The Residents
Solange Leon
Multidisciplinary Artist
May 2023 Residency
The Residency has been remarkable. The place is idyllic, beautiful, small and quiet and spacious. And for me - swallows are a happy omen.
Without many distractions it helps you focus and inspires you both.The landscapes, the soundscapes, the walks, the conversations and the feasts.
I enjoyed the evenings of sharing creative visions and more importantly, I feel there has been cross pollination with a balance of challenging views and ideas as well inspiring our own work during our time here.
It’s been intellectually and emotionally rich. I have found a lot of windows. I am leaving with very happy memories and a significant body of artwork, research, and writing.
Paul Kindersley
Multidisciplinary Artist
May 2023 Residency
It’s been an incredible few weeks- wish I could’ve stayed longer!
The residency was a magic and useful experience that gave me precious time to think, draw, read, experiment and play without the stress of needing to produce. This fruitful time gave me a chance to focus on drawing and helped sew the seeds to many future projects. The food, rooms and company was incredible and I especially enjoyed the times at meals and after when we had time to share ideas and talk about art, politics, nature and of course food! It’s a truly beautiful place that nourishes both the soul and the mind, allowing an important break to recalibrate and focus.
Kimi Recor
Musician
May 2023 Residency
I had an incredible experience at the Frenkiel Ponti Foundation Artist residency. The beautiful and quiet location provided the perfect space, time, and inspiration for me to work on my music. The generous workspace allowed me to freely explore and experiment, while the uninterrupted days dedicated solely to my art allowed for deep creative immersion.
The food provided during the residency was absolutely amazing, further enhancing the overall experience. Moreover, the creative exchange among the artists at the residency was truly inspiring and had a profound impact on my work. Interacting with fellow artists, sharing ideas, and receiving feedback fostered a vibrant and stimulating atmosphere that fueled my creativity and pushed me to new artistic heights.
I am proud to share that I ended the residency with a fully demoed album, a testament to the productive and fruitful environment. This residency was a transformative and enriching experience that I am immensely grateful for.
Veronica Bianqui
Musician
July 2023 Resident
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Frenkiel & Ponti residency. These last two weeks are something I will never forget and I am forever grateful for. I felt incredibly nourished and cared for in every aspect: creatively, spiritually, physically. At a time in my life when I needed nourishment the most, I got exactly what I needed. I was so productive and felt the creative juices running through me so much that it was hard to pull myself away from it. I was enjoying it so much! Apart from creatively, the food is some of the best food I've had in my life. I learned about cooking and fresh Italian ingredients. The philosophical conversations, the jokes, the nature exploration, everything coalesced to form an unforgettable experience. I left feeling rejuvenated and inspired. Everyone involved, whether running it or as a resident artist themselves, was a pleasure to be with. I am forever grateful for this incredible experience. My soul and my belly have been fed.
Alina Lutz
Multidisciplinary Artist
July 2023 Resident
Doings coming from undoings. The residency offered me the softest and most nurturing setting to confront myself with the fears and questions that maybe every artist experiences from time to time. It offered me the opportunity to understand all that I went through and most importantly, to get into the energy of intuitive creation once again. I painted, did audio and video recordings and created a huge amount of drawings. I am leaving this place and time with a full heart and activated right brain side! I feel nurtured (in every aspect), connected and blessed by the mountains, the encounters, this whole experience.
Severin Hallauer
Multidisiplinary Artist
August 2023 Resident
It was perfect for me, to contemplate on my last project put also to start conceptualising my upcoming work phase. Maybe especially because it was an exceptional residency program as I haven’t experienced it before. For writers, musicians and artists that wanna do research based work or start conceptualising a new project (as I did), it’s a wonderful option to get into new spheres for two weeks.
