With this project, we aimed to achieve four main objectives: 1) to contribute to the recognition of Artistic Residencies (AR) as spaces for non-formal, individual and collective learning; 2) to reflect on the reality of ARs in the different partner countries and produce a set of guidelines and good practices for their implementation; 3) to encourage the creation of a European network of ARs, promoting mobility, the exchange of experiences and the development of collaborative artistic projects involving artists with and without disabilities; and 4) to build the capacity of Casa de Vilar and the other partners to develop and run future ARs, expanding their reach to new audiences and territories. We also sought to raise awareness among cultural organisations of the formative, social and inclusive role of the arts, strengthening their connection with communities and promoting equitable access to artistic creation and enjoyment in innovative and accessible contexts.
We applied for this project because we recognise the importance of Artistic Residencies (AR) as spaces for non-formal learning, particularly for adults who wish to develop or consolidate an artistic career. We identified several needs: the lack of a structured European network of ARs; the limited recognition and institutional support for adult artists, especially those outside formal circuits; and the scarcity of guidance tools for organisations interested in promoting inclusive and accessible ARs. Casa de Vilar, as the coordinating organisation, aims to begin hosting ARs, and this project enabled it to consolidate knowledge in the field and gain a broader perspective on their implementation. The project also created space to reflect, investigate and systematise the current state of ARs in the partner countries, fostering the exchange of experiences and the development of guiding documents, while valuing Art as a driver of citizenship, learning and social transformation.