Artists Create a New Residency in Menorca. No Pressure, Just Ancient Vibes.

Ever dream of escaping to a Mediterranean island, ditching your deadlines, and just… creating? Well, two acclaimed artists, Rashid Johnson and Sheree Hovsepian, are making that dream a tangible reality with a brand-new residency program on the Spanish island of Menorca.

It's called The Residency at Casa Gràcia, and it kicks off next spring. The pitch is deliciously simple: artists and writers get private space and time to work, with absolutely zero pressure to produce a finished project or stage a public show. Because sometimes, the best art happens when no one's watching.

Hovsepian describes Menorca as having a "mystical atmosphere," complete with ancient archaeological sites that tend to put things in perspective. She finds the island helps expand her inner world, allowing ideas to flow with a refreshing lack of urgency. Apparently, creativity here feels both personal and, you know, deeply ancient.

Applications are officially open until July 31 for the inaugural class. Each cohort will welcome three artists and two writers. Artists can settle in for up to three months, while writers get a luxurious six months to marinate in inspiration.

An advisory board packed with heavy hitters will pick the lucky few. Johnson and Hovsepian are on it, naturally, alongside artist Hank Willis Thomas, and literary giants Katherine Brinson, Patrick Radden Keefe, and Colson Whitehead. Also joining the crew: collector Gaurav Kapadia, entertainment exec Ravi Nandan, and internet personality Alex Ernst. Because apparently that's where we are now.

Reimagining Casa Gràcia

The residency itself is housed in the beautifully renovated Casa Gràcia, a building that dates back to 1860 in the historic city of Mahon. Paris-based architects Laplace, collaborating with local Menorcan firm Maimó&Brosa, transformed what was once a nightclub entrance (with apartments above, naturally) into a serene artistic haven.

Residents will have access to three distinct workspaces: a sprawling 3,230-square-foot studio, a study, and a tranquil walled garden. The entire renovation focused on simplicity and clarity, which sounds like exactly what you need when you're trying to tap into your muse.

Johnson first stumbled upon Menorca a few years back through his gallery, Hauser & Wirth, which opened its own outpost on Isla del Rey in 2021. He spent more time there before his 2022 exhibition, soaking in the island's unique rhythm.

He says Menorca offers a rare sense of "slowness, clarity, and openness" — basically, a perfect incubator for thoughts and creativity. The island's beauty, history, and deliberate pace really got to him. Now, he wants to share that profound experience, offering fellow artists a chance for reflection, experimentation, conversation, and a healthy dose of renewal. He figures Menorca will sharpen their attention and deepen their connection to the very act of making art. Which, if you think about it, is both impressive and slightly terrifying for anyone who prefers their creative process to remain safely chaotic.