation.
Can two artists apply to come together?
There are a number of possibilities to travel together:
Collaborating pairs are those who work together and may or may not live together. They can submit a joint application. They will share a studio as needed and may choose whether to also share a room.
Non-collaborating pairs who wish to be in residence together must submit individual applications. They will share a room but use separate studios as needed.
Artist who just want to travel together but not share any spaces are not considered a pair, but concurrent travelers. Their applications are completely separate, although we will try to accommodate their wish to stay with us during the same period.
Collaborating pairs are those who work together and may or may not live together. They can submit a joint application. They will share a studio as needed and may choose whether to also share a room.
Non-collaborating pairs who wish to be in residence together must submit individual applications. They will share a room but use separate studios as needed.
Artist who just want to travel together but not share any spaces are not considered a pair, but concurrent travelers. Their applications are completely separate, although we will try to accommodate their wish to stay with us during the same period.
What is the weather like?
Padula is 699 meters (2200ft) above sea level and has its own particular microclimate. Spring runs from April to June and has temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees celsius (60s F) with some rainy days. From June to September the temperatures can rise up to 70°F or even 95°F, with mostly dry weather. In September-October the temperatures will start to drop a little to 65-75°F, with a bit more rain. Being in the mountains means that the evenings will tend to be increasingly chilly towards the end of October / beginning of November.
I have special dietary concerns, will I be able to find what I need?
Italy is known for its varied diet, so you will find all products in all food groups without any trouble. Shops in and around Padula focus on a mostly local crowd, so you may have some trouble finding products typical in asian, african or other cuisines that are little known in the South of Italy.
If you have allergies/intolerances, note that all products are required to have information on their label about possible contact with other foods (e.g. nuts, soy, peanuts). The small markets in the historic center do not have many products for specific food allergies (gluten, lactose) but a shopping trip to one of the larger supermarkets in the valley can be arranged. If you have any questions or doubts about specific products, you can contact us.
If you have allergies/intolerances, note that all products are required to have information on their label about possible contact with other foods (e.g. nuts, soy, peanuts). The small markets in the historic center do not have many products for specific food allergies (gluten, lactose) but a shopping trip to one of the larger supermarkets in the valley can be arranged. If you have any questions or doubts about specific products, you can contact us.
What is the town of Padula like?
Padula has a beautiful historic centre that sits on a hillside off a large valley called Vallo di Diano. Its cobblestone streets and small squares are connected by staircases that sit between the (mostly) natural stone houses, and together they constitute a veritable maze. It is home to 20+ churches and chapels, and 2 convents. It is also home to a number of majestic palazzi (historical grand houses), recognizable by their stone arched entrances and grand wooden doors.
The piazza or central square is where the Padulesi mostly meet up for a caffè or aperitivo and a chiacchierata (chat). The amount of people living permanently in Padula has declined over the years, and so the number of businesses in the old town center has too. That said, you can find most of what you need on a daily basis within walking distance of the piazza: bars, food shops, general store, barber, pharmacy, restaurants.
The piazza or central square is where the Padulesi mostly meet up for a caffè or aperitivo and a chiacchierata (chat). The amount of people living permanently in Padula has declined over the years, and so the number of businesses in the old town center has too. That said, you can find most of what you need on a daily basis within walking distance of the piazza: bars, food shops, general store, barber, pharmacy, restaurants.
Are there any safety concerns?
The Vallo di Diano is a place where people leave the key in the door on the outside, or walk away from their car with the engine running and key in the ignition, without a second thought. Criminality rates are very low and violent crime is virtually non-existent.
The roads in the historic town are accessible to cars but it is physically impossible to drive fast there, so risk of accidents is low. On the bigger roads in the valley below the town, we would advise you to be careful. Sidewalks are few and far between, and right of way is not always respected.
The roads in the historic town are accessible to cars but it is physically impossible to drive fast there, so risk of accidents is low. On the bigger roads in the valley below the town, we would advise you to be careful. Sidewalks are few and far between, and right of way is not always respected.
Are there nearby medical facilities?
