Artist Residencies
Inspired by the history of the house as the residence of the scientific mission during the eruption of the Capelinhos Volcano, AVISTAVULCÃO has created, within the Casa da Missão, a space for cutting-edge artist residencies for the island and the Azores archipelago, with a global outlook.
Just as in 1957 this house welcomed scientists from all over the world to witness an extraordinary event – an underwater eruption – and document it for posterity, we want this house to once again welcome people at work, now artists, who can think and create amidst this unique landscape of new land that reminds us of the very beginnings of the Atlantic islands.
AVISTAVULCÃO aims to host national and international artists working at Casa da Missão, located in Canto, in the parish of Capelo, as part of an annual programme of artist residencies that seeks to transform the area surrounding the Capelinhos Volcano into a hub for cutting-edge international creativity.
AVISTAVULCÃO was inaugurated in September 2021 with the arrival of Prof. Raquel Soeiro de Brito, a geographer from the Capelinhos Volcano scientific mission.
Since then, it has functioned as a cultural and artist residency space, welcoming international and national artists and creating a monthly programme of artistic exhibitions and cultural activities involving the local community (meetings, presentations, video installations, performances, book launches).
AVISTAVULCÃO: o espaço
Artists in residence are provided with fully equipped accommodation with a private entrance. This house, known in the Azores as an ‘Atafona’, is a traditional building constructed from basalt stone. In the past, the upper floor was used to store grain, whilst the ground floor served as a shelter for animals. Fully preserved, Atafona is a fine example of Capelo’s rural architecture, with exposed stonework and all the authentic character of traditional Azorean houses.
In 2018, the house underwent a complete renovation, with a design by an architect who sought to enhance the comfort and functionality of the space whilst preserving its original layout. The ground floor features an open-plan layout, where the kitchen flows seamlessly into the living room with a fireplace, alongside a bathroom. A suspended structure was also created in the ceiling to accommodate two bright bedrooms. There is also direct access to the lower floor, where a small studio equipped for visual arts work has been installed. From the windows, one can see the Capelinhos volcano, Porto do Comprido and the ocean, with a view towards the sunset. The house also has access to a large outdoor area.
The Temple of Inspiration is a spacious creative space, built by the Belgian artistic collective TimeCircus during a residency in October 2025. It was constructed entirely from local timber and materials salvaged on the island. This Temple is the Belgian collective’s pilot project, as they aim to build a temple on every continent. Facing the volcano, this studio is the heart of AvistaVulcão’s artist residencies — a refuge for artists seeking inspiration in nature and the raw energy of this place. It is designed to welcome artists in the midst of their creative process, in an environment deeply immersed in the surrounding nature, between the forest and the sea. Those working within it feel every change in the weather directly — the passing of clouds, the breath of the wind, the sun’s rays and the rain — experiences that awaken and stimulate all the senses.
This new space has been designed to serve as a place for work, creation and exhibition for artists in residence. Facing the Capelinhos Volcano, the Templo offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean and the volcanic peaks. With doors and windows on all walls, it allows plenty of natural light to flood in and creates the ideal environment for creative work.
The space is fully equipped for multidisciplinary work: it features tools for arts and crafts, materials for visual arts, a library dedicated to Azorean culture and volcanology, and a viewing tower ideal for creative writing. Furthermore, the space can be transformed into an open space for performing arts. All the furnishings and details create the perfect symbiosis between the maritime world and the volcanic landscape, creating a unique atmosphere of inspiration.
The Temple also serves as a venue for public activities, hosting workshops, presentations, open studios and openings, promoting sharing and direct contact between artists and the public.
Our old ox-cart garage has been transformed into a unique space dedicated to video art. Equipped with a screen, a high-quality projector and a sound system, it offers an immersive experience for visitors.
The micro-cinema has direct access from the street and is marked by a flag that alerts the community that the venue is open and showing an artistic work. Visitors can come in, settle into the two chairs and benches provided, and enjoy a drink at the Video Tasca bar, making each screening a warm and relaxed affair.
