About The Residency
-Find inspiration among the forest as an artist in residence at Hotel Belmar-

Our Artist Residency Program offers local and international artists the opportunity to live at Hotel Belmar for a period of two to three weeks, for a space of dedicated creative work in our unique cloud forest location.

We welcome artists with a particular interest in nature; in the cultural realities of Monteverde; and/or in the particular social experience of a Hotel. Artists could be seeking to work in drawing, painting, sculpture, writing, performance or other art forms.

The beauty and serenity of the cloud forest will support artists in imagining, developing and exhibiting unique works of art; as they gather inspiration both from the natural surroundings, as well as from the local community and the social transience of the Hotel environment.

Our belief is that art is wonderfully beneficial for the advancement of knowledge, and for community-building through creative experimentation. Therefore, our artists in residence will be encouraged to offer workshops and hold open studio hours to share their work with our diverse international clientele and with the local community.

At the end of the program, artists will be expected to present their work in a public exhibition or a similar activity to display their completed work. The Hotel will reserve the right to select 2 works to keep for its archives.

Experience the breath-taking beauty of Hotel Belmar amid the majestic grandeur of the Costa Rican rainforest

Hotel Belmar is located in Costa Rica’s lush cloud forest and nestled in the mountaintops of the Monteverde Reserve, the venerable, renowned Hotel Belmar offers guests truly unique experiences full of natural wonder, elegance, and warm friendly service – all within an unprecedented sensitivity to the preservation of the environment. We call this experience The Art of Nature – a simple phrase that sums up our commitment to the exquisite and beautiful natural experiences our guests will enjoy during their time spent at Hotel Belmar.
With the coveted award for 5 levels of sustainability, Hotel Belmar’s commitment to the environment as well as the local community has been unyielding for over 30 years.

Hotel Belmar’s Vision

Our Vision is to offer unique experiences of excellent quality, always committed to nature and to our community, hoping that as our clients follow their journeys, they will disperse the seeds of ecological consciousness around the world.

Our Artist Residency program is born of this same vision as we aim to curate an inspiring stay for our artists, arousing artistic curiosity and cultivating the possibility for artists in residence to indulge their creativities with the inspirational beauty of our built and natural surroundings. This in turn will affect the experiences we offer our guests and bring value to our community, thus taking us full circle.

● Proposal and Selection Process

The application process for resident artists takes place four times per year, and will be announced through various channels including the Hotel’s website and social media. Interested artists may apply online through the program link on our website.

All applications are evaluated by our Artist Residency director, based on cost and feasibility of the project, conceptual and aesthetic clarity, quality of previous artwork, professionalism and critical consciousness, as well as the general fit with the Hotel Belmar vision. During this process it is possible that you would be called for an interview on the phone or online.

Once a proposal is selected for admission, artists will meet virtually with the Artist Residency Director in order to provide artists with the necessary guidance and logistical support for trip preparation and arrival to the hotel.

Artists will also be sent an information kit with more practical details about the Hotel and the area.

Accommodations

Artists will be offered a simple room with a comfortable bed, private bathroom, table, windows with abundant natural light, and a reading lamp. All linens and toiletries are provided.

* Please note that the room is not a regular guest room of the Hotel, or a luxury accomodation, but a room specifically designated for artists in residence.

Artists in residence will also enjoy a reliable wi-fi connection, access to yoga classes in our spa, and proximity to the surrounding forest and trails for inspiring mountain hikes among the clouds.

Meals

Artists have access to three fixed-menu meals every day which take place in our staff room at designated hours. Meals are varied and have traditional Costa Rican elements and fresh ingredients from our organic garden. The Hotel also provides an extra stipend of $150 USD for artists to indulge in additional food and drinks from our signature farm-to-table restaurant, our juice bar and our microbrewery. Artists in residence also have a 50% discount on food and beverage at all times.

Artist Studio

Selected artists will have 24 hour access to a work studio (15m2) with a large table, enough lighting, and any other agreed-upon project necessities. The studio also has ample windows and scenic views of the natural surroundings.

Transportation and Arrival

Upon arrival in Costa Rica, our Artist Residency Director will greet artists and coordinate transportation to Hotel Belmar. For local artists, meeting place will be in the Hotel premises. Our Artist Residency Director will then welcome you personally to the program and introduce you to our hotel staff and community for an in-depth orientation. They will provide you with necessary information regarding meals and food, residency stipend, work space, materials and tools, staff coordinators, hotel surroundings, activities, schedules, work and residency agreements.

With the active support of the Artist Residency Director, artists are responsible for schedule planning, communicating personal project ideas and needs, and defining a residency plan with targeted goals and intentions.

As you dive into the start of your residency, immersed in the inspiration of nature and culture, wildlife and community, thriving among the tropical cloud forest, it’s your time to bring your project proposal to life.

During the initial days at the Hotel, artists will also plan the details for their final exhibition, curatorship and open studio schedule with the Residency Director

A section of our website and social media platform will be dedicated to our Artist Residency program, where we will be uploading different exciting snapshots of the varying stages of the residency. Artists may also use and share this content to support their professional networking and to reach out to followers and clients.

Upcoming Artist Residencies Dates: June 2023

Apply Now for our June Artist Residency: