VC PROJECTS

Now Accepting Submissions

Summer Residency at Villa Emma

Piedmont region in Italy

Dates July 10 to August 9, 2024

I would love to share more about Villa Emma with you and give you a clear picture of the residency. (Please view the link from www.casaregis.org - About - lodging). It is a private villa in the pre-alps where single creative individuals or small groups can stay, but this one month long residency is designed for 4 people to share the lodging and residency experience together, to provide a working environment but highlighted by conversation and community. Each participant will have their own bedroom. Bathrooms are shared, with up to 2 people per bathroom. There is one bedroom that has its own bath. (For 4 people, there are a total of 3.5 bathrooms). 

The fee includes lodging only, so food, cooking, and clean-up are organized by the group. You can also hire some optimal catering situations. Transportation is organized by each participant. 

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The Villa is in a semi remote village and the nearest grocery store is a 10 min drive. With that said, on a weekly basis, I will make a grocery run with you should you not have found your own, if preferred, means. There are a few buses each day for in-shape walkers.

The stunning beauty and sense of natural wonder makes the distance to town well worth it.  Biella, a 25 minute drive, is the nearest city, of 50,000 people, with restaurants, shopping, and cultural identities. 

I have reserved the attic area of the villa for me (and sometimes my husband) to stay intermittently to follow your needs and or to guide you in your desires to get to know the area. I am an American who has been living in Italy for 23 years and my husband is Italian. I also run Casa Regis - Center for Culture and Contemporary Art, which often has many over-lapping moments with Villa Emma guests (and where I am always open to proposals for projects/exhibitions). www.casaregis.org

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While each participant will be chosen for their already planned-out artistic or cultural endeavors, I will be available for any assistance I can give in helping get the most out of the sojourn. There are very few foreign tourists so there is a great opportunity to live Italy as a local. 

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The layout of the villa is conducive to shared discussion around a light filled living room and large dinning table. There is also ample room for each individual to have their private life. The floor under the house is a more rustic space, where production of projects can take place and receives lovely afternoon sun. Each guest arranges for all their own supplies. 

One note about weather. It is VERY variable and can produce any combination of hot/sunny and wild electrical storms almost simultaneously. One has to be prepared for various weather combinations. There is no air-conditioning or heating. However, most Italians seek out this region as the perfect summer temperature and location. 

There is a strong wifi connection in the common area, downstairs, but does not necessarily reach the bedrooms. 

The beauty of the location has inspired our guests so far, and as someone committed to creating unique environments to promote the arts, I look forward to your candidacy. 

I am at your disposition to answer any questions in advance should you have them in order to apply for the residency. 

Warm regards

Mikelle Standbridge

For additional inspiration and information, read Victoria Chapman’s exposé on her visit to Villa Emma