Reflections on the Sacatar Institute

In late 2025, we sent our first Manchester artist to the esteemed Sacatar Institute in Bahia, Brazil. Here, Omid Asadi talks about his experience on the international residency.

How did the residency expand your creative practice?

The residency expanded my creative practice by adding new layers shaped by working within a different environment and cultural context. Being immersed in unfamiliar conditions encouraged me to challenge my assumptions, test new approaches and push my practice beyond its usual boundaries.

What was it like being part of an international cohort of artists? Did it impact your creative practice? 

Being part of an international cohort was a vital aspect of the residency for me. Connecting with artists from different countries and disciplines created a space for sharing ideas, ways of seeing, and diverse perspectives that directly impacted my creative thinking. These exchanges not only enriched my practice but also helped me expand my professional network and opened up possibilities for future collaborations.

How did you engage with the nature, culture and communities of Itaparica? 

I engaged deeply with the environment of Itaparica, immersing myself in its nature, culture and community life. I took part in cultural ceremonies whenever possible and focused on absorbing the rhythms and social dynamics of the place. The landscape was striking and profoundly different from what I was used to, and I approached it as a flâneur, observing attentively, moving slowly, and allowing the surroundings to inform my understanding and practice.

What tips would you have for artists interested in residencies? 

My advice would be to engage as deeply as possible with the environment you are placed in and to treat the residency as a rare opportunity. Enter with an open mind and allow the local environment, society, and culture to open new doors in your thinking and practice. It is equally important to actively connect with fellow artists in the cohort and with the hosting art organisations, as these exchanges offer valuable learning opportunities and help expand your professional network.

What can we expect to see from you in the future?

You can expect me to continue developing my practice through research-driven projects shaped by place, context and cultural exchange. During the residency, I learned new approaches and added new layers to my practice, which I intend to integrate into my work in different ways. Building on the experiences and connections formed, I am interested in exploring new collaborations and pushing my work in more ambitious and challenging directions, both conceptually and institutionally.