Essere Residency is a self-directed program designed to encourage the creative and personal growth of creatives in all disciplines at any stage of their career or personal self-expression. Essere means 'to be' in Italian and this residency celebrates the soul of the artist with time and space to be in the tranquility and historic richness of rural Tuscany.
This is a place to pause, breathe and explore. Being is prioritized over doing. In this creative incubator, there is no pressure to produce or perform. We trust that by nourishing your inner life, inspired action will result. Each person's unique creative process is fostered within the context of a vibrant international community.
Whether you need dedicated time to bring a project to completion, or space to envision something totally new, this two-week residency delivers the right amount of structure, support and solitude.
Days are free to explore your creative vision and share perspectives with artists of different ages and cultures from all over the world. Evenings we come together for inspiring talks by the Artists in Residence on topics of relevance to all, such as Mindset & the Successful Artist, Coaxing the Intuitive Muse, and Authentic Marketing. These talks are followed by a delicious 3-course dinner and wine prepared by our local chef.
Individual mentorship in specific disciplines is available by appointment with the AiRs and residency Director Jennie Lee will is on site for personal coaching support throughout the program.
(*We have 6 partial fellowships of €1000 off residency fees available in 2027. Please see the Program section on our website for details. There is a section on the application to indicate consideration.)
Duration of residency
2 weeks
Accommodation
The privately owned, historic hillside estate situated in a rural area of southern Tuscany dates to the medieval age. This peaceful hamlet houses Etruscan tombs, a tower, church, and courthouse. It is an iconic Italian landscape sure to inspire. Every resident will have a private room with a work desk in one of the six historic homes. A few double occupancy rooms are available for couples or collaborators traveling together. There are many paths to walk through the olive groves and woods surrounding the property and the nearby village of Piazze has an open market, coffee bar, massage therapist, grocery, pharmacy, and other basic services. Day trips can easily be made to beautiful towns such as Siena, Florence, Montepulciano, Assisi and many more.
Disciplines, work equipment and assistance
Any of the following disciplines may apply: Literature including: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry, Playwriting, Screenwriting, Journalism, Songwriting. Visual Arts including: Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Architecture, Paper/Textile arts, Photography, Graphic Design, Fashion Design, Digital Art, Illustration, Mixed Media, Film/Video. Performance Art including: Music, Singing, Theatre, and Dance. Arts & Humanities, Philosophy & Research, and Food Art. Other – Have a unique or hybrid discipline? Write us! Work spaces include: Private rooms with desks, shared studios and other indoor and outdoor common spaces. Assistance includes: Individual mentorship with Artists in Residence is available if desired, as well as help sourcing local equipment and supplies, and personal coaching with program director.
Studio / Workspace
Two independent art studio spaces. Abundant outdoor space with meditation benches and wooded walking paths. Spacious great room with large fireplace, comfortable antique furniture & stunning views of the countryside. Here we share yoga, meditation & evening workshops. It is also available for personal use during the day. Il Granaio which has a dining area upstairs and library downstairs.
Fees and support
Residency program with private accommodation is € 3900. If room is shared, fee is reduced to € 3400. What is Included: 14 nights private accomodation in historic Tuscan home, 11 three-course dinners including wine, Housekeeping service twice weekly, Bed and bath linens, with a full change after the first week, Shared kitchens and living spaces in each of the homes, Free Laundry facilities, Free WiFi, Free parking, Tourist tax of 1 € per person per day. Workshops, mentorship & more: 8 craft talks by guest Artists in Residence, 6 guided meditation sessions, Individual mentorship meetings with the guest AIRs, Individual meeting with the Director, Jennie Lee, Assistance in finding materials and supplies, Opportunity to show your work in progress, Publication of your profile (if desired) on our social media, Invitation letter and residency plan to help secure private funding (*We have 5 partial (€1K) fellowships available however they are highly competitive. Please indicate on your application if financial assistance is essential and why you would be a good candidate for a fellowship.)
Expectations towards the artist
This is a self-directed experience with no specific required outcomes. It is expected that residents will engage naturally as a part of the community through optional daily activities such as meals, craft talks, meditation sessions, and possible excursions. Four nights each week, there will be talks by the Artists-in-Residence on subjects relevant to all artistic disciplines. Presentations by other participants who wish to share or show their work will be scheduled during the second week of the program.
Application information
- Online application form in English.
- An artistic statement and short description of the project you will be working on while in residency.
- 1-4 relevant samples of recent work
- 1 letter of reference
- $30 application fee.
- Notifications will be on or before June 30, 2026