Ben Maier
Musician
August 2023 Resident
‘I had a magical time at the Frenkiel Ponti Foundation. The chance to let ideas percolate in such stunning surroundings was very special. It can be hard to find the psychological space to create in the hustle and bustle of daily life--usually in stolen moments--and to have the opportunity to create in such a beautiful and peaceful place was invaluable. The residency gave not only space but also nourishment of mind and body--from swims in the nearby lake, to some of the most delicious food I've ever eaten and stimulating after-dinner conversations with the wonderful hosts and other artists. Overall, the residency was a uniquely revitalising experience, both personally and creatively.’
Emma McCormick Goodhart
Multidisiplinary Artist
August 2023 Resident
A rare kind of feast and generosity: of discourse, improvisation, and nose-to-tail nourishment from only a handful of miles’ radius… That much of the residency was spent around a table in a mountain village, talking skin-contact wine production, aesthetic philosophy, anarchic epistemologies, alternative models in farm coops, geopolitics, and laughing – when not in self-organized karaoke mode (sometimes), walking to the Pantano’s still-Paleolithic wild horses, observing mozzarella being sculptured, gleaning, or pilgrimaging to other villages, etc., etc., – made for an exceptionally non-transactional residency period, without emphasis on “production” per se, but instead on the isness of BEING over “making work” for work’s sake. This was an experiment in techniques of living with fundamentals for two weeks, where time expanded, and which unfolded in a Deleuzian register: “[...] to find the conditions under which something new is produced (creativeness).” To be taken care of as artists thus, when advanced capitalism renders radical practices less and less tenable, felt (and feels) precious and bolstering – especially upon return to the machine.
I also loved my residency cohort.
Francesca Baglieri Multidisiplinary Artist February 2024 Resident
The residence in Montenero Val Cocchiara was a fantastic experience! I felt at home and welcomed, in a family atmosphere. I can only give positive feedback, from the welcome, to the people who make up the foundation, to the beauty of the environments we lived and to finish the goodness of the dishes cooked. For this there was nothing missing in the facilities, there was everything I could want and even more.
One of the most beautiful moments was during one of the last evenings, a very normal evening apparently but we were drinking tea, we were reading the cards and I felt very comfortable. Eneritz Furyak
Musician
February 2024 Resident
Montenero is a very quiet village during wintertime, but I feel like Frenkiel & Ponti Foundation and its people gave me the warmth to work on my music and sound, in a way that allowed me to concentrate deeply, away from the noise of everyday life and art world expectations. Not only did I enjoy the opportunity to continue learning and working, but I was also able to enjoy the beauty of the nature that surrounds Montenero, such as Il Pantano, with its wild horses and its water bogs and streams. During the residency I met some other artists and as days went by, meeting them during dinner became my favourite moment of the day: that gave us the opportunity to learn about each other and discuss about art and other things while we enjoyed the great meals that were prepared for us nightly. Also as a musician I must say that I am very grateful to have been able to work in the cave-like studio of the residence, which was not only comfortable to work in, but also beautiful and inspiring. Nathan Jeffers
Writer
February 2024 Resident
Coming to Montenero felt like a voice saying "Yes." Yes to space, yes to creativity, yes to delicious food. Having the time to write was a blessing, and I left feeling deeply grateful. Aidan Hermans
Multidisiplinary Artist February 2024 Resident
The residence in Montenero Val Cocchiara was a fantastic experience! I felt at home and welcomed, in a family atmosphere. I can only give positive feedback, from the welcome, to the people who make up the foundation, to the beauty of the environments we lived and to finish the goodness of the dishes cooked. For this there was nothing missing in the facilities, there was everything I could want and even more.
One of the most beautiful moments was during one of the last evenings, a very normal evening apparently but we were drinking tea, we were reading the cards and I felt very comfortable.
This residency came at a moment where I needed time and space to develop new and untested ideas. There was no expected output and yet this knowledge and freedom drove me to rigorously probe a new project resulting in a productive residency period. The setting is beautiful and a great inspiration for working, making, observing, foraging and feasting. The two weeks felt like a gift — a pause in time where anything from new ideas, friendships and things left unconsidered might sprout from the muddy bog. There is something here for every artist and creative.”
