INDEPENDENT STUDY
Beginning again in Spring 2026, Pocoapoco will offer Independent Study Residencies of two and four weeks. These residencies welcome artists and non-artists from all fields—from journalism to filmmaking, music to technology, science to public policy.
The Independent Study program is designed to support individuals in their personal practice, providing a space to slow down, reflect, and respond. We believe that dedicated time and space for creation, alongside thoughtful and responsible engagement with territories beyond our own, are essential to shaping new ways of thinking, working & being.
During their stay at Pocoapoco, participants are invited to focus primarily on independent work while being embedded in a shared creative environment that encourages exchange, reflection, and dialogue. The residency is designed to support deep, self-directed practice alongside moments of informal connection with others working across disciplines.
Residents are provided with housing and shared meals, allowing them to fully settle into daily life and concentrate on their projects. Throughout the residency, Pocoapoco offers tailored introductions and suggestions for visits to relevant sites, organizations, and individuals, drawing on an extended network of local artists, cultural workers, and institutions to support each participant’s interests and research.
Beyond the immediate residency period, participants become part of Pocoapoco’s broader international network of creative thinkers and practitioners. This ongoing community offers a foundation for continued conversation, collaboration, and exchange well beyond their time in Oaxaca.
Aside from shared meals, there is no structured group programming during the Independent Study Residency.
DETAILS
Residencies Include
Housing
Lunch (main meal) 4x week with fellow residents
Support in orientation to Oaxaca and creative networks
Access to common workspace in the residency house
Airport pick-up and transportation to the residency upon arrival
Housing details
Residents are housed in private rooms within a large Oaxacan home. Each space is of a different size and offers slightly different amenities. We offer these brief descriptions to better understand the housing layout but do not guarantee room requests.
el pochote is situated on the courtyard. It has a bedroom with a separate dining / kitchen area. Private bathroom and basic kitchen (camp stove + fridge).
la voladora is on the roof and opens onto the terrace. A single room with private bathroom, desk and beautiful view. Camp stove + fridge.
la cocinera is a private bedroom situated on the courtyard. Private bathroom and full kitchen shared with la guadalupe.
la guadalupe is a private bedroom on the courtyard. Full kitchen shared with la cocinera and shared bath slightly outside the room.
At this time, due to the communal nature of the living situation, we cannot house families or applicants traveling with their children. If you would like to travel with a partner or your family, please contact us for options.
Meal details
Residents eat communal meals of delicious local foods sourced from the nearby market and cooked by our team member Aurelia. Meals include lunch (the main meal) Monday to Thursday. Each resident has access to a kitchen or kitchenette.
Program fees
Program fees reflect a commitment to directing resources responsibly—supporting care, access, and long-term sustainability across our programs. With that in mind, we do not offer scholarships for the Independent Study Residency, although are happy to provide letters of support for outside funding opportunities.
Prices (in USD) are determined by selected housing and time:
Room (2 weeks / 4 weeks)
Pochote ($900/$1800)
Voladora ($800/$1600)
Guadalupe ($800/$1600)
Cocinera ($800/$1600)
Dates
April 27- May 24 (Month-long session)
May 25- June 7 (2 week session)
June 29-July 26 (2 week session)
July 27- August 9 (2 week session)
August 24-September 20 (Month-long session)
November 9-22 (2 week session)
November 23- December 20 (2 week session)