Cultivating Coexistence at the Center of the Earth
Arts & ecology research and residency program
TROPIC 08°N, GUNA YALA, COLOMBIA / PANAMA
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At the passage between South and Central America, dense rainforests meet with rugged coastlines and the Caribbean Sea. Spanning the edges of countries, borders and cultures, this is a transitional and migratory space both for tropical megabiodiversity to flourish and a cradle for cultural diversity and exchange. Amidst the embracing arms of the rainforest out to the marine life of the coastal reefs, it remains a place where dialogues of the earth persist despite ongoing challenges; as impacts of human conflict, environmental exploitation, and global climate challenges are etched into the land echoing our global struggles.
Our residencies move physical geographies—becoming crucibles for addressing pressing concerns of our time. As an area that exemplifies both connection and division, it poses the question: How can we foster coexistence in an increasingly fractured world? We invite our residents to delve into these matters while forming meaningful connections within the territory, the people and the land. Engaging in projects that explore our connections to the natural world— and fostering a confluence of ideas and reciprocal practices that can open dialogues and reflection.
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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.
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Nestled between the Caribbean coastline and the lush Chocó
jungle, our artist residency program, Tropic 08°N, offers a
unique immersion in a remote rainforest and coastal environment.
Accessible only by land or sea, this area is sustained by
subsistence farming, fishing, and eco-tourism, providing a
vibrant setting for artistic exploration and cultural exchange.Our bases for research in these wild natural settings are
designed to be simple, rustic, and environmentally conscious.
Accommodations, communal and shared, include local-style cabins
or canvas tents, depending on availability and timing. Each
sleeping area comes equipped with beds and linens. Shared
bathrooms feature cold showers, which are customary in the
tropical climate, although water pressure may vary, particularly
during heavy rainfall.La Wayaka Current, with nearly a decade of experience connecting
to this territory, is strategically positioned for artists to
connect with both jungle and ocean habitats. This program offers
a unique opportunity to research and develop your creative
practice while engaging with local ecosystems and diverse
cultures. Private rooms or tents can be requested, subject to
availability and an additional fee. We welcome you to leave the
distractions of the outside world behind and embrace this
immersive experience. -
Applications are currently open to join for 3 weeks minimum during the following time periods:
2025
17 October - 7 November 2025
LOCAL TERRITORY
TALKS AND CULTURAL ENCOUNTERS
ECOLOGY AND CULTURE
BIOMATERIALS | AREAS OF RESEARCH
DEADLINES:
We run a series of rolling deadlines in the period upcoming to our programs. Decisions on applications take between 10-15 days after the deadlines.
30.04.2025
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Rustic, local-style housing within an indigenous territory and nature reserve. Rooms are shared (2–3 people) with communal bathroom, shower, and kitchen facilities. Private rooms may be available upon request prior to arrival.
Participants also have access to a shared kitchen, fridge, freezer, outdoor dining area, fire pit, BBQ, and simple furnishings to support everyday living.
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Our program invites artists to step outside the traditional studio and engage directly with the land—where open-air creation, natural elements, and desert silence become part of the process. At our base, you'll have access to a communal outdoor workspace, basic tools, working tables, and electricity (with occasional outages—solar chargers recommended). Artists are responsible for any specific materials they may need.
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Artists have full 24/7 access to a shared kitchen
Included:
– Safe drinking water
– Basic cooking supplies (pots, pans, utensils)
– Kitchen essentials (salt, cooking oil, instant coffee, tea, washing-up liquid)
– Hygiene items (toilet paper, hand soap)
Weekly communal meals are included during the program. Participants are responsible for other meals and can join weekly transport into town for groceries.
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Local transport is coordinated for research trips, and
airport pick up from Capurgana on the start and end dates of
the program. -
A dedicated on-site coordinator is available during set hours, with
emergency contact outside those times. We also work with local
drivers, cultural collaborators, and interpreters for the program’s
field activities and encounters.
RESIDENCY Inclusions:
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Our program weaves together a series of contextual and research-driven activities that ground each artist’s practice in place. These include cultural encounters within local contexts, experimental workshops and thematic labs, guest sessions with practitioners offering local and critical insights, artist-led sharing formats, and ecological excursions across the surrounding landscape. Designed to foster both reflection and engagement, these components introduce the complexity of the territory while supporting individual and collective inquiry.
Our program is thoughtfully balanced between guided and self-directed time, with approximately 50% of activities facilitated and immersive, and the rest dedicated to your independent research and creative process. Each edition is shaped by the season, location, and group dynamic—and we are continually evolving and refining our approach.
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Visits to sites of ecological and cultural significance are designed to deepen participants’ understanding of place, while offering time and space for reflection, observation, and working in outdoor environments. These excursions support site-responsive research and practice.
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Take part in respectful exchanges with
local cultural practitioners, knowledge-
holders, and environmental collaborators. -
Participants have access to meaningful support through ongoing dialogue with our on-site team—including one-to-one sessions—as well as our residency directors (in person or online). These conversations draw on artistic, ecological, and contextual experience to offer personalised feedback, expand perspectives, and support the development of each participant’s work within the specific framework of the residency.
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Live and work alongside international participants from various disciplines, sharing perspectives and experiences.
Connect with our growing alumni network of 400+ artists and collaborating institutions worldwide.
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Opportunities to share works-in-progress and engage in reflective group discussion are offered throughout the program.
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Access to an online curated library of texts, essays, artist publications and media related to themes explored during the residency.
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Artists are invited to share their work
and process through:– Artist talks and presentations
– Site-specific workshops or sessions
– Work-in-progress sharing events
(locally or within the peer group)These can be hosted at our base or in
partnership with local venues and
community spaces. -
We offer full support prior to arrival, including travel planning,
packing advice, and personalised assistance via email or phone (whatsapp message).
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Participants may be featured on our
social media and communications channels
during or after the program—offering
continued outreach beyond the residency. -
National park entry fees and applicable contributions to local
communities are included for our programmed activities. -
FUNDING & FINANCIAL AID SUPPORT
We offer guidance and support in securing external funding.
This includes letters of acceptance, budget templates, support
documents, and application reviews. Over the years, hundreds of
artists have successfully accessed funding to participate—many for
the first time. -
Opportunities to present work locally and
to be considered for inclusion in La
Wayaka Current’s ongoing publications,
exhibitions, and digital platforms.
Fees + Financial Aid:
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:
Program Fee with additional support: from £300 - £600 p week (depending on funding / availability)
Program Fees with Financial Aid: £630 p week
Program Fees Standard Rate (full cost): £860/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.
how to apply
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.
Fill out all information on the Online Application Form including personal information, selection of dates and location. Tell us why you want to join us in your ‘statement of intent’ and fill out our scenario based questions.
If you are applying for financial aid please check the appropriate box on the application form.
For applications of more than 1 person an individual can fill out one application on behalf of the group.
ZERO Application FeeS
