The Residency

Cayo Residency has relocated to the Atlantic Coastal region of Sāo Sebastiāo, Brazil (near Sāo Paulo). Our new residency program will begin in the Summer of 2025.

This region is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world. The Atlantic Rainforest of Brazil harbors around 2,200 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians — 5% of the vertebrates on Earth. This includes nearly 200 bird species found nowhere else, and 60% of all of Brazil’s threatened animal species call this forest home. It is also home to around 20,000 species of plants, representing 8% of the Earth’s plants. During the 1990s, researchers from the New York Botanical Garden counted 458 tree species in 2.5 acres—more than double the number of tree species in the entire U.S. eastern seaboard. New species of flora and fauna continue to be discovered.

The forest structure of the Atlantic Forest contains multiple canopies that support an extremely rich vegetation mix. This includes an astonishing diversity of ferns, mosses, and epiphytes. For our residency purposes, this region was also selected due to its proximity to CebiMar, a marine biology institute connected to the University of Sāo Paulo.

We will host up to five residents for three weeks. Residents will have interactions with professional, working artists and scientists.

Our Residents

Artist residents are asked to use their time to explore, converse, collaborate, research, and deepen their appreciation of the natural world. Applicants must write a letter of intention that outlines the proposed project that details the area of focus and/or exploration while at the residency. Applicants should demonstrate artistic merit through ideas, conception, and materials. Established and emerging artists are welcome. Graduate students who use this residency as part of their MFA educational pursuits are encouraged to apply.

Programming

As part of the experience, we emphasize field trips and workshops. Please stay tuned for our upcoming programming, including housing, scientific collaborators, field trips, and more.

Residency Fees & Accommodations

The Cayo Brazil 2025 Residency fees, accommodation, travel information, and more will be posted soon.