an international residency for contemporary artists, writers and researchers at the intersection between creativity and the environment

climate positive since 2006

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Established in 2006, Joya: arte + ecología / AiR has operated as an independent, off-grid centre for artistic and ecological research. More than 3,500 artists, writers and researchers from around the world have participated in the programme, which has developed long-standing collaborations with institutions including University of the Arts London – Central Saint Martins, Manchester School of Art and other leading universities and cultural organisations…

Joya: AiR is an arts residency developed by artists for artists of every conceivable discipline. Consider Joya: AiR not only a unique, stimulating and contemplative environment for international artists, writers and researchers, but as a meeting point for divergent and creative thinking. This is a multi-disciplinary residency, self determined, critical and profoundly engaging

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  • studio presentations

  • studio visits

  • performance space

  • speculative installations

  • artists talks

  • sustainable darkroom

  • studio

  • Joya: senda

  • readings

  • studio visits

Joya: the residency offers artists, writers and researchers a period of concentrated practice within a small international community. Individual work develops alongside conversation and exchange across disciplines, with the landscape, resources and ongoing research at Joya: AiR providing opportunities for new work and new directions.

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Resident artists: resident artists, writers and researchers at Joya: AiR

resident artists
Joya: AiR / Sarah Flack + Shilo Preshyon / CAN
Joya: AiR / Sarah Flack + Shilo Preshyon / CAN
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Joya: AiR / Louise Hardy + Martha Barr / UK
Joya: AiR / Louise Hardy + Martha Barr / UK
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Joya: AiR / Grace Herring / GBR
Joya: AiR / Grace Herring / GBR
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Joya: AiR / Pascal Glissmann / GER
Joya: AiR / Pascal Glissmann / GER
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Joya: AiR / Hugh Greasley / UK
Joya: AiR / Hugh Greasley / UK
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institutional + creative collaborations

Joya: AiR works with universities, curators and cultural organisations to develop residencies, research and collaborative projects across disciplines.

Universities:

Manchester Metropolitan University - Manchester School of Art . University of the Arts London - Central Saint Martins . University of London - Goldsmiths . Aberystwyth University - School of Art . Universidad de Granada - Facultad de Bellas Arte

Curators:

Annie Edwards https://www.annieedwards.com .

Maddie Rose Hills

MATER - research and publishing platform exploring materials . https://mater.digital

Joya: atlas

an evolving record of the landscape around Joya — its topography, water, habitats, cultivation, histories and cultural activity. Through mapping, observation and intervention, it follows a landscape undergoing ecological regeneration while remaining a place of human attention, stewardship and cultural practice.

  • "I came for the third time—there's a reason why this place keeps calling me back. I thought I'd work on writing, but instead discovered my black and white drawing needed to move towards painting and beyond the paper. I left with a nurtured heart and field of possibilities."

    Taïs Bean / FRA

    Mixed Media & Drawing

  • "I came seeking peace, creativity, and focus. Life moves in harmony with nature—studio hours, countryside walks, delicious food, conversations with other residents. I leave with all of that and having met wonderful people."

    Victoria Luengo / ESP

    Theater & Film

  • "The atmosphere promoted deep tranquility, encouraging introspection. The community of residents became close friends with transformative critical discussions. Simon's dedication to sustainability and Donna's artistry and cooking added layers of beauty to this unforgettable experience."

    Nina Zulian / BRA

    Design Curation & Editorial

  • "Without distraction I made watercolors, drawings, clay and driftwood sculptures, wove bamboo shades into sculptural forms. I sought to decompress and gain awareness of how to live with climate consciousness. Simon and Donna's cortijo is a climate positive enclave welcoming diverse creatives into an intimate setting."

    Eric Araujo / USA

    Sculpture, Drawing & Mixed Media

  • "For me Joya has been a nest, a safe space to create and share. Being here allowed me to dive deeper into my creativity. My work started shifting and evolving as I became more open to exploring new mediums and trying new ways."

    Marieli Pereira / ECU

    Multidisciplinary Art & Design

  • "My first artistic residency was two transformative weeks. Without expectations, Joya offered a magical environment where I could focus on my creative work. I wandered nature, climbed mountains, collected materials. Surrounded by generous hearts and extraordinary talents, we connected over warm dinners."

    Leonardo Uribe / COL

    Drawing & Mixed Media

  • "The warmth that my body could instantly feel through Donna's meals, through sincere conversations, through mutual caring energy. Being a resident provided me with tools for my next adventures. I worked with negatives for my project about the first female solo travel writer in the world."

    Nina Maria Allmoslechner / AUT

    Analog & Documentary Photography

Joya: AiR offers a site-responsive context where interdisciplinary practice is deeply embedded with the dynamics of place.

Joya: AiR emphasises the deep connection between artistic exploration and the environment, supporting practices that are responsive to the materials, rhythms and care required by fragile ecosystems.

earlier resident artists writers researchers

Joya: resident artists

joya: senda

art in an ephemeral landscape

joya: air

environmental responsibility statement

field resources / sustainable darkroom

alternative & sustainable