Fundación Valparaíso was established in 1989 by Paul Beckett, a Danish artist, and his wife Beatrice, who both have a long life knowledge of art and conservation patronage.
The retreat is situated on the edge of terraced almond, orange and olive groves, 150 meters above sea level, and enjoys a beautiful panoramic view, which includes the Mediterranean, the Sierra Cabrera and the white hilltop village of Mojácar. The retreat was formerly an olive oil mill house.
Rural roads and trails crisscross the surrounding valley, and the region is a hikers paradise. Cars, mopeds and bicycles can be rented on the beach about 4 kilometers from the retreat. There are local bus services. The famous monumental Andalucia cities Granada, Córdoba, Sevilla can be reached by bus, as well as Madrid and Barcelona.
Short description of programme
The purpose of the Fundación is to provide a place where creative artists – writers, painters, composers, sculptors, visual artist, etc. – can concentrate on their work, free from the distractions and duties of daily life. The house is located in a very silent and peaceful area.
Since the retreat is a working community, there are no formal social activities, nor are there any special recreational facilities.
The programme is open all the year, except March and August. Every month the Valparaiso Foundation gives 8 grants for a residency. There is no deadline, we evaluate applications all year long
Duration
4 weeks approximately
Grants
Free board, lodging and laundry.
Expenses paid by artists
The residents are expected to pay their own travel arrangements to and from the retreat, including a medical insurance. They are also responsible for all working materials and personal needs.
Applications
Grants for Board and residence shall be issued to individuals who have produced work of professional artistic merit and now may have other projects underway.
The novice may be accepted if the Board finds that the candidate shows outstanding promises.
Grants are for one person only. Husbands and wives should apply individually; one or both may be accepted.
Current application forms and more information can be obtained by writing to the manager. More details concerning Fundación Valparaíso, Mojácar and travel possibilities will be forwarded after the acceptance of the application.
Applications are evaluated by the Board, presently presided by Beatrice Beckett, who took the place of Paul Beckett after his death in 1994.
Facilities
4 separated studios
Water, electricity, tables, easels, etc.
8 private rooms with bath and common areas (living room, library, patio, vegetable garden, etc.)
We also give four awards: An annual Spanish Poetry Award with the edition of a collection of poems; an annual Painting Award for students of the last year of Fine Arts University of Madrid, a bi-annual Musical Composition Award and a bi-annual Theatre play Award.
Contact:
Fundación Valparaiso
Pilar Parra Ruiz
Apartado de Correos, 836
Mojácar Playa, Almeria
04638
+34-950-472380
+34-950-472607
vparaiso@futurnet.es
