Creative Research Stay

A short, self-directed stay for artists and creative practitioners who need time to think, explore, and be somewhere different. Suitable for initial research with specific focus, not for production or studio time. Applications is welcome all year round. Apply now!

What this is

The Studio 88 Creative Research Stay is a short, self-directed stay for artists, curators, writers, and other creative practitioners who want to spend some time in Chiang Mai without committing to a longer programme.

For artists and creative practitioners who need time to think, explore, and be somewhere different. Not every visit needs to be a residency. Sometimes you just need a few days to step out of your usual environment. To look, to listen, to read, to write. To get a sense of a place before deciding what comes next. The Studio 88 Creative Research Stay is for that kind of visit. Apply for the Creative Research Stay

People usually come for:

early-stage research
getting a feel for the local context
thinking through ideas
writing or reading
or simply taking some distance from their usual routine

There’s no fixed structure. You set your own pace.

What this isn’t

This isn’t a residency.

There’s no formal mentorship, no production support, no expectation that you’ll produce work during your stay. We also don’t organise introductions or build a programme around your visit.If you’re looking for something more immersive or supported, the Studio 88 Artist Residency would be the better fit.

Who it tends to suit

This works well for people who:

are in a research or thinking phase
want to spend some time in Chiang Mai before committing to something longer
are exploring a new direction in their practice
are comfortable working independently
value having a quiet base, with the possibility (but not the expectation) of conversation

We also occasionally host curators, writers, or practitioners passing through who want a few days to ground themselves and observe.

What’s provided

You’ll have:

a private room
access to a shared kitchen
laundry facilities
internet

There isn’t a dedicated studio space, and the stay isn’t set up as a production environment. It’s better suited for thinking, reading, writing, and light research.

On being here

Studio 88 is a working, lived-in space. It’s quiet, and people tend to keep to themselves, but it’s not closed off either.

Conversations happen, but naturally. Nothing is scheduled, and nothing is assumed.

If you’re someone who needs a lot of structure or active hosting, this may not be the right fit. If you’re comfortable with a bit of openness and independence, it usually works well.

Duration

Minimum stay: 3 nights
Most people stay between 3 and 10 nights

Fees

THB 3,000 per person, per night
THB 4,000 for Duo ( apply as a pair and share the same room or a house, THB 2,000 per person, per night)

Applying

We keep this simple, but we do ask you to apply.

We’d like to know:

a bit about your practice
what you’re currently working through or thinking about
why you’d like to spend time at Studio 88

This helps us make sure the space is a good fit for you, and vice versa.

How this fits into Studio 88

The Creative Research Stay sits alongside the residency, but serves a different purpose.

The Research Stay is short, flexible, and self-directed
The Residency is longer and more involved

Some people come for a few days first, then return later for a residency. Others just come once, for their own reasons. Both are valid.

A small note

This isn’t a hotel. And it’s not meant to feel like one.

It’s a shared environment, and we try to keep it simple and respectful. People come here for different reasons, but there’s usually a common understanding around quiet, space, and being considerate of others