Koh Mak Art Residency

Create. Collaborate. Build Something New.

Our program is inspired by the renowned Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts model and is rooted in collaboration, creativity, and community-building on Thailand's serene Koh Mak island. We are looking for passionate artists who want to be part of shaping this new residency and helping us organize it, as well as participate as residents.

Residency Season & Duration

  • Season: May to October (rainy/green season on Koh Mak – lush, quiet, and ideal for focused studio work)
  • Residency length: Flexible stays between 2 weeks and 1 month
  • Simultaneous participants: Up to 12 artists in each cohort

    • Philosophy & Structure

    The Koh Mak residency is designed for artists who thrive working independently and want to contribute to and co-create an open, supportive studio environment.

    Inspired by Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts, every session operates as a self-directed residency, allowing artists of all backgrounds and at any stage of their creative journey to focus, experiment, and collaborate.

    Residents form a close-knit creative community, living and working together, sharing meals, exchanging ideas, and supporting each other's artistic practices.

    Residency Experience

    Open-concept Studios: 24-hour access to shared working spaces, equipped for ceramic art and mixed media.

    Living Arrangements: Private or shared rooms with direct access to communal spaces and island nature.

    Meals: Communal dining and shared kitchen facilities. Experience authentic Thai cooking and occasional group meals made from fresh, local ingredients.

    Community Connections: Opportunities to collaborate with local craftspeople, offer workshops to locals and visitors, and explore Koh Mak's unique culture and environment.

    Flexible Programming: No rigid theme—bring your own project, or propose skill-shares, group activities, or special events for the residency.

    Artists working in the studio Artists working in the studio Artists working in the studio

    Artists as Organizers & Contributors

    We need your help! Because this is a brand new initiative—and we're learning as we go—resident artists are invited to play an active role in organizing and shaping the residency program.

    Studio setup and organization Studio setup and organization Studio setup and organization

    Participating in studio setup, organizing schedules, and maintaining facilities

    Sharing skills, hosting demos or critiques

    Helping document and promote the residency for future seasons

    Assisting with communications, logistics, and collaborative community events

    If you are excited by the idea of building something new, being part of the ground-level team, and leaving your mark on the Koh Mak art community, this is the perfect residency for you.

    Island Setting

    Work in a tropical paradise where creativity flows as naturally as the ocean breeze. Our residency is located on the serene island of Koh Mak, offering the perfect balance of inspiration and tranquility.

    The island's six pillars—simplicity, community, longevity, sustainability, innovation, and the good life—create the ideal environment for artistic growth and collaboration.

    Beautiful Koh Mak island setting

    Who Should Apply?

    Artist at pottery wheel

    Visual Artists

    Ceramicists, potters, sculptors, and visual artists of all levels who are comfortable working independently and collaboratively

    Thai ceramic art

    Cultural Enthusiasts

    Creatives interested in Southeast Asian culture, tropical island life, and community-driven programs

    Hand forming pottery

    Community Builders

    Those ready to contribute their time, energy, and expertise to help shape the residency's present and future<

    1

    Simple Application

    Tell us about your art, your experience, and your vision for contributing to the residency and community.

    2

    Portfolio

    Share images of your work (ceramics preferred, but open to all visual arts).

    3

    Statement of Interest

    Why Koh Mak? How will you help us build and organize the residency?

    4

    Rolling Admission

    We accept applications year-round for residencies between May and October.

    We invite adventurous artists who want more than just a studio retreat—those looking to be catalysts, community-builders, and co-organizers. Every artist shapes Koh Mak's future!

    Apply now and help us make this residency a rich, collaborative, and inspiring experience for everyone involved.

    Apply Now