Creative Residencies and Immersive Experiences
At Hotel Papel LLC, we invite you to explore our unique creative residencies and immersive experiences celebrating sister cities.
Here, you can explore, unleash your creativity, and engage with fellow artists in the middle of the Atlantic, inspiring innovation and collaboration.
The Same Sea
Hotel Papel Sister City Arts Residency Exhibition
On view: April 30 – August 9
Opening Reception:
Thursday, April 30, 5:00-7:00pm
Location: DATMA, 1213 Purchase St suite 206, New Bedford, MA 02740
Southcoast Creatives Embark on INAUGURAL Sister City Residency
Meet the Six Artists Bringing a Bit of the Southcoast to Faial
In January, six talented artists from the Southcoast brought their unique visions to Faial for the first sister city arts residency. Their diverse practices—from painting and film to ceramics, writing, mixed media, and photography—reflect a deep connection to community, heritage, and place. This residency offered a unique opportunity to explore creative exchange between Massachusetts and the Azores, inspiring new work rooted in culture and environment.
The Power of Creative Exchange with Hotel Papel
At Hotel Papel, we believe that art can build bridges. Through immersive, cross-disciplinary residencies, we connect creatives from Greater New Bedford, Fall River, and the Azores, nurturing collaborations that are as impactful as they are enduring. Our programs span visual arts, theater, music, filmmaking, writing, and design—fostering bold new work that celebrates cultural connection.
✨What to Expect✨
Explore. Tour of the island with lots of conversation, drawing, and/or writing to help you find your inspiration for the week.
Make art.
There will be a community studio ready for you. You will have 24/7 access. But if you need to revisit a location, we will bring you where you need to be.
Networking. We will meet local artists and artisans, visit studios, host an art talk, and break bread together.
Exhibit. At the end of our stay there will be an exhibition with works in progress and completed works if available.
Part 2. To make this a true exchange, there will be a residency in the Southcoast for artists from the Azores. It will be a similar process, ending with an exhibition of their works-in-progress AND completed works from this cohort and experience.
The following residency in Faial will include completed works from the Southcoast residency. The conversation continues. It overlaps, and it invites us all to stay engaged.
Join us in shaping a future where creativity, culture, and community are deeply intertwined.
Hotel Papel Important Information
All applicants are asked to read this page in its entirety before applying to a residency with Hotel Papel. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out at info@hotelpapeltravel.com
Application deadline for January in Faial, 2027: August 15, 2026
Visual Arts/2D, Photography, Film
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:
- The residency will be 10 days, January 21 - February 1
- 6 creatives connected to Greater New Bedford or Fall River
- Each program will include a welcome dinner with our friends from the Azores, a dedicated studio space, exploration, networking, and a final reception in Faial and an exhibition of completed works later in New Bedford.
- Stay includes: all ground transportation, breakfast and lunch, welcome and farewell dinner, accommodations, exploration, public reception, networking.
Final cost will be determined by available funding. If you plan to apply for this residency program, the full cost per participant is $3,200 - 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. Our goal is to provide an exciting space for all forms of artistic expression.
How do I apply?
Fill out the application form through the link below.
Expectations
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, 2026
- 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
Support local artists - Buy a shirt!
Proceeds from t-shirt sales go directly toward funding local artists for the Sister City Residency program.
Visit our Bonfire shop HERE
Community Partners
