The art student
Balancing art with another career and ready for uninterrupted time, a proper studio and peers.
Northern Portugal · 15 min from Braga
Art Residency in Portugal · February to October
Create.
Connect.
Belong.
One to four weeks of protected creative time in a house made of people, practices and encounters.
7–28nights
6–20residents
€490from / week
01 · The residency
You bring the work.
We hold the rest.
No daily logistics. No pressure to perform. Your room, vegetarian meals, studio and weekly programme are taken care of — so your attention can stay with the work.
01No portfolio required
0260+ countries in our alumni community
03River, forest and studio at your door
04Small international groups
THE HOUSE IS A LIVING ARCHIVE.
Everyone leaves a trace — and becomes part of the house.
02 · Your place here
Not a traditional residency.
Not a creative hostel.
StartArt is for people who take their practice seriously without needing an academic label to prove it.
The committed amateur
Looking for continued learning, warm comfort and an immersive creative community without judgement.
The remote creative
Seeking reliable Wi-Fi, healthy routines and real human connection beyond the home office.
03 · All-inclusive
More making.
Less managing.
A hand-painted room
Shared, single or private ensuite — each room carries the mark of a previous artist.
Vegetarian meals
Three meals a day and the long communal table at the heart of the house.
Studio & fibre Wi-Fi
Shared studio, indoor and outdoor workspaces, and reliable connection throughout.
River, pool & kayaks
Rio Homem on the doorstep, pool from May to September, kayaks and SUP boards.
Weekly experiences
Community nights, cultural outings, markets, mural walks and nature excursions.
Flexible stays
Stay from seven nights to four weeks, with Saturday check-in from 1pm.
04 · Rooms & prices
Choose how you live in the house.
All prices are per person, per week and include the full residency experience. Longer stays receive a progressive discount.
Dorms
€490/ week · VAT included
- 3 meals included
- Studio access
- Weekly programme
- River & pool access
Shared rooms
€630/ week · VAT included
- 3 meals included
- Studio access
- Weekly programme
- River & pool access
Single room
€700/ week · VAT included
- 3 meals included
- Studio access
- Weekly programme
- River & pool access
Private ensuite
€840/ week · VAT included
- 3 meals included
- Studio access
- Weekly programme
- River & pool access
Partial scholarships may be available for artists from underrepresented groups. Ask us in your enquiry.
Inside StartArt
A house shaped by the people who pass through it.
Shared spaces, hand-painted rooms and a garden that moves between quiet work and life together.
05 · A week at StartArt
Structure when it helps.
Freedom when it matters.
Three house nights, three open days and plenty of protected time for your own work.
MONPoetry & Game NightRiver before dinner
TUEOpen dayBraga & weekly market
WEDPizza NightNeighbours welcome
THUOpen dayGuimarães
FRIMovie NightAt the house
SATStartArt Tour & WineProject sharing & bonfire
SUNOpen dayPorto
COME FOR THE SPACE.
STAY FOR THE PEOPLE.
06 · How to join
From first message to first studio day.
Start a conversation
Message us on WhatsApp or send the form below with your idea and preferred dates. No portfolio required.
Meet us for 20 minutes
A relaxed video call to see whether the house feels right for both sides.
Choose your dates
Check live availability and securely reserve your room through Cloudbeds.
Arrive on Saturday
Check in from 1pm and settle into the house. Your creative week begins on Monday.
07 · Questions
Before you come.
Do I need to be a professional artist?
No. StartArt welcomes painters, writers, photographers, filmmakers, designers, remote creatives and curious makers. Intention matters more than titles.
What changes in the cooler months?
From February to April and again in October, the rhythm moves indoors: fireplace, studio sessions, workshops and cultural outings replace pool and river time.
Can I stay for less than a week?
The residency minimum is seven nights. Stays can extend up to four weeks, with progressive discounts for longer stays.
What is not included?
Your own art materials, transport outside scheduled outings and lunches during excursion days are not included.
Can I work remotely during the residency?
Yes. Fibre Wi-Fi reaches the house and gardens, with several spaces suitable for focused work and calls.
Let’s talk · February to October
Your place in
the house starts here.
Have a question or want to see if StartArt is right for you? Message us directly on WhatsApp. Prefer email? Leave your details in the form and we will get back to you within one week.