The Yucatán Artist Residency at Casa Ocea was created in 2021 as a space to offer established artists and musicians a place to take some time off from their practice. Y.A.R. offers opportunities for artists to engage with the local creative community, make work, or simply relax with their family and friends at Casa Ocea.
Experience Yucatán’s coast while swinging in a hammock at an island home directly on the beach in exchange for a work of contemporary art or musical performance. Offering expansive views of the Gulf of Mexico, the Yucatán Artist Residency at Casa Ocea sits directly on the island’s beach in the sleepy fishing village of Chuburná Puerto, Mexico.
In exchange for a selected work of art, awarded artists are offered the entire property for a five night and six day vacation stay. The intention of the residency is for artists to have time away from their practice. Artists are encouraged to use the property for rest and relaxation independently or with friends and family (up to six people). They can also work on their craft if desired.
We are currently accepting proposals from established contemporary visual artists and musicians, and are collecting large works of art in all mediums for both interior and exterior placement. Musicians are requested to perform one concert as trade.
Residency dates will be booked based on availability of Casa Ocea and the artist. Artists are expected to provide their own food and transportation. A rental car is recommended if you want to explore the area or go to restaurants. The residency director and support staff will be available to help plan your stay and extend invitations to any cultural events if occurring in the area. You will have the oceanfront home to yourself. There are also times when the director or support staff can stay at Casa Ocea with you and act as your host.
About Casa Ocea:
Casa Ocea pairs artistic vision with Yucatán flavor. Live amidst Mayan locals, sandy beaches and colorful waters. Jump in the eye-catching pool or ocean at your feet. Four A/C bedrooms with private bathrooms and balconies sleep 8 comfortably.
Nestled in among the local population on the sandy roads of Chuburná Puerto, you will experience ex-pats walking their dogs and the indigenous Mayan people living here. Pay attention to the sounds of the street. Music and announcements coming from passing cars suggest they are selling something. Flag down the car and ask what they have. You can buy fresh coconut juice, homemade ice cream, recently caught fish, bakery goods and more. Don’t worry if you don’t speak Spanish – they will figure it out!
Ocean side, try flagging down a fishing boat passing by. You can buy crab or fish from their catch of the day. Watch for a pod of dolphins around 8am or 5pm in the waters. They pass by regularly.
Chuburná and the neighboring village, Chelem, have many small fish restaurants where it is cheap to eat. A meal consisting of fresh fish or seafood and a beer can easily be under $5 USD. The street tacos and grilled chicken are not to be missed. For those who want to cook at home, there are well-stocked supermarkets in Progresso and Merida where you can find everything you need or work with our property manager to have your refrigerator stocked. Progresso is about 15 minutes from the house and Merida about 45 minutes away by car.
Check out the “Vacation Rental” section on the Casa Ocea website for imagery of the property.