Multidisciplinary Artist
May 2023 Residency
The Residency has been remarkable. The place is idyllic, beautiful, small and quiet and spacious. And for me - swallows are a happy omen.
Without many distractions it helps you focus and inspires you both.The landscapes, the soundscapes, the walks, the conversations and the feasts.
I enjoyed the evenings of sharing creative visions and more importantly, I feel there has been cross pollination with a balance of challenging views and ideas as well inspiring our own work during our time here.
It’s been intellectually and emotionally rich. I have found a lot of windows. I am leaving with very happy memories and a significant body of artwork, research, and writing.
Multidisciplinary Artist
May 2023 Residency
It’s been an incredible few weeks- wish I could’ve stayed longer!
The residency was a magic and useful experience that gave me precious time to think, draw, read, experiment and play without the stress of needing to produce. This fruitful time gave me a chance to focus on drawing and helped sew the seeds to many future projects. The food, rooms and company was incredible and I especially enjoyed the times at meals and after when we had time to share ideas and talk about art, politics, nature and of course food! It’s a truly beautiful place that nourishes both the soul and the mind, allowing an important break to recalibrate and focus.
Musician
May 2023 Residency
I had an incredible experience at the Frenkiel Ponti Foundation Artist residency. The beautiful and quiet location provided the perfect space, time, and inspiration for me to work on my music. The generous workspace allowed me to freely explore and experiment, while the uninterrupted days dedicated solely to my art allowed for deep creative immersion.
The food provided during the residency was absolutely amazing, further enhancing the overall experience. Moreover, the creative exchange among the artists at the residency was truly inspiring and had a profound impact on my work. Interacting with fellow artists, sharing ideas, and receiving feedback fostered a vibrant and stimulating atmosphere that fueled my creativity and pushed me to new artistic heights.
I am proud to share that I ended the residency with a fully demoed album, a testament to the productive and fruitful environment. This residency was a transformative and enriching experience that I am immensely grateful for.
Musician
July 2023 Resident
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Frenkiel & Ponti residency. These last two weeks are something I will never forget and I am forever grateful for. I felt incredibly nourished and cared for in every aspect: creatively, spiritually, physically. At a time in my life when I needed nourishment the most, I got exactly what I needed. I was so productive and felt the creative juices running through me so much that it was hard to pull myself away from it. I was enjoying it so much! Apart from creatively, the food is some of the best food I've had in my life. I learned about cooking and fresh Italian ingredients. The philosophical conversations, the jokes, the nature exploration, everything coalesced to form an unforgettable experience. I left feeling rejuvenated and inspired. Everyone involved, whether running it or as a resident artist themselves, was a pleasure to be with. I am forever grateful for this incredible experience. My soul and my belly have been fed.
Multidisciplinary Artist
July 2023 Resident
Doings coming from undoings. The residency offered me the softest and most nurturing setting to confront myself with the fears and questions that maybe every artist experiences from time to time. It offered me the opportunity to understand all that I went through and most importantly, to get into the energy of intuitive creation once again. I painted, did audio and video recordings and created a huge amount of drawings. I am leaving this place and time with a full heart and activated right brain side! I feel nurtured (in every aspect), connected and blessed by the mountains, the encounters, this whole experience.
Multidisiplinary Artist
August 2023 Resident
It was perfect for me, to contemplate on my last project put also to start conceptualising my upcoming work phase. Maybe especially because it was an exceptional residency program as I haven’t experienced it before. For writers, musicians and artists that wanna do research based work or start conceptualising a new project (as I did), it’s a wonderful option to get into new spheres for two weeks.
