Host will also cover the cost of the travel to and from the residence. Each resident will be provided with a monthly subsidy of CHF 1,500.
An additional contribution may be made on occasion to cover any materials required, depending on the project.
Artists will pay for their food, material and travel expenses duraing their stay.
Residents are required to take out liability insurance as well as medical and accident insurance.
The residence is open to all professional artists working in the field of visual arts, music, literature, theatre or cinema, with no distinction made on the basis of age or nationality. Researchers and scientists are also welcome.
Application forms should be sent by email to: [email protected]. It should contain the following elements:
Residents will be selected once a year, at the end of June, by a committee of 5 people designated by the governing board of Mercier Castle. The jury’s decision is final and no justification will be given.
The Villa Ruffieux was built in Sierre (Valais, Switzerland) in 1902 and is part of the Château Mercier estate. In 2011, the Villa Ruffieux was turned into an artists’ residence in close collaboration with the Canton of Valais and the city of Sierre. The entire property of around four hectares, including the château, the grounds and the outbuildings, was donated to the State of Valais by the Mercier family in 1991. Since 1992 the State of Valais has entrusted its management to a foundation of the same name.
The Villa Ruffieux has a public purpose in line with the other activities provided by the foundation; the aim is to turn the Château into a cultural centre and meeting place. The residence therefore fits in with Château Mercier’s general development project and aims to raise its profile. It consolidates its presence at the heart of the European Network of Cultural Centres.
Description of the residency programme:
The residence is open to all professional artists working in the field of visual arts, music, literature, theatre or cinema, with no distinction made on the basis of age or nationality. Researchers and scientists are also welcome. Each stay should last around 1 to 4 months.
The residence will provide each resident with free use of 1 room and 1 workshop or office.
Residents must undertake a specific project during their stay with the aim of making this accessible to the public in the form of an exhibition, concert, performance, workshop or conference etc. The description of the project and its challenges forms part of the application process and will play a key role in the jury’s decision.
There are 3 roomns in the residency. Shared bathroom on thr floor. Shared kitchen amnd living room. Wifi is available inv the house.
There is one studio for the moment that artists can use.
Artists have to come with their own material. Some help can be provided to find tools or materialon site.
The Villa Ruffieux in located at heart the Swiss Alps, in a small town called Sierre.
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