We regularly organise sessions open to the public, transforming this small space into a hub for contemporary creation and artistic dialogue. The micro-cinema screens video installations by artists in residence, filmed recordings of public events held on the premises, and themed videos that form part of our annual programme of activities, offering a diverse and ever-evolving experience.
Another area of the Casa da Missão, which in the past was part of daily life in typical Azorean homes, has been adapted for outdoor events. The large cistern, originally a vast reservoir for storing rainwater, can now accommodate over 100 people, offering a unique experience.
The view from the cistern is breathtaking, with the Atlantic Ocean and the Capelinhos Volcano in the foreground. Historically, it was from this spot that the first observers of the 1957 eruption set up to monitor the phenomenon, setting up cameras to photograph and film the eruption.
Today, the cistern is used to host the community at public gatherings, where island-related topics are discussed and artistic works are showcased. The space encourages socialising and sharing, often around a buffet prepared collectively, fostering dialogue, creativity and a celebration of local culture.
The surroundings
The house is situated in the parish of Capelo, at the tip of Faial Island, at the end of Rua do Canto, just before you reach the Capelinhos Volcano. It is a very peaceful area, surrounded by nature and with few houses. Adjacent to the Capelinhos Volcano Forest Reserve, a landscape classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the house is just 1.5 km from the Capelinhos Volcano and 2 km from Porto do Comprido and the natural pools — one of the most iconic swimming and diving spots in the Azores.
The house is also surrounded by extensive trails, ideal for exploring the Volcanoes Route and densely covered with endemic Macaronesian plants typical of the Laurisilva forests.
Annual Artist Residency Programme
Selection of proposals;
We welcome proposals from artists across all disciplines, centred on the relationship between the arts, the community and the surrounding natural environment. Applications are open to national and international artists of all ages and at any stage of their career, from emerging artists to established professionals.
Projects are selected based on three main criteria: avant-garde, considering the innovation and originality of the artistic proposal; quality, assessing the rigour and excellence in the execution of the project; and integration into the local area, which relates to the ability to engage with the local community and the island’s natural environment. In addition to ongoing selection throughout the year, we hold two annual open calls: one aimed at artists or collectives who will participate in the programme of the annual event celebrating the eruption of the Capelinhos Volcano, held between September and October; and another exclusively for local artists, with the aim of stimulating creation in the region and supporting Azorean artists, taking place between December and January.
The residencies focus on creative processes and encourage artists to explore the island and get to know the local community. The duration of the residency is flexible, depending on the artist’s availability, but we encourage a longer stay, ensuring sufficient time for a meaningful immersion in the island.
Participatory Process;
We promote active interaction between artists in residence and the local community. During their stay, we seek to foster audience development and raise community awareness of arts and culture. Artists are invited to involve the community in their creative processes through conversations, workshops, school visits, open studios, or other formats they choose to propose.
At the end of the residency, artists publicly present the results of their work in the format they choose. Even if it is not the final artwork, it is essential to share with the community the journey and the fruits of the creative process developed during their stay on the island.
Funding Conditions;
We support artists in their integration into the island, offering contacts, information, and practical advice, functioning as a true support for the local production of projects, but always respecting the freedom of each artist to develop their personal and creative path. Our goal is to create a residency environment that combines structured support with artistic autonomy, allowing each project to find its own voice and establish a unique relationship with the island and the community.
We offer stays at reduced prices and continuous support at all stages of the creative process. Our team assists in discovering the territory, promotes integration with the local community, and provides technical and logistical support for the production of projects, as well as support for dissemination and the implementation of activities within the community.
At AVISTAVULCÃO, we want to create a residency space that inspires creativity, autonomy, and connection to the community, supporting each project so that it can grow, find its place on the island, and travel the world.
Contacts
For proposal submissions and more information:
Sophie BARBARA
avistavulcao@gmail.com
+351 913407471