Casa Caché Spring 2026 International Artist-in-Residence Program — Havana, Cuba

Following successful residency sessions in Havana, Cuba (2024) and Mérida, Yucatán (2025), Casa Caché is proud to return to Havana for its Spring 2026 Artist-in-Residence Program. Continuing our mission to foster artistic excellence, cross-cultural dialogue, and immersive creative research, the 2026 residency invites artists to work and live in one of the most culturally rich and creatively dynamic cities in the Caribbean.

Casa Caché will accept applications until Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM (Central Time).

Program Details

Application Deadline:
Saturday, January 31, 2026 (11:59 PM CT)

Recipients Announced:
February 9, 2026

Residency Dates:
March 9 – March 29, 2026

About the Residency

The Casa Caché Havana Residency supports visual artists, curators, writers, and researchers seeking a transformative environment to deepen their creative practice. Selected residents will engage directly with Havana’s vibrant cultural landscape—a city celebrated for its contemporary art scene, historic architecture, layered histories, and resilient creative communities.

Residents are invited to explore the city at their own pace while benefiting from structured opportunities for connection, reflection, and artistic development.

Why Havana?

Havana offers an unparalleled setting for creative exploration. The city’s artistic ecosystem is both historically grounded and continually evolving, shaped by its Afro-Caribbean heritage, political complexity, and thriving contemporary arts community. Artists will encounter a place where resourcefulness fuels innovation, and where art is deeply embedded in daily life—from community projects and grassroots initiatives to major cultural institutions and international art events.

Casa Caché selects Havana as a site of meaningful exchange, providing residents not only with space and time to work, but with the chance to understand and respond to the cultural, social, and political textures that define Cuba today.

Materials & Supplies

Material availability in Cuba can be limited. Artists are encouraged to bring the specific tools, media, and supplies they prefer to work with. With advance notice, Casa Caché can assist in sourcing materials locally at local cost.
Residents should arrive prepared for a unique creative experience shaped by Havana’s distinct environment and resource conditions.

Accommodations

Residents will stay in a historic home located on the Malecón, Havana’s iconic seaside boulevard. Each participant receives:

• A private bedroom

• A private bathroom

• Access to shared communal spaces, including a fully equipped kitchen, study areas, and comfortable indoor and outdoor common areas

• Access to a dedicated art studio and digital print studio (printing fees apply)

While individual exhibitions are not guaranteed, Casa Caché actively introduces residents’ work to local networks through open studios, private dinners, guided cultural events, and studio visits with Cuban curators and cultural partners.

Quiet Hours: Casa Caché maintains quiet hours from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Residents must respect these hours and the surrounding neighborhood by avoiding disruptive noise.

Financial Considerations in Cuba

Cuba operates primarily on a cash-based economy. Credit and debit cards are rarely accepted.
Residents should bring major currencies such as USD or EUR for exchange upon arrival.

Because U.S.–Cuba travel regulations evolve, residents should stay informed about current guidelines regarding travel, financial access, and exchange policies. Preparing in advance will ensure a smooth and stress-free stay.

What Casa Caché Provides

• Private bedroom with private bathroom

• Utilities

• Access to artist studio and digital print studio (printing costs apply)

• Transportation to and from the airport

• Daily breakfast

• Four communal dinners

• WiFi access

• Casa Caché tote bag & welcome materials

• Artist reviews by local curators

• Guided cultural tours

• Optional day trips (five in total)

• Cell phones available for rent

• $750 USD stipend for personal use

What Residents Cover

• Travel to and from Havana

• Daily meals not listed above

• Artist materials and supplies

Application Process

Step 1:
Submit a $50 USD donation to Casa Caché. Include proof of donation (receipt or screenshot) with your application.

Step 2:
Email your complete application as one single PDF, titled:
application.FirstName.LastName.pdf
to info@casacache.com

Your PDF should include:

1. Contact Information

Name, email, mailing address, website or portfolio link

2. Portfolio

• Visual artists: 10 images of recent work

• Writers: Up to 10 pages from published or unpublished work

  • Include a cover page with titles, years, and publication details (if applicable)

• Time-based media artists: Include links to video/sound works and a brief description

3. Curriculum Vitae

Maximum 2 pages

4. Artist Statement

Maximum 300 words

5. Letter of Intent

Maximum 500 words describing:

• Your goals for the residency

• How Havana, Cuba aligns with your practice

• What you hope to research, develop, or create during your time with Casa Caché

Eligibility

The program is open to visual artists, curators, writers, and researchers 18 years or older with a valid passport.

U.S. citizens may legally travel to Cuba for artistic, educational, and cultural purposes under categories such as:
“activities of private foundations, or research, or educational institutes,”
as outlined on the U.S. Cuban Embassy website.

Casa Caché is fully compliant with U.S. regulations and remains attentive to guidelines that shape cultural exchange with Cuba.

Contact

For additional details or clarifications, please contact:
info@casacache.com

We look forward to reviewing your applications and welcoming a new cohort of artists to Havana in Spring 2026.