ORTO Artist Residency & Permaculture Garden

Located in the serene village of Fornelo, Portugal, ORTO is a unique creative hub nestled within a historic farmstead, just 15 minutes from the ocean and 30 minutes from Porto's vibrant city center. The space includes a traditional Portuguese countryside house and two agricultural buildings arranged around a central patio, offering a blend of rural charm and creative potential.

ORTO’s mission is to foster a space for artistic exchange, cultural dialogue, and creative inspiration in a peaceful, natural environment. By providing a retreat away from the distractions of modern life, ORTO encourages residents to reconnect with the land, engage in communal living, and share their enthusiasm for art and life. Through a blend of nature, creativity, and communal spirit, ORTO aims to be a place where art and life meet—nurtured by the surrounding landscape and its rhythms.

FACILITIES

• 10 private rooms offering personal space for each resident.

• 2 shared bathrooms

• A common kitchen (20m2) and a communal dining area (30m2) where shared meals bring the community together.

• 3 working studios (25m2, 40m2, and 40m2), providing versatile spaces for different artistic practices.

• A common open-air space for gatherings and informal exchanges.

APPLICATION & FEES

ORTO is preparing to welcome its first cohort of artists in 2025, hosting

up to 10 residents for a minimum of 3 weeks of stay. Open to all

mediums and artistic disciplines, ORTO is a space for exploration,

creation, and cultural exchange, with a focus on sustainability,

community, and connection to the land. We welcome everyone to apply

and join our diverse, inclusive community for a transformative creative

experience.

What ORTO offers:

• Accommodation in private room.

• Working space based on needs.

• Daily communal lunches, prepared from seasonal ingredients.

• Assistance in organizing public events, workshops and connecting

with local partners

• Invitation letter for funding application purposes if required.

The residency fee, including daily lunches, is €250/week. If your partner

or family would like to join you for the entire residency or for a specific

period, please contact them at ORTO.CREATIVEHUB@GMAIL.COM.

To apply, simply complete the application form here, and the ORTO team will get

back to you as soon as possible.