El Telart

El Telart is an artistic residency that aims to encourage creativity and visual artistic creation in the rural environment, contribute to the growth of the women's artistic sector, and knowledge of international cooperation.

Can you introduce yourself?
Leticia Izquierdo Díaz, also known by her stage name Leticia Izrego, is a leading professor of fine arts, film and contemporary history at the University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC). In addition to her teaching, she plays an important role as a researcher at the International Seminar on Contemporary Human Rights History (SIHCDH) at the University of Salamanca (USAL). Her commitment to human rights extends beyond academia, as she is co-founder of the humanitarian association No Name Kitchen (NNK) Humanitarian, an organization dedicated to supporting communities in the Balkans and the Mediterranean.

Could you tell us about your project?
El Telart is an artistic residency that aims to encourage creativity and visual artistic creation in the rural environment, contribute to the growth of the women's artistic sector, and knowledge of international cooperation. In a fully equipped space and context, where to develop a research project and artistic production. A meeting point to exchange creative ways of thinking.

Can you introduce us to the residency program?
CALENDAR 2023 June 1st to June 25th. Reception of applications. June 26th. Confirmation of participants July 15. First online contact. July 31st. Beginning of the residency August 20th.

What kind of artists can participate in your program?
Requirements: Be of legal age. People whose language is contemporary arts (painting, sculpture, video art, photography, performance, land art, ...), researchers, and/or creators in any field (performing arts, scientific, gastronomy and others). Wanting to develop an artistic project to initiate a process of research and experimentation in the rural environment that enhances the exchange of views and dialogue. It is an inclusive space for families.

What is offered to the artist in residence?
We offer you a 200m² workshop fully equipped with a wide variety of materials so that you can give free rein to your creativity. In addition, we offer you the comfort of single rooms in two fully equipped houses. You will have internet access, so you can stay connected at all times. In addition to the facilities, you can enjoy a beautiful garden and orchard, where you can relax and connect with nature. We also offer training days in art, gender and cooperation, where you can learn and share knowledge with other artists. To encourage interaction and exchange, we have an open studio, a space where you can work and share ideas with other artists. We also have an exhibition.

What do you ask of the artists during their residency?
Propose an activity or workshop addressed to the citizens of Santa María del Berrocal (about their artistic work, the theme of research and/or production during their residency, focused on a craft or theoretical workshop for teaching or exchange...). To lend the artwork resulting from their work during the final exhibition on August 18, 19 and 20. Attend and present their work in events that may be convened as open-studios or talks. To cede their image rights for the dissemination of what happened during the artistic residency. Not to have sexist, racist, transphobic, transphobic, lgtbiphobic, ableist or any other behavior that deepens the oppressions that are so common in this society. Clean common spaces and cook as planned.

Do you think your residency has an impact on the cultural and social context of your city or country?
Art plays a key role in depopulated Spain as a tool to revitalize rural areas, preserve cultural identity, address specific issues and promote community participation. Through its transformative power, art can contribute to generate opportunities, reactivate the local economy, preserve heritage and strengthen the sense of belonging in these communities.

Do you think art residencies are important? For what reasons?
In summary, rural art residencies are valuable spaces that contribute to educational and cultural dissemination by providing an environment conducive to creation, the exchange of knowledge and the generation of works that are integrated into the rural context. These residencies promote care and coexistence, encourage critical artistic creation, generate networks of artists and focus on the development of works in keeping with the environment and cultural identity of the area.