Digital Syncretism Artist residency
The Harmonization of Diversity Through Beauty and Art
How can a multicultural society flourish and syncretize to form a new cultural identity?
This residency will explore Mexico as a living example of cultural fusion; from its indigenous civilizations to colonial influence, revolutionary struggles, and its role today as a refuge for displaced communities and dissident political thought. Not only does Mexico's cultural richness exist within its borders, but it has transcended borders as a leader in representing and sharing Latin American culture to the world. Through a combination of historical reflection and creative experimentation, we will investigate how the Mexican context can help us reimagine global belonging and the future of human expression.
Much uncertainty has been inherited by our generation regarding the promises of globalization and international integration. The rise of populism, isolationism, and xenophobia reveals a paradox of modernity. We are more connected than ever, yet increasingly fearful of one another. And yet, Mexico can offer a luminous counter-example. Its artists and thinkers have long used beauty, spirituality, and rebellion to create unity from difference. This residency aims to embrace that spirit and train not only our gaze on history, but on the horizon of what a global society rooted in creative fusion might become.
Mexico has long embraced cultural convergence. From Día de los Muertos and tacos al pastor to retablos and revolutionary murals, its history is marked by aesthetic and spiritual hybridity. This program will use Mexico’s legacy of syncretism as both subject and method, drawing from diverse regional traditions, philosophies, and artistic practices to imagine a more inclusive, interconnected world. We will explore how beauty, craftsmanship, and collective memory have shaped identity and resistance, and how artists can act as architects of unity in an age of fragmentation. We will build on these ideas with workshops led by practicing artists and subject matter experts to teach residents about new technologies and tools for artists to experiment with. Each session will build toward creating new visual languages that honor the past while imagining the future.
the first edition of the Digital Syncretism residency
AIDA BOLDEANU
ZHANNET
EMPRESS TRASH
ASHER HOFFMAN
MILICA ZIDAVINOVIC
- VAN
IFURE USEN
COLTAN KUBIANGHA
LINNEA MORITZ
TROGS
EMMA SAM
VISHEH
VINIT AGARWAL
THARI
MARYAM
VISCERAL GLITCH
ABOUT residency
An 8-week online program that brings together artists from diverse backgrounds to explore the intersection of tradition, technology, and collective futures. Anchored in Mexico City and culminating in a public exhibition during the Un Sueño Digital festival, this residency invites bold artistic experimentation rooted in cultural reflection and technological curiosity. Participants will join a dynamic cohort of peers to attend weekly residency sessions, which include guest-led workshops, critical discussions, collaborative projects, and curated feedback spaces. Artists are expected to actively participate in all sessions, contribute thoughtfully to group exchanges, and develop a final project that reflects their research and creative process during the program. The program is designed for artists interested in pushing the boundaries of digital tools while staying grounded in local, historical, or cultural contexts. We welcome creators working across disciplines—from digital art and sound to performance, sculpture, and conceptual practice. You do not need to have previous experience creating digital art or using blockchain tools.
This is a collaborative and intellectually-driven space. By applying, artists commit to:
This is a collaborative and intellectually-driven space. By applying, artists commit to:
- Attending weekly classes and workshops (approx. 3–4 hours/week)
- Participating in small-group cohort meetings and critiques
- Contributing to one-on-one or group check-ins with mentors or curators
- Completing and presenting a final artwork for the residency exhibition
- Being available to engage with the public during final presentations (virtual or in-person)
- Having strong English communication skills in order to participate actively in group discussions, critiques, and the final presentation