The Residency
Round-trip flights, transportation within China, private accommodation in the artists’ village, studio space, and three meals per day included.
The Lishui International Artist Residency takes place in the heart of the Guyan Huaxiang artist village, a site renowned in China for its painting tradition and exceptional natural environment.
Over 30 days, selected artists will have the opportunity to live and create in a unique context where nature, local culture, and artistic life come together.
Today, this artist village attracts more than 150,000 artists and students each year, making it one of the most dynamic creative hubs in China.
This residency is part of an international program offering visibility in both Europe and China.
An immersion in an artistic and cultural environment
Located along the Oujiang River, Guyan Huaxiang is a historic site where art galleries, artist studios, cultural institutions, and exhibition spaces coexist.
Artists in residence will have the opportunity to explore this artistic ecosystem, as well as meet local artists and exchange ideas around their practices.
The residency also offers a range of activities to discover the region and its culture:
meetings with Chinese artists
cultural visits
exchanges with local institutions
discussions around artistic practices
What the residency includes
The residency covers the essential aspects of the stay, allowing artists to fully dedicate themselves to their creative work: round-trip flights, transportation within China, private accommodation in the artist village, studio space, as well as three meals per day throughout the program.
Artists also benefit from support by the local residency team, facilitating exchanges, organization of the stay, and connections with the local art scene.
The artistic materials required for the projects are covered by the residency. Artists are invited to submit a list of their needs in advance to ensure everything is prepared on site under the best conditions.
The program also includes opportunities to explore the region, engage with other artists, and participate in a final exhibition.
A working environment dedicated to creation
Artists are welcomed within the artist village, just a few minutes’ walk from the studios.
Each artist benefits from a private room as well as a studio space, either individual or shared, providing a comfortable environment to develop their work.
The residency is designed to allow artists to fully focus on their research and artistic production.
On-site support
Throughout the residency, artists are supported by the local team, which includes:
a residency coordinator
a translator
an artistic director
This team facilitates the artists’ stay, supports intercultural exchanges, and assists in organizing the program’s activities.
A dedicated time for personal creation
The core of the residency is dedicated to personal artistic creation.
Each artist is invited to develop a project during their stay, whether or not it is connected to the local context. The natural environment of Lishui, its landscapes, and its culture often provide a strong source of inspiration for artists.
Before their arrival, artists can submit a list of the materials required for their work so that the residency can prepare their studio accordingly.
A final exhibition
At the end of the program, a final exhibition is organized in collaboration with local cultural institutions.
This exhibition presents the works created during the residency and allows artists to share their work with the local audience.
A contribution to the residency collection
Selected artists are required to donate one artwork to the residency or to local institutions, contributing to the development of a collection and the legacy of the program.
A collective experience
Three international artists will take part in the residency.
While each artist has their own workspace and private accommodation, the residency is also a time for collective living and exchange, fostering discussions, collaborations, and the sharing of experiences.
Organisation et calendrier de la résidence
Une première session d’un mois débutera le 1er juin 2026, réunissant les cinq artistes sélectionnés pour cette période. Le départ est prévu à cette date, sous réserve de validation finale avec chaque artiste en fonction des contraintes administratives et logistiques.
La préparation du séjour est accompagnée par la LooLooLook Gallery, qui pourra faciliter l’organisation en amont (coordination générale, informations pratiques, accompagnement sur les démarches si nécessaire, notamment liées au voyage ou au visa).
Une seconde session d’un mois aura lieu après l’été, à partir de septembre 2026 et jusqu’à fin 2027, accueillant cinq autres artistes lauréats bénéficiant également de la résidence.
Lors de votre candidature, il vous sera demandé d’indiquer précisément vos disponibilités.
L’objectif est de constituer des groupes d’artistes disponibles sur une même période, afin de garantir une expérience collective cohérente et optimale pour chaque session.
Residency Organization and Timeline
A first one-month session will begin on June 1, 2026, bringing together the five selected artists for this period. Departure is scheduled for this date, subject to final confirmation with each artist depending on administrative and logistical constraints.
The preparation of the residency is supported by LooLooLook Gallery, which will assist with the organization beforehand (overall coordination, practical information, and support with necessary procedures, particularly related to travel or visas).
A second one-month session will take place after the summer, starting from September 2026 through the end of 2027, welcoming five additional selected artists who will also benefit from the residency.
During the application process, you will be asked to specify your availability in detail.
The goal is to form groups of artists available during the same period, ensuring a cohesive and optimal collective experience for each session.
