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Banditto Art Retreat is open for applications

Feeling uninspired? Unsatisfied with the work you’re creating, or have the feeling of being stuck in your current art routine?

We’ve all been there. And sometimes a simple change of scenery can make all the difference and spark that much wanted inspiration. A bit of extra time, a different atmosphere, change of pace, and some good old headspace; these are some of the best ways to break that artistic block and reach a higher artistic level.

Tuscany, with its picturesque landscapes and rolling hills, its authentic art and monuments, its award-winning vineyards, traditional Italian gastronomy and the friendliness of its inhabitants, might just do the trick. Tuscany does something for one's soul. The colors and the smells, the food and the wine, the beautiful sunsets, the quaint villages, all these will be sure to get those creative juices flowing again.

Banditto Art Retreat can be found in a small Tuscan hilltop village, close to places such as Montepulciano, Pienza and Siena. Tucked in between Val d’Orcia and Val di Chiana, it’s the perfect place to connect with Italian culture, nature, and your inner self.

The beautifully renovated apartment with studio, built on the remains of a 12th century cellar, will be available all to yourself. No distractions from other people or normal day life with all its hustle and bustle. It will be just you, your creativity, and a studio waiting to be filled with beautiful art.

This unique house has both new and old Tuscan elements, including a 500 year old Terracotta floor and original wooden beams.

Well equipped with modern conveniences such as a dishwasher, air conditioning, espresso machine, rain shower, WiFi, Sonos music installation and Netflix.

As an artist, you can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the apartment or venture out to immerse yourself in the Italian culture of the village. With art cities and cultural cities a short distance away, there are lots of opportunities to fully emerge into the rich artistic culture of Italy. 

This experience provides an opportunity to be out of your normal routine, to be on your own time without the distractions of every day life. You will finally have the time and space to start that painting, experiment with your photography, or finish that book you’re writing!

Application:

The cost of our retreat is 750 euro per week, and covers accommodation and studio. 

10 % discount every following week, with a maximum of 4 weeks. 

This includes: 

• 7 days of retreat in our apartment with studio in beautiful Montefollonico.

• Online exhibition hosted by Banditto Residency

Also available on request:

• Professional photoshoot

• Private art courses

• Private photography course

• Massage

• Editorial coverage on artistcloseup.com

• Italian courses:

  • Italian cooking course

  • Truffle hunting

  • Wine tasting

  • Italian language course

Prizes

There are two awards in every round: the Main Residency Prize and the Emerging Art Prize. Anyone can enter to win the Banditto Residency prize. This is an international competition and we welcome work from entrants of all ages (under 18’s are required to obtain written consent from their parent/guardian before entering), and from all nationalities.

Main Art Prize

• 10 day residency in our Galleria in beautiful Montefollonico, Tuscany (IT)

  This includes: flights, transportation and 10 days accommodation in our galleria.

• Welcome dinner with art collector and owner of Banditto Art.

• Online exhibition hosted by Galleria Banditto

• Editorial coverage in Banditto Mag; a collectors magazine

Emerging Art Prize (x2)

• Online exhibition hosted by Galleria Banditto

• Editorial coverage in Banditto Mag; a collectors magazine

• $100(USD) cash prize

Guidelines

• You may enter up to three works per application fee.

• If you are submitting a series, this is considered as one work. We recommend submitting one image which shows the whole series together (ie. The series hanging on a wall) then further images to show the detail. Alternatively, you could create a single document file which is made up of multiple images (ie. a collage or tiles)

• You may enter as many times as you wish, but submitting with different works each time is required.

• Works previously exhibited and published elsewhere are accepted.

• Collaborative works are accepted.

• There are no set categories this year, however you will be required to select the relevant discipline on the entry form. If you cannot see your discipline listed, please either choose the one most relevant or email info@bandittoresidency.com

• Works produced within the last three years are preferred, although works made at any time before submission can be entered.

• There is no size limit of each artwork, although the size of the work in relation to the exhibition space will be a consideration in the shortlisting process.

• For more information, please read our Frequently Asked Questions.

• By entering for the Banditto Residency Prize, each artist agrees to the full terms and conditions, rules and regulations found here.

• 40 artists are long listed, out of which a selection of artists are shortlisted. These artists are added to our artists portfolio if the artist agrees. Shortlisted artists receive publication and are eligible to win either the Main Art Prize or the Emerging Art Prize.

• If you are shortlisted for the Prize, you will be asked to supply high-resolution images of your artwork for online exhibition.

• The judging panel members are not to be contacted directly as this can be viewed as an attempt to sway the votes and your entry can then be discarded at Banditto Art’s discretion.