Creative Residencies and Immersive Experiences

Through innovative collaborative projects, Hotel Papel fosters creative exchanges that are immersive and enduring. These initiatives span diverse disciplines, including sustainable fashion, visual arts, theater, music, filmmaking, writing, and design. By developing short term residencies for creatives from New England to the Azores and vice versa, we can provide fertile ground for exploration, collaboration, and celebration.

• Cultural Exchange and Understanding: We foster cross-cultural dialogue and understanding by providing a platform for artists to immerse themselves in different cultural contexts. This helps break down barriers, promote diversity, and celebrate shared heritage.
• Support for Artists: Hotel Papel provides a dedicated residency program, giving artists the resources and environment they need to get inspired, be productive, and explore the historic ties between New Bedford and the Azores.
• Strengthening Sister City Ties: By facilitating artistic collaboration and exchange between sister cities, the program strengthens these relationships, enriching the cultural and social connections between them.
• Community Enrichment: Local communities benefit from exposure to new ideas and art forms brought by visiting artists, fostering creativity and cultural awareness.
• Preservation and Promotion of the Arts: It creates opportunities to preserve and promote arts and culture, ensuring they remain vibrant and accessible in an increasingly globalized world.
• Economic and Social Impact: Cultural programs like Hotel Papel can stimulate local economies through tourism, events, and partnerships, while also inspiring social change through the arts.

Important Information

All applicants are asked to read this page in its entirety before applying to a residency with Hotel Papel.

The application will be linked at the bottom of the page when there is an open call. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out at info@hotelpapeltravel.com

• Application deadline for January in Faial, 2026: August 15, 2025
• Visual Arts/2D & Writers (stay in touch for info on additional programs/disciplines)
• Applications will open end of May

What do you mean by a creative residency?

A creative residency at Hotel Papel allows artists and creators to immerse themselves in a supportive environment, fostering inspiration and collaboration while enjoying the stunning backdrop of the Azores.

What can I expect during my stay?

​​Guests can expect a blend of solitude and community, with access to studio time, collaborative projects, and the natural beauty of the Azores, all designed to enhance your creative journey.

Here are some details:

• Residencies will be 10-14 days in January.
• 6-12 people depending on the program.
• Programs will be decided by project or discipline.
• Each program will include a welcome dinner with our friends from the Azores, a dedicated studio space, exploration, project completion, networking, and a final reception.
• Stay includes: all transportation, breakfast and lunch, welcome and farewell dinner, accommodations, exploration, public reception, networking.

Final cost will be determined by available funding. We are working with some partners on securing assistance for the artist, but unfortunately there is no guarantee. If you plan to apply for this residency program, the full cost per participant is $4,350 and this does not include airfare nor insurance. Once we know if there will be additional funding, the total will be divided among the participants.

What types of creative disciplines do you support?

We welcome a variety of creative disciplines, including visual arts, writing, music, and more. 2026 is our flagship year, so we are keeping the program specific for 2D/visual arts & writing. Our goal is to provide an exciting space for all forms of artistic expression.

How do I apply?

When the application process opens, you’ll see the link to apply here. Until then, please fill out the inquiry form and you’ll be the first to know when the application is live.

Expectations / Agreement

Please understand that if you are selected, there will be the following program expectations of every participant:

• You will need to provide an emergency contact.
• You will be expected to participate in all group activities. These include but are not limited to: meals, excursions, networking, exhibits.
• Payment will be required in full by October 30, 2025.
• Travel insurance is required.
• You will need to arrange your own flight details. We will provide details for which flight to book as well as transportation to the airport.
• We are not currently able to accommodate wheelchairs.
• We will be very limited on being able to accommodate food allergies.