Musician
August 2023 Resident
‘I had a magical time at the Frenkiel Ponti Foundation. The chance to let ideas percolate in such stunning surroundings was very special. It can be hard to find the psychological space to create in the hustle and bustle of daily life--usually in stolen moments--and to have the opportunity to create in such a beautiful and peaceful place was invaluable. The residency gave not only space but also nourishment of mind and body--from swims in the nearby lake, to some of the most delicious food I've ever eaten and stimulating after-dinner conversations with the wonderful hosts and other artists. Overall, the residency was a uniquely revitalising experience, both personally and creatively.’Multidisiplinary Artist
August 2023 Resident
A rare kind of feast and generosity: of discourse, improvisation, and nose-to-tail nourishment from only a handful of miles’ radius… That much of the residency was spent around a table in a mountain village, talking skin-contact wine production, aesthetic philosophy, anarchic epistemologies, alternative models in farm coops, geopolitics, and laughing – when not in self-organized karaoke mode (sometimes), walking to the Pantano’s still-Paleolithic wild horses, observing mozzarella being sculptured, gleaning, or pilgrimaging to other villages, etc., etc., – made for an exceptionally non-transactional residency period, without emphasis on “production” per se, but instead on the isness of BEING over “making work” for work’s sake. This was an experiment in techniques of living with fundamentals for two weeks, where time expanded, and which unfolded in a Deleuzian register: “[...] to find the conditions under which something new is produced (creativeness).” To be taken care of as artists thus, when advanced capitalism renders radical practices less and less tenable, felt (and feels) precious and bolstering – especially upon return to the machine.
I also loved my residency cohort.
The residence in Montenero Val Cocchiara was a fantastic experience! I felt at home and welcomed, in a family atmosphere. I can only give positive feedback, from the welcome, to the people who make up the foundation, to the beauty of the environments we lived and to finish the goodness of the dishes cooked. For this there was nothing missing in the facilities, there was everything I could want and even more.
One of the most beautiful moments was during one of the last evenings, a very normal evening apparently but we were drinking tea, we were reading the cards and I felt very comfortable.
Musician
February 2024 Resident
Montenero is a very quiet village during wintertime, but I feel like Frenkiel & Ponti Foundation and its people gave me the warmth to work on my music and sound, in a way that allowed me to concentrate deeply, away from the noise of everyday life and art world expectations. Not only did I enjoy the opportunity to continue learning and working, but I was also able to enjoy the beauty of the nature that surrounds Montenero, such as Il Pantano, with its wild horses and its water bogs and streams. During the residency I met some other artists and as days went by, meeting them during dinner became my favourite moment of the day: that gave us the opportunity to learn about each other and discuss about art and other things while we enjoyed the great meals that were prepared for us nightly. Also as a musician I must say that I am very grateful to have been able to work in the cave-like studio of the residence, which was not only comfortable to work in, but also beautiful and inspiring.
Writer
February 2024 Resident
Coming to Montenero felt like a voice saying "Yes." Yes to space, yes to creativity, yes to delicious food. Having the time to write was a blessing, and I left feeling deeply grateful.
Multidisiplinary Artist February 2024 Resident
The residence in Montenero Val Cocchiara was a fantastic experience! I felt at home and welcomed, in a family atmosphere. I can only give positive feedback, from the welcome, to the people who make up the foundation, to the beauty of the environments we lived and to finish the goodness of the dishes cooked. For this there was nothing missing in the facilities, there was everything I could want and even more.
One of the most beautiful moments was during one of the last evenings, a very normal evening apparently but we were drinking tea, we were reading the cards and I felt very comfortable.
This residency came at a moment where I needed time and space to develop new and untested ideas. There was no expected output and yet this knowledge and freedom drove me to rigorously probe a new project resulting in a productive residency period. The setting is beautiful and a great inspiration for working, making, observing, foraging and feasting. The two weeks felt like a gift — a pause in time where anything from new ideas, friendships and things left unconsidered might sprout from the muddy bog. There is something here for every artist and creative.”