The CALL FOR ARTIST
Art residencies are a phenomenon in constant expansion, opening doors to creativity in the most unexpected places. Some are established by institutions, museums, and city councils through open calls and competitions, while others, more informal, are promoted by businesses and individuals, offering a closer interaction with the public during the creative process.
In recent years, luxury hotels, historic palaces, and heritage residences have begun to host artists free of charge in exchange for their art, transforming their spaces into true sanctuaries of inspiration. A notable example is the iconic five-star hotel The Dolder Grand in Zurich, which has been running its Artist in Residence program since 2004, though its selection tends to favor already established names. Another case is Art in Resonance, from the prestigious The Peninsula Hotels chain, whose program, launched in 2019, has garnered great media attention by offering luxury residencies where artistic creation comes to life before the eyes of the guests. Other remarkable initiatives include Artists in Residencia x Arnet by Belmond and the Borgo San Pietro Resort in Tuscany, which welcomes a new artist each month.
As a result, offering free accommodation to artists, creating writer’s rooms, and dedicating spaces for cultural and artistic promotion has become a true trend. More and more hotels are embracing this formula of hospitality in exchange for art—an exchange in which both worlds, creativity and hospitality, enrich one another. The surroundings become a muse for the artist, while the hotel absorbs new forms of expression, opening doors to art, design, and culture. Meanwhile, guests have the privilege of witnessing the artistic process live, turning their stay into a unique and immersive experience.
Yet, we never imagined that an open call launched by a family-run hotel—albeit one with history—in collaboration with Hôtel Magique, would receive such an overwhelming response: 830 applications submitted!
Nearly a thousand artists from all over the world applied to be part of this wonderful Artist Residency at Hotel BonSol. From among them, only one artist will be selected to enjoy five weeks of free accommodationat our hotel. Inspired by BonSol’s timeless atmosphere and the beauty of the Balearic Islands, the artist will have the opportunity to bring their vision to life and, at the end of their stay, showcase their works in a prestigious gallery in Mallorca.
The difficult selection process will be in the hands of a jury composed of art critics and gallerists, who will choose a single winner from among the 830 applicants. The selected artist will spend four weeks immersed in their creative process at BonSol, followed by one final week dedicated to the exhibition of their work.
Today, artist residencies extend beyond the art world, sparking interest in sectors such as tourism and lifestyle. Hotel BonSol has chosen to embrace this trend as a way of honoring its history and remaining true to its artistic roots. Since its founding in 1953, BonSol has been closely linked to art, thanks to the passion of Antonio and Roger Xamena, who were collectors from the very beginning of the hotel. Now, through this collaboration with Hôtel Magique, we embark on a new journey where, rather than acquiring artworks, we wish to be the canvas where they are born—providing a space for emerging artists whose work will take inspiration from BonSol and Mallorca.
As part of this initiative, some of the works created by the resident artists will remain at BonSol, expanding the hotel’s art collection that was started by its founders. Each piece will carry the soul of the hotel and the spirit of Mallorca, enriching the artistic legacy that has accompanied BonSol since its inception.
We are deeply proud of this initiative and the enthusiastic response it has received. We will continue to share every update, every stroke of creativity, and every source of inspiration that this extraordinary art seasonwill bring.
Art is in the air and in the soul of the BonSol!