The Rise of Artist-in-Residence Programs in Hotels
Jettana Yamter, a student at Àni Art Academy, located on Thailand’s Koh Yoi Noi.
Photo: Courtesy of Àni Private ResortsA man dangles from a harness in the cloud forest of Costa Rica, twisting and maneuvering through the leaves and branches — a unique way to engage with this vibrant ecosystem.
This is part of a multimedia performance choreographed by the Costa Rican art collective Wimblu — the outcome of a two-week residency at Hotel Belmar, a sustainable 26-room getaway in the mountains near Monteverde. During their stay, Wimblu’s members collaborated with a local dancer, Mario Rivera Camacho. “Hotel Belmar fosters an environment that encourages you to unwind,” reflected Wimblu cofounder Alessandra Baltodano Estrada. “This opens the mind to creativity.”
Hotel Belmar, a boutique establishment in Monteverde, Costa Rica, that hosts an artist residency program.
Courtesy of Hotel BelmarGlobally, hotels are embracing the art scene — not only by opening galleries and showcasing unique pieces but also by providing spaces for creative collaboration. At Hotel Belmar — managed by Pedro Belmar, who previously worked at MoMA in New York City — artists chosen for the residency receive accommodations, meals, and sometimes a stipend based on their needs.
Other hotels add their own unique touches to the residency experience. Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort offers gallery space to artist-in-residence Welzie, who also conducts classes for guests. Over 30 participants have taken part in a continuous program at Park Hotel Tokyo, where creatives stay and personalize a chosen room, with some even painting directly on the walls.
A digital-assembly artwork by the Wimblu collective created during their residency at Hotel Belmar.
Alessandra Baltodano/Courtesy of Hotel BelmarTim Reynolds, the founder of Àni Private Resorts, turned to painting passionately after surviving a near-fatal accident. His collection of exclusive-use retreats (located in Anguilla, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and the Dominican Republic) supports a sister nonprofit, Àni Art Academies, where aspiring artists can apply for multi-year fine arts programs near each resort, funded by the company's profits.
In Costa Rica, Belmar emphasizes that initiatives like this benefit not just the artists, but also the staff, community, and guests. “When you travel, it’s easy to overlook the cultural context,” he remarks. “Perhaps this serves as an introduction.”
This story originally appeared in the April 2023 issue of Dinogo under the title "A Fresh Canvas."
1
2
3
4
5
Evaluation :
5/5