Instituto Sacatar: Brazil's Longest-Running Artist Residency in Bahia

Instituto Sacatar on Itaparica Island is Brazil's longest continuously operating art residency, founded in 2001 with 500+ alumni from 70+ countries across all artistic disciplines.

What Sacatar Offers

Private room with attached bathroom
Discipline-specific studio
All meals (except Saturday evenings, Sundays, and Brazilian holidays)
Cultural orientation to Bahia and Salvador
No residency fee

Application Fee

$25 USD (only cost to apply)

Duration

7-9 weeks depending on session

2025-2026 Sessions

March 17 - May 5, 2025 (7 weeks)
May 12 - June 30, 2025 (7 weeks)
September 1 - November 3, 2025 (9 weeks)
November 17, 2025 - January 19, 2026 (9 weeks)

Special Programme: Africa-Based Artists (2026)

For artists residing in Africa:

Round-trip economy airfare covered
Stipend: BRL 3,000 for technical and artistic development
2 artists selected per year

Bahia-Based Fellowship

For creatives residing in Bahia:

Grant: BRL 8,000 for development and research

Program Philosophy

Sacatar prioritizes:

Process over product - No finished work requirement
Cultural immersion - Deep engagement with Bahian culture
Exploration and experimentation - Freedom to transform
Research-based practice - Fieldwork encouraged

The Sacatar Experience

Location

Itaparica Island, Bahia:

Across the bay from Salvador
Rich Afro-Brazilian cultural heritage
Historical significance
Natural beauty
Island community

First Week

Orientation includes:

Introduction to Itaparica Island
City of Salvador exploration
Bahian cultural immersion
Afro-Brazilian traditions
Local art scene connections

Facilities

Individual studios suited to practice
Private rooms with bathrooms
Common spaces
Island setting

Cultural Context

Bahia offers:

Afro-Brazilian religious traditions (Candomble)
Capoeira heritage
Music and performance
Visual arts traditions
Cuisine and food culture
Carnival traditions

Disciplines Accepted

All artistic disciplines:

Visual Arts
Writing
Music/Sound
Performance
Film/Video
Interdisciplinary

What to Expect

Daily Life

Self-directed schedule
Meals provided weekdays
Studio access
Island exploration
Salvador day trips possible

Community

Small cohort of residents
International artists
Local connections
Cross-disciplinary exchange

Salvador Access

Brazil's first capital city:

Major cultural institutions
Contemporary art scene
Historical center (Pelourinho)
Music venues
Museums and galleries

Practical Considerations

Getting There

Fly to Salvador (SSA)
Ferry to Itaparica Island
Artists cover own travel to Salvador

Language

Portuguese is primary language
English support available
Portuguese helpful but not required

Climate

Tropical climate
Warm year-round
Rainy season varies
Pack for humidity

Health

Standard tropical precautions
Healthcare available in Salvador

Application Tips

Process-focused - Don't propose exhibition outcomes
Cultural engagement - Interest in Bahian traditions
Open to transformation - Willingness to be changed
Clear but flexible goals - What might you explore?
Quality portfolio - Strong recent work

Why Choose Sacatar?

Longest-running Brazilian residency since 2001
No residency fee - Accessible to all
Cultural immersion - Afro-Brazilian heritage
Process emphasis - Freedom from production pressure
International community - 500+ alumni from 70+ countries
Unique location - Island setting near Salvador

How to Apply

Visit sacatar.org/en
Review current sessions and requirements
Prepare portfolio and statement
Pay $25 application fee
Submit complete application

Related Resources

Last updated: December 2025. Always verify current details on the official Instituto Sacatar website.