Crater’s Artist Residency
A Creative Space in Sete Cidades
Crater’s Artist Residency is more than a space — it’s an invitation. Designed for artists, thinkers and creators seeking slowness, and depth, the residency is a comfortable full house, nestled within a home garden in the heart of Sete Cidades — the volcanic crater that defines the soul of São Miguel Island. This creative space offers a unique environment for artistic immersion and contemplative creation, surrounded by raw nature, misty mountains, and the stillness of the Azorean landscape. ATTENTION: This is not for tourists!
Who We Are Looking For
We are not looking for artists chasing the hype of a residency with openings, vernissages or closing parties. Crater’s Artist Residency is not about networking or fancy events— it’s about immersion in the creative process itself. This is a space for those who want to be with themselves, to nurture ideas, to create in stillness. It’s about having your feet on the ground, embracing simplicity, connecting with the local community and finding comfort in what is essential.
The Crater House
The House Vibes
Crater's House carries the spirit and the stillness of Sete Cidades. It offers something rare: a complete, private house nestled within our own garden, surrounded by volcanic landscape and Azorean pace. Artists-in-residence enjoy genuine comfort and privacy without losing the minimalist ethos that defines this residency. Amenities include a fully equipped kitchen, private bedroom, full bathroom, shared garden spaces and access to an unique and original indoor creative studio — The AstroVan, our stationary converted camper van.
Local Connection
Let’s make it personal! We’re residents of Sete Cidades and we’ll be there to welcome you. In a world of shallow and automated interactions we want to offer Artists-in-residence a more humane hospitality, guiding and helping them to connect with their surroundings and the local community. Artists are encouraged to immerse themselves and to explore nearby trails, lakes, beaches, thermal pools, local cuisine, viewpoints, natural and cultural sites to get inspired.
The AstroVan Indoor Studio
Though you CAN'T drive it, AstroVan carries the vibes and the spirit of adventure from our travels across Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Sicily, the Alps, Scandinavia and beyond. Parked in our garden, it's open to artists-in-residence as a creative capsule — the perfect space to get inspired, draft new ideas, read, write, or simply be surrounded by the landscape of the crater.
Residency In The Crater
Crater’s Artist Residency offers a space for artists to step away from the noise of routine — and into the rhythm of nature. We provide time, space, and a poetic environment where creators can explore, experiment, and reconnect with their own process. Nestled inside the volcanic crater of Sete Cidades, on the island of São Miguel, this creative refuge invites deep reflection and undisturbed creation. The residency is especially suited for artists in search of slowness, tranquility, and emotional space — a setting that encourages listening: to the land, to one’s work, and to oneself. We offer one singular residency, grounded in the Azores, for one artist at a time.
Fred Entringer - Crater’s Artist Residency Host
“A rural gesture of artistic creation on volcanic soil — a place to create in response to landscapes carved by wind and time. For those who arrive with patience, open eyes, and something to make.”
The House
Bedroom: Crater's Artist Residency
Bedroom: Crater's Artist Residency
Bedroom: Crater's Artist Residency
Bedroom: Crater's Artist Residency
Bedroom: Crater's Artist Residency
Bathroom: Crater's Artist Residency
Living room: Crater's Artist Residency
Kitchen: Crater's Artist Residency
Kitchen: Crater's Artist Residency
Kitchen: Crater's Artist Residency
Living room: Crater's Artist Residency
Living room: Crater's Artist Residency
The Garden
Our beautiful shared garden - Sete Cidades
Our beautiful shared garden - Sete Cidades
Our beautiful shared garden - Sete Cidades
Our beautiful shared garden - Sete Cidades
Our beautiful shared garden - Sete Cidades
Our beautiful shared garden - Sete Cidades
Our beautiful shared garden - Sete Cidades
Our beautiful shared garden - Sete Cidades
Our beautiful shared garden - Sete Cidades
Our beautiful shared garden - Sete Cidades
Our beautiful shared garden - Sete Cidades
Our beautiful shared garden - Sete Cidades
Our beautiful shared garden - Sete Cidades
Our beautiful shared garden - Sete Cidades
Our beautiful shared garden - Sete Cidades
Our beautiful shared garden - Sete Cidades
Our beautiful shared garden - Sete Cidades
Our beautiful shared garden - Sete Cidades
The AstroVan
Astrovan in our garden
AstroVan's interior
AstroVan: a place of creation!
Feed your imagination!
Astrovan in our garden
AstroVan: a place of creation!
A place with a soul!
Astrovan in our garden
AstroVan: a place of creation!
AstroVan: a place of creation!
AstroVan: a place of creation!
AstroVan: a place of creation!
Calm, not isolated
Crater's Residency is quiet, but it's not a retreat. You'll have your own private space and full control over your time — but you'll also share this garden with real life: with us, with our three dogs, and with travelers who stop by Carioca Breezy, our food truck, four days a week (opening days/hours: Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun, 11am–5pm).
