Virtual art residencies: presentation, compiling and analysis from the host experience

Abstract

Virtual art residencies are a phenomenon generally unknown, both within and outside the hegemonic cultural and artistic circuits, compared to its non-digital analogues. Nevertheless, these innovative initiatives offer numerous advantages and opportunities to the artists interested in generating new dimensions for the art expression on the Internet. After detection of a significant lack of professional studies about virtual art residencies, the current research intends to make them known providing a solid theoretical basis, increasing its critical literature and fostering its participation, dissemination and creation. The methodology used is based on the review of the critical literature about art residencies (both physical and virtual) and combines the collection and analysis of objective data with the study of the subjective interpretation from the organizations (also called “hosts) involved in the creation and development of these initiatives. Finally, from the analysis of the quantitative and qualitative information that seeks to respond to what is and what does imply a virtual art residency, it is appropriate to propose a practical and specific definition for these virtual art residencies that includes the different contributions arisen throughout the investigation.