Italy has a government run universal healthcare system providing (largely) free healthcare for all Italian citizens and residents. For people traveling from outside the EU (Shengen) zone, it is highly recommended to get a travel medical insurance that is recognized in Italy and the wider EU.
There are a number of pharmacies in and around Padula and several GPs. Together they cover covers most of the immediate healthcare needs. Padula also sits between two hospitals, both reachable in under 30mins.
There are a number of pharmacies in and around Padula and several GPs. Together they cover covers most of the immediate healthcare needs. Padula also sits between two hospitals, both reachable in under 30mins.
What kind of studio equipment does the Art Center provide?
All our studios have ample natural and artificial lighting. The two main studios each have at least one easel, a working wall (one wall where hanging paper/canvas is possible), a large work table, a stool, chair, and movable work lamps. The writers room, which is also useful to artists working in other non-painting media) is equipped with a large table and comfortable chair. Please reach out to us with any other needs and we will do our best to accommodate you.
What should I bring?
Both your accommodations and your studio space are furnished with all the basics necessary for a comfortable stay.
You will want to be sure and bring all materials needed for your work as there are no art supply stores in the vicinity.
If you need to, you may send supplies to coordinate with your arrival (see next question for details).
As for personal items, we recommend first and foremost at least one sturdy pair of comfortable shoes. You will be dealing with uneven stone streets and steps during your and moving about mostly on foot. There is also some wonderful hiking to be done nearby. That aside, layered clothing options are always appropriate. Even in the hottest part of the summer, night temperatures can drop enough to need a sweater. During the shoulder seasons (April—May and Sept—October), we recommend warm comfortable clothing for both inside and outside, as well as a rain jacket.
You will want to be sure and bring all materials needed for your work as there are no art supply stores in the vicinity.
If you need to, you may send supplies to coordinate with your arrival (see next question for details).
As for personal items, we recommend first and foremost at least one sturdy pair of comfortable shoes. You will be dealing with uneven stone streets and steps during your and moving about mostly on foot. There is also some wonderful hiking to be done nearby. That aside, layered clothing options are always appropriate. Even in the hottest part of the summer, night temperatures can drop enough to need a sweater. During the shoulder seasons (April—May and Sept—October), we recommend warm comfortable clothing for both inside and outside, as well as a rain jacket.
How do I send myself supplies/receive mail/deliveries?
If you need to send materials ahead that you can not bring on the plane, you can have them arrive at our address and we will safeguard them until you arrive. The same goes for during your stay. If you need to order supplies from the European Union and you don't know where to get them from, please contact us for help/advice.
What major cities/attractions are you near and how do I get to you?
The major airport nearest us is Naples/Napoli (NAP), a little less than two hours away by car. Near this, the liveliest of Italian cities, there is the spectacular Amalfi Coast, Capri and Sorrento. Farther south, and nearer to us, is the charming Salerno.
We recommend against renting a car for the time you'll be with us as parking is limited, though we can help if you'd like to rent a car with which to continue exploring after your stay. The nearest rental agency for this would be AVIS in Sala Consilina.
We recommend against renting a car for the time you'll be with us as parking is limited, though we can help if you'd like to rent a car with which to continue exploring after your stay. The nearest rental agency for this would be AVIS in Sala Consilina.
Do I need a visa/work permit?
You can easily check if you need a visa, based on nationality, residence and length of stay, on the Italian ministry of foreign affairs website.
As a general rule, stays up to 90 days for business or pleasure from most countries do not require a visa or work permit, either for Italy or any other Shengen zone country. Once in Italy, you can travel on within the Shengen zone without having to show your passport at the borders.
At the end of 2022, European countries will implement the new ETIAS visa waiver (similar to the US ESTA or Canadian ETa). We will post more information here when we publish our 2023 calendar.
As a general rule, stays up to 90 days for business or pleasure from most countries do not require a visa or work permit, either for Italy or any other Shengen zone country. Once in Italy, you can travel on within the Shengen zone without having to show your passport at the borders.
At the end of 2022, European countries will implement the new ETIAS visa waiver (similar to the US ESTA or Canadian ETa). We will post more information here when we publish our 2023 calendar.
For any questions not answered here, please reach out to us at residency.artcenterpadula@gmail.com.
