The Residency

Studio 88 Artist Residency is based in the northern Thai town of Doi Saket, 25 kilometres from the creative city of Chiangmai. Co-founded by international cultural manager Sasiwimon Wongjarin (Aom) and cultural writer Claire Rosslyn Wilson, Studio 88 is driven by a desire to connect creative thinkers and contribute to local communities. Studio 88 provides space to experiment with the process of creating, as well as time out from the busy day-to-day life in order to relax and reflect.

Who is it for?

Studio 88 Artist Residency welcomes artists, artisans and thinkers, and includes diverse artforms such as literature, visual arts, new media, performing arts, craft and design.

There are 10 self-contained bungalows, with both living area and private studio space. They can sleep up to two people. There are also shared spaces: a small lounge area, a large indoor hall, a large open hall (covered but without walls) and a small exhibition space. If your creative practice requires special facilities, get it touch to see how Studio 88 can cater to your needs.

A large part of the ambition of the residency is to be able to introduce international artists to the local scene. Therefore, Aom will introduce the residents to the space and the local context through a series of recommended studio tours and site visits. Additionally, where possible she can provide any additional information about local artist initiatives relevant to each artist’s interests.

However, Studio 88 adapts each residency to the needs of each artist and we understand that sometimes the most urgent need is time away from daily commitments and activities. Studio 88, in the semi-rural space of Doi Saket, provides this space and can be a time for retreat and reflection.

What to expect at the residency

Once you have been accepted to the residency programme Aom will be in touch to ask about what plans you have for the residency: are there any collaborations you have in mind? Do you want to connect with communities? Do you need to source supplies?

Once you have explained your aims Aom will prepare some ideas of who you could approach while at Studio 88. Since residencies are often short (one month can pass very quickly!) this initial preparation is important so that protentional connections are ready to go.

With over 20 years of experience designing cultural programmes for cultural organisations such as the Asia-Europe Foundation or the British Council in Bangkok, Aom has an eye for matching like-minded creatives and projects. What this might look like can change from resident to resident. Take a look at the testimonials from past residents to get an idea of how they found the experience.

Residency special calls

Studio 88 regularly has open calls with special themes, especially focused on themes of sustainability. Take a look at the programme Studio 88 put together for the Art for Air festival in March 2023 and keep an eye out for future open calls.

The space

Doi Saket is 25 kilometres from the centre of Chiangmai, a vibrant city in the north of Thailand. Doi Saket provides a small village atmosphere which is very quiet and Studio 88 is set in a garden environment.

The 10 self-contained bungalows each includes:

Bedroom (approx. 18m2)
Workspace/studio space (approx. 12m2)
Kitchen with cooking utensils and gas stove
Bathroom (with hot shower)
Air-conditioning, electric fans and mosquito nets
Wi-Fi
Free drinking water
220 volt electricity

There are also a number of other resources available including:

Free use of bicycle
A workshop space for lager projects off-site (less than 2km from the main space)
Technical support upon request (wood, metal, mixed-media)

Please note that there are no shared computers, so residents will need to bring their own equipment for their work. Some supplies (such as paints, etc.) can be purchased from Chiangmai.

Studio 88 is hosted by the family-run Sak Homestay, who can provide meals throughout the residency for an additional fee.

Shared spaces

There are also shared spaces: a small lounge area, a large indoor hall, a large open hall (covered but without walls) and a small exhibition space. Please note that the shared hall spaces do not have a sprung floor, so they would not be suitable for all types of performing arts. If your creative practice requires special facilities, get it touch to see how Studio 88 can cater to your needs.

About Doi Saket

Doi Saket is a small town of 64,116 people 25 kilometres from the heart of Chiangmai. It is a rural setting, surrounded by rice paddies and fields with the mountains as a backdrop.

Within walking distance there are several cafes and local restaurants, as well as a small supermarket, basic pharmacy, market stalls and a ceramic studio.

Nearby attractions