Convergence residency — artists in community

If one thing has become clear over the past four years of Convergence residencies at Green Olive Arts, it is that artistic practice is strengthened within community. The word “community” itself is layered with meanings. There is the creative community found in a group of international artists sharing studios, meals & ideas AND there is the surrounding local community whose interactions, collaboration & hospitality open new doors for creativity.

Con·vergence – kənˈvərjens – (n.) 1. the coming together from different directions so as eventually to meet. 2. a gradual change that results in things or people becoming similar or developing something in common.

The original idea for the Convergence residency came out of this definition. The Moroccan city of Tetouan is constantly being influenced, made into something new, by the many streams that enter its gates. Artists leave their mark on a city eager to receive their ideas, and Tetouan leaves artists with new directions and relationships to nourish their practice and thought. This resonates with the original idea that grew out of our brainstorming of a new art residency in 2012 …

“A space in Morocco for artists to flourish in community”

The difference between the Convergence residency and a regular “self-directed art residency” at Green Olive Arts is that Convergence is an all-inclusive package with a themed focus. So housing, meals and special excursions are all built in. All participants are individually working from creative proposals focused on a shared theme. For this reason, the first week of the Convergence residency includes scheduled activities and outings meant to inspire participants toward the theme. After this initial programmed time, the schedule opens up to productive studio time for the balance of the four-week residency. Artists may collaborate with each other, but don’t have to. Many take the time to just “get in the zone” and work out their ideas.

I would encourage artists to explore Green Olive Arts in Tetouan Morocco as a place to create their work. It is a loaded studio with very committed staff and volunteers to help you with local needs and resources. The surroundings are very inspiring and the time spent producing artworks in an Islamic setting will enhance your visual vocabulary. — Alejandro Romero, Puerto Rico/Canada, Convergence 2019

So what does the program look like?

During the set schedule portion artists interact with traditional artisans in their workshops, share a couscous lunch with local Moroccan artists, learn the labyrinth of the ancient walled ‘medina,’ learn some Arabic, and have local English-speaking volunteers assist with projects. Add to this shared housing and meals, as well as weekly focused round-table discussions. All these details are, by design, intended to fuel art practice and quickly help participants acclimate as creatives who will go deeper than tourists could. Our goal, as the GOA Team, is to provide artists support and experiences for a successful month of doing what they do best … BEING ARTISTS.

The natural result is an amazing potential for new ideas, relationships and artwork that would not be possible in isolation. Some artists even choose to collaborate with local artisans, like rug-makers, ceramicists, calligraphers, tailors, and others. Together they create work that could only come out of relationship and community in Morocco.

For me, GOA was a home away from home. An artist essentially requires a constant creative and inspirational stimulus, rich cultural influences, encouraging environment and entourages, healthy excursions, intellectual interactions and delectable food every day! GOA provided us with the abundance of everything mentioned above. It was an experience of a lifetime! — Alina Akbar Malik, Pakistan, Convergence 2016

Finally, the most often mentioned highlight of Convergence has been the Open Studios Night in the fourth week. This night provides an amazing opportunity for artists to share their work and receive feedback from the community. Green Olive Arts’ studios overflow with the people of our city eager to meet guest artists and see what they have been doing. Conversations about process, materials, meaning and culture are the true treasures everyone takes home.

Be ready to make some good friends! Convergence is an incredible way to build community with other artists coming from very different places in life. Working alongside other people exploring the same themes as me was very significant in the development of my work.— Rachel Neikirk, USA, Convergence 2019