Creative Residencies and Immersive Experiences

Experience 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.

Important Information

All applicants are asked to read this page in its entirety before applying for 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 23 - February 1, 2026 in Faial: August 15, 2025
• Visual Arts/2D, Photography, Film, & Writers (stay in touch for info on additional programs/disciplines)
• Applications are now open!

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.

The program logistics are run by me, Lara, and our program liaison for January 2026 will be filmmaker, Ethan de Aguiar of the New Bedford Film Festival

Here are some details:

• The first sister city arts residency in Faial will be from January 23 - February 1, 2026.
• Limit 6 creatives. You will have the option to apply with a companion for an additional charge. Details are in the application.
• This program will be kept to 2D, photography, and writing. There will be an expectation to collaborate on a general theme for the works completed. As our inaugural program, you have a special opportunity to make local history!
• Stay includes: all transportation (to and from Logan airport and on Faial), breakfast and lunch, welcome dinner, farewell dinner with our friends from Faial, a dedicated group studio space, single occupancy accommodations (unless traveling with a companion), exploration, public exhibit and reception, networking.

Final cost will be determined by available funding. We are working with some partners on securing assistance for artist, but unfortunately there is no guarantee at this time. 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. It's important to us that this program is accessible to as many local artists as possible.

There is also an option for participants to bring a companion for an additional cost. Details can be sorted out once application is accepted.

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 theinquiry 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 agree to pictures and videos being taken of you and your work process to be shared publicly through Hotel Papel LLC's marketing channels.
• 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.
• Accepting a spot with this program means that you agree to pay the full amount ($3,200) and understand that only if we receive additional funding, will you be compensated accordingly.
• 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.