From an early age dance, music, literature, and art have been constants in my life, providing beauty, stoking curiosity, broadening perspectives, and always offering hope. Embarking on this project has pushed me to think more deeply about the importance of art in our lives, especially in a world that is increasingly interconnected. The active support of young artists and their creative processes is a way to promote open mindedness and tolerance which, now more than ever, feels imperative.

The mission of Residenza No. 12 is to provide emerging/mid-career creators with the space and time to work freely without the constraints and pressures of everyday life. I believe that the creative process can flourish in a supportive and nurturing environment where artists have the freedom to let their minds and bodies rest, wander, and recharge.  

Who we serve

Primarily emerging choreographers/creators and dancers.

International applications accepted, with a preference for European based artists. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and may be of any race/orientation/gender etc.

Residency term is from 1-3 weeks

Number of residents is between 2-4 per week. The number could increase should the choreographer want to bring dancers/collaborators.

What we provide

The residency includes living space and a small (12 sqm) indoor dance studio space as well as an open air (covered) dance studio space of 50 sqm, ample outdoor space for relaxing and outdoor movement. Depending on the timing and number of residents there is the opportunity for sharing work amongst residents. In collaboration with Officina 38 Productions, Residenza No.12 would film any work produced and provide the video to the resident to use for their purposes. In agreement with the resident, video would be added to the Residenza No. 12 archive and potential used for promotional material for the Residenza No.12. Residency includes all meals, lodging, travel stipend as well as a stipend to cover part of costs related to loss of work for the week.

Facilities: Small indoor dance studio space (12 sqm), open air (covered) dance studio space (50 sqm), ample outdoor space for movement and relaxation. Resident must bring their own music/sound equipment.

Housing: fully furnished apartment (with kitchen and laundry) for up to 4 people in the old city of Saluzzo or on-site housing for up to 5 people. In the case of off-site housing artists work/outdoor relaxing space and lunch/dinner would be provided at the site of Residenza No.12, within walking/biking distance from apartments.

Food: All meals provided and can be eaten in communal dining space. Cooking could be collaborative if the resident(s) wishes, but meals will be prepared by hosts. Allergies and special diets are not a problem. 

Engagement

Residents are not required to take part in community engagement, however it is welcomed and fostered. In agreement with the residents of the 2025 residency, a showing of the work in progress was organized for friends and family. About 25 people, predominately young, attended the short performance and Q&A. It was fufilling for the creators, dancers and audience as many of them had little experience with contemporary dance.

Residenza No.12 has a partnership with the Eclettica Dance School “Eclettica Summer Experience” program. Should the resident create work during the residency and be inclined to perform it, they could do so at the Eclettica Gala. This sharing is dependent on several factors and would be decided together with the resident in advance of the residency. The collaboration Eclettica Summer Experience has a valuable community engagement component for the local (and beyond) dance community. For young Italian dancers, working with emerging choreographers is an important learning opportunity, both in terms of movement style and creative process. Versatility is a fundamental characteristic for professional dancers today. By fostering a practice of bringing new creative minds into dance schools in Italy, we can help to create a stronger culture of well rounded, versatile dancers.  

Expectations and Evaluation

As there is not, at this point, an expectation of “production” of any kind, there will be an open conversation with the artist to establish how the residency will best serve their creative needs. Their goal may be to rest and recharge in order to prepare for work. The residency may also be used as a research period or a mentally active creative period without a tangible final product. Should any visual or written work be produced Residenza No. 12 would ask to video visuals, have a written summary of work or video a conversation/interview with the artist about their time in residency. Residenza No.12 would also ask the artist to provide feedback about the practical aspects of the Residency in written form (letter/survey).

On a more practical level, Residenza No.12 will provide an agreement outlining policies for safety and respectful behavior for both parties to sign.

In case of collaboration with Eclettica Summer Experience, expectations about work produced and reproduction of that work would need to be agreed upon. An agreement for the use of video material would need to be written and signed by both parties.     

Alumni Relationships    

Engagement with Artists during the residency will come in the form of a structured interview with each participant and through the time spent while sharing meals. A relaxed and convivial environment allows for the establishment of a solid foundation for a continuing relationship.

An Archive, including video documentation (dance/interview), written responses to interview questions, CVs of participants, and exit feedback, will be created and maintained by Residenza No.12.

Residenza No. 12 will stay connected by way of an informal check in a few times a year.  Residenza No.12 would ask to be informed of artist’s performance schedule.

Archive

Residenza No.12 will create a website which will be home to a digital archive containing the documentation of each residency. The archive will be made up of written and video recorded interviews with participants, informal photographic documentation from the residency period, video of any work created onsite, written feedback from participants. The Archive will have public and private areas. The website will also provide practical information about the residency and application.

The Bigger Picture

The residency aims to provide support for emerging, young artists who may need time and space to work/rest/recharge creatively. Having a fallow period is not a possibility for many working artists who are striving to make a living through their art, and yet rest is a necessary part of any creative endeavor.

Over time the residency hopes to grow a network of working artists who can share work/resources/contacts.