Artist Residency Program at Hotel Belmar in Costa Rica
Hotel Belmar offers this creative Artist Residency Program four times a year. By doing so, the luxury ecolodge promotes cultural exchange and environmental awareness, while providing inspiration for an artist’s creative journey.The Costa Rica hotel invites artists from around the world to spend up to three weeks this coming March being inspired by the breathtaking Monteverde Cloud Forest. Run four times a year, the Artist Residency Program provides artists with room and board, and in some cases, a stipend based on financial need.
The Artist Residency Program is open to Costa Rican and international artists across all mediums. Held at the carbon neutral boutique property, it nurtures and inspires artists’ creative journeys.Meanwhile, the program that was started in 2019 enriches not only the artists, but also hotel guests, staff, and the local community. Moreover, it brings cultural context to the travel experience, offering guests a deeper appreciation of Monteverde as a vacation destination.
Speaking of the program, Pedro Belmar, Managing Director at Hotel Belmar said:
During their stay, artists are encouraged to interact with guests and the local community. This interaction can take the form of open studio hours, where visitors can observe works in progress, as well as workshops and an art exhibition to showcase their creations.
These conditions foster dialogue and cultural exchange, making the residency a shared and enriching experience for all involved.
Connection to the art world
Belmar’s experiences in New York City – including a collaboration with MoMA – have forged his connection to the art world. It has also inspired him to create the Artist Residency Program.Developed in partnership with his friend, Martha Palacio – a Costa Rican artist, musician and curator – the residency reflects the luxury ecolodge’s commitment to sustainable tourism and its mission to promote cultural and environmental awareness.
Previous artists at Hotel Belmar
Among previous artists in residence, a variety of nationalities and artistic media goes to showcase both international and Costa Rican talent. Artist Residency participants include Emilia Olsen, Damian Siqueiros, Cocquelicot Mafille, Bjorn Jelinek, and Patrick Neal, while Costa Rican selections include painter Fabian Monge, kinetic sculptor Jonathan Torres, and the Wimblu Art Collective.During their stay, guests at Hotel Belmar are immersed in the tranquility of Monteverde’s cloud forest. They draw inspiration from experiences including guided forest immersions, hiking through the forest reserve, regenerative farming practices at Finca Madre Tierra, morning yoga rituals, and other elements that fuel their creativity.
Those artists interested in applying for the residency can learn more and submit their application for the Hotel Belmar Art Residency here or email Martha Palacio at cultura@hotelbelmar.net. The deadline to apply is February 6th for the March 2025 residency.
About Hotel Belmar
Hotel Belmar is a 26-room, independent, family-owned luxury ecolodge situated in Costa Rica’s renowned Monteverde cloud forest highlands. Its spirited hospitality has pioneered a model of regenerative tourism that enriches travelers with immersive experiences, fostering connections to nature, mindful serenity, and holistic wellness.Championing best practices in sustainability, Hotel Belmar stands as Central America’s premier destination for enriching and authentic experiences. Its farm-to-table gastronomy, thematic forest immersions, garden-surrounded yoga, cultural programs, a carbon-neutral farm, and an onsite craft brewery bridge guests to the tranquil essence of Monteverde’s natural wonders. For more information, visit Hotel Belmar’s website here.
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