Reimagine Futures in the Atacama´s Expanse

The Atacama Desert is an ethereal landscape that invites us to meditate on the liminal spaces between humanity and vast, more-than-human worlds. With its volcanic plains, metamorphic pools, and night skies that intertwine our human narrative with the cosmos, it presents a place for contemplation and beckons us to rethink our bond with the natural world. The extreme conditions of the territory challenge our perceptions of life on Earth, revealing stories of resilience and coexistence in the face of extreme adversity. As one of the driest habitats on the planet, it faces threats from over-mining and excessive water usage, reflecting broader narratives of environmental exploitation and human discord of our time. 

Beyond a geographical location; the Atacama offers an expansive territory for ideas and processes to occur. We encourage our residents to embark on projects that explore themes through diverse and multifaceted approaches during their time with us. Engaging in meaningful relationships within the territory as they work on creative research projects.

Our site-responsive residency programs offer balance between guided and self-directed exploration centred around ecological and sociopolitical themes. Participants from diverse fields can engage with local ecologies and cultures through a curated mix of cultural encounters, research trips, and experiential learning. This approach supports personal and professional growth, and empowers creators to address global issues and foster meaningful connections with both the environment and local communities, within a dynamic framework that encourages artistic experimentation beyond traditional settings, promoting meaningful dialogues and connections with the natural world and local communities.

Applications are currently open to join for 3 weeks minimum during the following time periods:

2025

• April 5 - April 26, 2025

• September 27 - October 18, 2025

• October 24 - November 14, 2025

• November 20 - December 11, 2025

2026

• January 10 - January 31, 2026

• March 9 - March 30, 2026

• April 5 - April 26, 2026

• May 3 - May 24, 2026

• September 27 - October 18, 2026

• October 24 - November 14, 2026

• November 20 - December 11, 2026

We operate a sliding scale of fees ranging from £300 to £2,600, depending o the length of stay and the amount of funding awarded.

Weekly rates are as follows:

• Bursary Support (maximum assistance): £300/week 

• Financial Aid  (partial assistance): £633/week (partial assistance)

  Standard Rate (full cost): £867/week

  OR 

  Program Fee with additional support: from £300 - £600 p week (depending on funding / availability) 

  Program Fees with Financial Aid: £633 p week 

  Program Fees Standard Rate (full cost): £867/week

If cost is a barrier, we strongly encourage you to get in touch — we’ll do our best to make participation possible.

We also offer additional reduced rates and funded places each year for Latin American and BIPOC artists in need of support.

Let us know through the application form or email if you would like to be considered for this.

What Your Fee Includes

Our program fees reflect local costs and provide access to:

• Our curated residency program of cultural encounters, excursions, and contextual activities - with both guided and self-directed time

• Individual artist support and collective sharing sessions

• A dedicated team and support from local collaborators

• Shared accommodation in simple, locally-based living and working spaces: We work with local acommodations and at each location we provide bedroom, kitchen, toilet, and shower with outdoor communal work areas.

External Funding Support

As an independent, non-profit, artist-led organisation, we cannot currently provide full funding. However:

• Many past participants have successfully obtained external funding to attend

• We can support your efforts by providing:

  • Letters of support

  • Budget templates

  • Other relevant documentation

Please reach out if you are exploring this route — we’re happy to assist.

La Wayaka Current invites international practitioners—artists, thinkers, and activists—from various disciplines, who are exploring ecological issues through their work. We welcome individuals at various professional stages from both the arts and other contemporary fields, who are open to contribute, collaborate, and face new challenges.

Our groups typically range from 5-14 members, varying by season. Some knowledge of Spanish and being prepared for demanding conditions is helpful but not necessary; our programs are flexible.

We currently have a rolling deadline ongoing, and decisions are made within 10-15 days after submission, depending on the time of year.

Please apply through our application form to join our upcoming programs.