These aren't staged events or curated encounters. They're spontaneous, genuine, and entirely on your terms. Step into the garden and you may meet us, our dogs, or someone from another continent — though just as often, you'll have it all to yourself. If you prefer, stay in, take a walk, explore the inspiring surroundings — working undisturbed, however you like it. And if you're open to it, those passersby can become more than conversation: a chance to test new work in front of real reactions, get inspired simply by watching people pass through, or even sell a piece directly to someone who happened to stop for lunch.
Meet the hosts
Veronika & Fred. We live here too — easy to find if you need anything, easy to ignore if you don't.
Meet the band
Our three dogs. Ringo Starr, John Lennon & Morena are the residency's unofficial welcoming committee — no barking policy required, they're just friendly.
Meet the world
Carioca Breezy, our food truck, right in the shared garden. Travelers from every corner of the planet pass through, four days a week.
Crater’s Artist Residency
This is what we offer access to:
Fully Equipped House;
Shared garden;
AstroVan’s Indoor Creative Studio;
Water, electricity and internet connection;
Price:
1.000€ / Month + VAT (4%)
30 days minimum
3 months maximum
How to Apply for a Residency
We offer one singular residency, for one artist at a time. We believe that creativity flows best without rigid frameworks. That’s why our application process is intentionally simple and open. There’s no rigid format or strict criteria. If you feel called to be here, we want to hear from you : )
To apply, just share a few thoughts in the form below.
Please note: we provide the spaces, but not the materials. You’ll need to bring your own tools—whether it’s a notebook, camera, paints, laptop, or whatever you need to bring your ideas to life.
Every application will receive a reply. Whether or not your proposal is selected, we’ll offer thoughtful feedback. And if we feel there’s potential for collaboration, we’ll invite you for a video call—just to chat, align expectations, and get to know each other better before signing an artistic service contract agreement.
Let us know what you’d like to create, based on the spirit of this place and what you’ve read on our website… and we’ll go from there.
Let’s Work Together
Guidance | FAQ
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Crater's House is a complete, private house nestled within our garden in Sete Cidades — with a proper bedroom, double bed, bathroom, kitchen, living room, and all the space you need to rest, think, and create.
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Though you CAN’T drive it, AstroVan carries the vibes and the spirit of adventure from our travels. Now AstroVan is a stationary-sustainable-wooden-creative-tiny-house for artists.
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Sete Cidades feels like stepping into a hidden world. Picture this: two lakes side by side, one blue, one green, surrounded by lush cliffs and all wrapped in misty magic. Locals say it’s where star-crossed lovers left their mark, and honestly, you can feel that story in the air. It’s the perfect place to slow down, soak up the view, and let the island’s wild beauty take over—it’s pure Azores, untouched and unforgettable.
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Getting to AstroVan is easy! We’re located about a 30-minute drive from Ponta Delgada Airport. You can rent a car at the airport or arrange a transfer, which we’re happy to assist with.
Once you arrive, public parking is available 3min walking from our property.
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Check-in: Flexible (but we need to agree about the arrival time, to be ready for you).
Checkout: Flexible (but we need to agree on it).
Check-in method: In-person greeting (let’s make it personal : )
Check-in instructions: Once you book your artist residency, you’ll receive a welcome e-mail with all information you need. -
Yes! The network name and password will be provided upon arrival (QR code).
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We live on the property with our 3 friendly dogs, but rest assured, artists have their own private space. We value peace, calm, and meaningful human connections. That's why we personally greet artists-in-residence at check-in to establish a real connection. While we are quiet and discreet, respecting your privacy, we kindly ask artists to embrace the tranquility of the space — no parties, loud music, or noise are allowed.
ATTENTION: We also run a small food truck in the shared garden, open to the public. A natural opportunity to interact with people passing through from all over the world — and to enjoy a good meal from our menu without leaving home. Shared garden, shared good vibes : )
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No loud music, parties, or excessive noise.
Events are not allowed.
Quiet hours: 9PM - 9AM
Smoking is prohibited in all indoor spaces!
Respect the environment by recycling and composting as indicated in the instructions.
Please manage your trash following the instructions.
Only registered artists are allowed on the house/van.
No pets allowed.
Be mindful, please turn off the heating and lights when you go out.
Please respect check-in and check-out times.
Please take extra care of your keys. Lost keys incur a replacement fee of 50€.
Please take care of the furnishings.
No illegal substances allowed on the premises.
Commercial photography and filming are not allowed without permission.
Be very careful while using the outdoor fire pit!
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Please be responsible and mindful about the use of the resources by taking low-flow and short showers, turning of lights when not needed, managing waste, etc.
We have a 50 litre hot water system. How many showers can you take with this system?
A 50 litre boiler is suitable for one or two person. You can get around 15-20min of hot shower with the small showerhead and 10min max with the big one. Be mindful.