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Artist Development: International Residency – Brazil

Expand your practice with a transformational residency at the highly esteemed Sacatar Institute in Bahia, Brazil

A tranquil waterfront scene shows Sacatar Institute nestled among palm trees and greenery, with reflections shimmering on the calm water. The sky is partly cloudy and sunny.
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The Residency

We are excited to announce the successful artist who has been selected for the Brazil Residency as Omid Asadi. Omid is a multi-disciplinary artist and works to create thought-provoking installations. He’ll be joining SACATAR in November and will be in resident for two months until 2026. Please find more information about the artist below.

Aviva Studios’ vast spaces have been designed to provoke artists to do things differently, explore what’s possible, and offer a backdrop to create some of the most ambitious work in the world.

Now, we’re joining forces with the Sacatar Institute to offer a transformational residency opportunity in Bahia, Brazil. We want to support artists to think about their creative practice in an international context and the wider world of making work.

Together, we’re offering a nine-week residency in Bahia for artists to explore their creative practise, support transformation of ideas, engage with local communities or institutions, be part of a cohort of international artists/creatives, and develop networks that offer space, reflection and pathways to new learning.

  • Headshot of Omid Asadi looking out a window with a black hat

    Omid Asadi

    Born in 1979 in Iran, Omid Asadi navigates a diverse journey that intertwines past experiences with creative expression. After growing up in Iran, he ventured into engineering and boxing before embracing art’s calling. Currently based in Manchester, Omid weaves personal history with artistic exploration and has exhibited internationally and nationally.

    In 2007, Omid immigrated to the UK, the transition eventually steering him towards the unexpected realm of artistry. In 2012, he embarked on his artistic journey with foundational studies in Art before achieving an MA in Fine Art with Distinction from Manchester School of Art in 2018.

    His creative practice revolves around the concept of contrast, interwoven across mediums, materials, colours, textures, cultures, meanings and nature. His work acts as a vital lens through which he examines the broader human condition, delving into complex, poignant issues such as immigration, identity, environment and memory.

About Sacatar Institute

Founded in 2001, the Sacatar Institute is the oldest continuously operating artist residency in Brazil. Since its creation, Sacatar has hosted more than 500 artists from all artistic disciplines, coming from more than 70 countries.

Sacatar stands out from other residencies for its interdisciplinarity reach – always bringing together artists from various creative disciplines within the same cohort. It also distinguishes itself by welcoming artists not only from around the world but also from different generations.

Another defining feature is its open-ended approach, prioritizing process and immersion in Bahian culture and the local art scene over the production of finished works. For this reason, Sacatar does not require participants to produce any final outcome such as an artwork or exhibition. Instead, artists are free to explore, experiment, and, most importantly, be affected and transformed by their experience in Bahia.

Located on the island of Itaparica, across the bay from Salvador, Sacatar offers a residency experience that offers time in the studio, engagement with the nature, culture and communities of Itaparica, and immersion in Salvador’s rich art scene. How artists choose to balance these elements is entirely up to them.

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