A supportive environment for creativity
The Purple Mountain Arts Residency is a place for creativity and expression for marginalised creatives. Funds from our self-funded residencies are used to support artists from less privileged parts of the world as well as community initiatives in and around Porterville.
South African creatives
A fully-funded residency of two weeks for South African creatives urgently needing a place to breathe and create.
African creatives
A partially-funded residency of two weeks for African creatives whose lives and/or practice are under threat.*
*Regrettably Purple Mountain Arts Residency is unable to assist with flight costs, visa costs and/or asylum status applications.
Non-African creatives
A self-funded residency of two to four weeks is available for non-African creatives at a fee of ZAR10 000 per week.
Past Residents
All residencies include
- Airport shuttle to and from Cape Town International Airport
- Private room with own entrance and patio
- Private bathroom
- Three home-cooked meals a day (as well as snacks and beverages)
- Secure, uncapped wi-fi
- Studio
- Use of a bicycle
- Use of basic power tools
- Mentorship (if required)
- Self-curated outcomes
- 24 hour online services of registered Clinical Psychologist/Psychoanalyst, Carol Richards
- A three-day satellite residency in Cape Town
Applications
Those wishing to be considered for one of the PMAR residency programmes are encouraged to email the following in a single PDF document to pmartsresidency@gmail.com.
- A letter of motivation (no longer than one page)
- An up-to-date CV
- Artist bio
- Artist statement
- Five samples of work, complete with titles, description of the project, and the year of completion
Carol Richards is a registered Clinical Psychologist and Psychoanalyst in private practice.
The Ruben Richards Foundation is a South African registered non profit and public benefit organisation established in 2012. The mission is to restore and empower traumatised communities so they may realise their full potential. We strive to restore local and international communities by liberating their hearts and minds through integrated upliftment initiatives. www.rrf.org.za
Declaration and Press Statement issued by Ruben Richards Foundation
The Ruben Richards Foundation (RRF) is pleased to announce its partnership with the Purple Mountain Arts Residency program. RRF will provide therapeutic support to the residency program by making available the services of Carol Richards, a registered Clinical Psychologist and Psychoanalyst in private practice. The Foundation will provide these therapeutic services at no cost to the Residency Program.
Oranjezicht Cultural Retreat
Nestled at the foot of the iconic Table Mountain, yet within the bustling heart of the City, this retreat within the home of Neil and Max (the dog) features a large, quiet bedroom, shared bathroom and spacious open plan living area.
Within walking distance of Table Mountain and the Iziko South African National Gallery, and a short ride to the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art, the District 6 museum and many independent galleries, this retreat provides enviable access to the vibrant art scene of Cape Town.
The host, Neil, was previously a creative and cultural economic development advisor in London, UK, but is now based in Cape Town and has extensive knowledge of the creative and cultural scene in this world class city. While Max provides calm companionship and is keen to show you around the local parks!
