Biolumina Artist Residency is a private, artist-led residency in Vieques, Puerto Rico, designed for jury-selected artists from Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and beyond.

The 2027 Residency Cycle will offer selected artists a 1–2 week stay in Vieques, with accommodation, private studio space, and time for creation, reflection, and research. The residency supports artists who are interested in developing work in dialogue with the landscape, culture, and rhythms of the island.

Biolumina is not an event venue or a retreat program. It is a quiet space for artistic concentration. Public engagement takes place through free activations developed in partnership with local schools, cultural organizations, and community spaces across Vieques.

Applications for the 2027 Residency Cycle
Application Deadline: August 1st, 2026

In A Nutshell

  • Artists whose practice resonates with Biolumina’s ethos: creation as listening, reflection, experimentation, and dialogue with place.

    We welcome:

    • Contemporary visual artists exploring materiality, identity, ecology, memory, or belonging

    • Performance, video, sound, textile, and land-based artists engaging with landscape, light, gesture, and site

    • Artists interested in research, process, and experimentation rather than production on demand

    • Proposals that can open into meaningful exchange with the Vieques community through local partnerships

    • Accommodation in Vieques

    • Private studio space

    • A quiet environment for creation, reflection, and research

    • Flexible time to develop a site-responsive project or body of work

    • Local orientation and support during the residency

    • Opportunities to connect with local artists, cultural workers, schools, and community partners when relevant

    • The possibility of developing a free public activation in partnership with a school, cultural organization, or community space in Vieques

  • To apply for the 2027 Residency Cycle, please submit the following materials:

    • Complete the application form

    • Portfolio in PDF format

    • Artist statement and project proposal, 500 words maximum

    • CV or résumé

    • Link to website or social media, if available

    • Optional $30 donation to support Biolumina’s residency and community programs

    Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview with the Foundation. Final selections will be reviewed with Biolumina’s Advisory Board and Jury.

    Selected artists will receive written confirmation of their residency.

  • As part of each cohort’s lasting record, resident artists will be invited to leave one artwork created or developed in connection with their experience at Biolumina.

    These works will become part of the Biolumina Collection and will serve as a foundation for the catalogue and collective exhibition developed by the Curator in Residence assigned to the corresponding cohort. In this way, each residency becomes part of a collective history that continues to grow over time.

FILL OUT THE APPLICATION FORM HERE

FAQs

How do I get to Vieques?
To reach Vieques, you can take a short flight from San Juan or Ceiba, Puerto Rico, or travel by ferry from Ceiba.

We recommend flying when possible, as it is often the fastest and most reliable option. Ferry service can be affected by weather, seasonal demand, and availability.

Once on the island, Biolumina can help coordinate pick-up from the Vieques airport or ferry terminal for selected residents.

How do I get to the residency?
Biolumina is located in Vieques, Puerto Rico, in a quiet natural setting shaped by the island’s landscape, light, and rhythms.

The residency is not designed as a public venue, but as a private space for creation, reflection, and research. Selected artists will receive detailed arrival instructions once their residency dates are confirmed.

A bicycle may be available for short local rides, but for greater mobility and access to more remote beaches or areas of the island, renting a car or golf cart is recommended.

How is the Curator in Residence selected?
The Curator in Residence is selected directly by Biolumina’s founder and artistic director. This position is offered exclusively by invitation and is not part of the open call for artists.

Studio & Facilities

Do I have to share a studio?
No. Biolumina hosts one resident artist at a time unless otherwise specified.

Each resident receives access to a private live/work studio environment designed for focused creation, reflection, and experimentation.

What equipment do you have?
Biolumina offers a flexible studio environment suitable for independent artistic research, material experimentation, and site-responsive projects.

Available equipment includes a large loom, a large self-standing tufting frame, a tufting gun, a sewing machine, a printer, and an Oculus/VR headset. Basic tools and work surfaces may also be available.

There are no on-site technicians, so artists should be comfortable working independently and bring any specialized materials, tools, or supplies required for their project.

The residency is especially well suited for artists working with textiles, fiber, mixed media, digital experimentation, image-making, and process-based practices.

Living Experience

What are the living conditions like?
Biolumina offers a simple, quiet, and immersive living experience in close connection with nature.

The space is designed for artists who value focus, slowness, and direct contact with the island’s environment. Residents should expect a rustic and contemplative setting rather than a conventional hospitality experience.

The residency includes Wi-Fi, basic living amenities, and access to a private studio environment.

Can I bring my partner or family?
Biolumina is designed as a focused residency for selected artists.

Partners or family members may be able to visit briefly with prior approval, but the residency is not designed for family stays, vacations, or group lodging.

The priority is to preserve the quiet and concentrated nature of the residency experience.

Community Engagement

Will I lead workshops or events at Biolumina?

No. Biolumina does not function as an event venue or public workshop space.

The residency itself remains a private environment for creation, reflection, and research. When appropriate, residents may develop a free public activation in partnership with a local school, cultural organization, or community space in Vieques.

These activations are developed in dialogue with the artist’s practice, the island, and the needs of the partner organization.

Legacy & Contribution

What does “Leaving a Legacy” mean?

At the conclusion of their residency, each artist will be invited to leave one artwork created or developed in connection with their experience at Biolumina. The work will become part of the Biolumina Collection and may be included in the catalogue and collective exhibition developed by the Curator in Residence assigned to their cohort.

Costs & Application

Is there an application fee?
There is no required application fee.

What does the residency include?

The residency includes:

  • Accommodation in Vieques

  • Private studio space

  • A quiet environment for creation, reflection, and research

  • Basic living amenities

  • Local orientation and arrival support

  • The possibility of developing a free public activation through a local partnership

What is NOT included?

The residency does not include:

  • Travel to Puerto Rico or Vieques

  • Meals

  • Art materials

  • Specialized tools or technical equipment

  • Health insurance

  • Personal transportation on the island

  • Shipping of artworks or materials

Artists are responsible for securing appropriate travel arrangements, materials, and insurance for the duration of their stay.

Accessibility & Health

Is the residency accessible?
Biolumina is located in a natural setting with uneven terrain and areas that may present challenges for people with limited mobility.

We are committed to improving accessibility over time. Applicants with specific access needs are encouraged to contact us before applying so we can discuss whether the current conditions are appropriate and how we can support them.

What should I know about health and safety?
Vieques is a small island with limited medical infrastructure. Residents should bring any essential medications, basic personal health supplies, and appropriate travel or health insurance.

Artists are encouraged to take normal precautions for tropical weather, sun exposure, insects, hydration, and outdoor work.