Chokechaka Artist Residency
Chokechaka Artist Residency
Chokechaka, meaning "The Golden Bridge" in the native Andean language of Quechua, began its journey in 2004 with the creation of Hanaqpacha Intiq Sombran. The project evolved through intercultural exchange programs between Cusco, Peru and New York, USA, establishing itself as a bridge between the Sacred Valley of the Incas rich heritage and an international artistic community.
The residency welcomes artists who seek not only to advance their personal projects but also to engage deeply with the Sacred Valley of the Incas culture, nature, and history. They prioritize artists whose practice shows receptivity to new environments and can be enriched by immersion in different cultures and languages. The ideal residents balance independent work with community engagement, valuing shared experiences and cultural exchange.
Situated in Huaran, a vibrant agricultural town in Peru's Sacred Valley of the Inca (Calca province, Cusco region) at 9,850 ft (3,000m), the community brings together traditional local communities, residents from across Peru, and an international population from every continent. This dynamic, evolving cultural landscape has flourished over the past decade.
They facilitate rich connections with local resources and experiences. Residents can participate in backstrap weaving workshops, collaborate at nearby ceramic studios, explore agroforestry projects in the Sacred Valley and in the Tambopata region of the Peruvian Amazon, and visit local waterfalls, Inca temples, and salt mines. They arrange and foster collaborations with local scholars, artists, craftspeople, weavers, anthropologists, and Andean priests, creating meaningful cultural exchanges.
Their mission centers on fostering cultural, social, environmental, and humanitarian exchange. They believe in preserving and celebrating local traditions while creating deep connections through shared experiences. Through collective stewardship and community responsibility, they work toward personal, social, and ecological transformation.
The center features four bedrooms accommodating up to eight people. Each bedroom includes: Private full bathroom with hot shower; a work table and fresh linens and towels.
The welcoming indoor communal spaces include:
- Great room with wood stove
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Dining area
- Living room
- Additional shared bathroom
- Shared workspace
Dining:
- Self-catering kitchen facilities with storage space
- Complimentary breakfast items, tea, and coffee provided
- Optional traditional lunch service available for S/30 ($8) per day -or- $50 per week (reservation required upon arrival).
The outdoor garden offers:
- Ceremonial maloca/gazebo under Mountain/Apu Pitisuray
- Fire pit
- Versatile spaces for outdoor work, performances, and ceremonies
Workspace Options:
- Communal work tables in the great room
- Outdoor maloca/gazebo
- Dedicated private studio for visual artists on a first come first serve basis. Additional private studio spaces to come.