Residency FAQs

Who is the residency for?

The residency is open to diverse art forms such as literature, visual arts, new media, performing arts (dance, theatre, music), craft and design. However, it is a space open for a great diversity of creative projects and thinkers, which could include curators and writers who need the time to develop their next project or academics who need space to read and write. It’s possible to connect with local artists and communities or to intensively work on your own project. Get in touch if you’d like to talk about your potential project.

What kind of residency does Studio 88 offer?

(1) On-going residency – Artists are welcome to submit an application on a rolling basis for residency taking place at any time throughout the year, ranging from 2 weeks up to 3 months.

(2) Theme-residency – Studio 88 offers curated residency programs structured around the following thematic focuses:

Reviving Nature (January–March)
Focuses on environmental awareness, sustainability, and climate-related issues.
Evolving Identities (May–June)
Explores identity, diaspora, fluidity, gender, migration, and emerging technologies such as AR & VR.
SoulScapes (July–August)
Centers on art therapy, healing practices, inner exploration, and individual and collective transformation.
StoryScapes (September–October)
Dedicates to developing impactful stories that inspire dialogue and action around urgent global issues.
SensoryScapes (November–December)
Explores experimental, immersive, multisensory performance across movement, sound, visuals, storytelling, and technology.

(3) Group residency – Studio 88 offers dedicated private space and time for groups such as camps, masterclasses, retreats, study trips, and research visits. This residency supports discipline-based and cross-disciplinary practices, including film, performing arts, performance art, healing, music, visual arts, and related fields.

Confirmation of residency

Artists are encouraged to apply early and confirm their residency at least two months before the start date. Once a residency is confirmed, a 50% non-refundable deposit is required to secure the residency. The remaining 50% non-refundable balance must be paid no later than one month prior to the residency commencement. Group residency bookings must be discussed and arranged at least six months in advance and are subject to availability. Get in touch if you’d like to talk about your potential project.

Residency fee & grant opportunity

There is no application fee. Selected artists are expected to pay the residency fee upon acceptance of the offer, based on the residency fee and services listed on our website. Studio 88 is a self-funded residency and is unable to provide any free residency or sponsorship. Residency fee has different categories please check on our website what suitable as individual artist, duo-artist, group artists, etc.

To support artists, we have compiled a list of grant opportunities that you might explore, link here. Additionally, if the artists are accepted into our residency and confirm their acceptance (by sending us a signed agreement and making deposit payment), we would be more than happy to provide a letter of support for their funding application.

How do I get a visa?

There are two tourist visa options, either 30 days on arrival, or you can arrange a two month tourist visa in advance (that can normally be extended by another 30 days). You will need to check the conditions for each country and you can refer to the Thai visa authority for more information.

A letter of support for grant and visa applications can be provided upon request after residency’s confirmation. Visa fees are not covered by Studio 88.

Should I get insurance?

We strongly recommend that artists obtain comprehensive health and travel insurance to cover medical needs, loss of baggage, flight changes, and other unforeseen circumstances. Artists are responsible for arranging their own insurance and for covering any costs related to damages or incidents if they are uninsured. Studio 88 does not cover insurance, damages, or incident-related costs.

Weather, air quality & clothing

Thailand has a tropical climate with distinct seasonal patterns. March–April is the hottest period, with temperatures ranging from 30–45°C. May–July remains warm and humid, averaging 30–35°C. August–October is the rainy season, with frequent showers and warm temperatures. November–February is the cooler season, typically 25–30°C, and during late December to early February, temperatures in some areas may occasionally drop to 15–20°C.

The temperature in Chiang Mai is warm to hot, ranging from 25 to 40 degrees Celsius and much cooler in January – February (15-25c).

Weather forecast check here https://www.tmd.go.th/en in some months, Chiang Mai is experiencing some air pollution issues. Air quality check here https://aqicn.org/city/chiang-mai/

Studio 88’s address & contact

Studio 88 Artist Residency (located inside Sak Homestay)
Address: 88 Moo 7 Luang Nua, Doi Saket, Chiang Mai, 50220 Thailand
Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5vbTxcbP7FMZ8zQC6

Arrival and check-in

On the day of your arrival, please have your passport ready. For registration, we will need to make a copy of each individual passport for registration purposes, as required by immigration regulations. Check-in time: 2 pm. Check-out time: 11 am. Early check-in and late-check-out is upon request and is subject to availability. Baggage storage is available fee of charge on the arrival date and departure date. We also provide a storage for longer period, please contact us for more details.

Travelling to/from Studio 88?

Travelling to Studio 88

Studio 88 does not provide pick-up from the airport to Studio 88.
Upon your arrival at Chiang Mai airport/bus station/train station, we recommend taking a taxi.
We suggest taking an airport taxi from the airport to Studio 88. This option is generally more efficient, as there are several official taxi counters available upon arrival that can provide immediate service.
The taxi ride from the airport to Studio 88 typically takes 40-60 minutes and costs approximately 500-650 baht. Please note that this cost may vary depending on whether you choose an airport taxi or opt for services like Grab, Bolt, or Maxim which are slightly cheaper.

How do I get into Chiang Mai?

There is a yellow bus (sawng-thaew) that leaves from the centre of town, about five minutes walk from the residency, and finishes at Wararot market in Chiangmai city. The first one leaves Doi Saket at 5am and the last one leaves at about 2:30pm and they run about every half an hour. The last return bus leaves Chiangmai at about 5pm. If you take this bus from Chiangmai you will need to ask for the one that goes to Mae Kuang Dam (Khuen Mae Kuang bus, which leaves from next to the river in Chiangmai) as there are two parts to Doi Saket and the other part of town is 6km from the residency. If you miss the last bus you can take the other Doi Saket bus and then take a motorcycle taxi from the last stop, the market. The bus normally costs about 40 baht.

How do I get around?

Aside from the sawng-thaew bus to Chiangmai, it is possible to get around locally on a bicycle (provided on demand at Studio 88). Studio 88 located inside Sak Homestay where it offers complimentary bicycles upon request. Additionally, motorcycle/scooter rentals with helmets are available for residents (motorcycle rental for THB150-250/day, depending on the type), and there is a discount for longer term rentals. Car rental services are also available, with the airport being the most convenient location for rental pickup. Valid driving licenses must be presented especially if they get checked by police officers. There is parking available at Studio 88.

Accommodation & studio

Studio 88 is located within Sak Homestay and offers 15 private bungalows, each accommodating 1–2 guests. Bungalows feature one or two bedrooms, depending on the unit type. Each bedroom includes a queen-size bed, air-conditioning, and a fan.

Each bungalow is fully equipped with a fan, kitchenette, cooking stove, refrigerator, cooking utensils, dining table and chairs, and a private bathroom with a western-style toilet, warm shower, and mosquito net.

Housekeeping service is provided twice weekly, including fresh towels and bed linen. Guests also enjoy free Wi-Fi, complimentary drinking water, coffee and tea.
Complementary bicycle use upon request and on a first-come-first serve basis.
A coin-operated washing machine is available nearby, and additional laundry services can be found in the village.

Studio 88 offer private studio and shared studio based on artists’ needs and is subject to availability.

What do I need to bring with me?

Personal belonging and medication

All our bungalows and indoor meeting rooms are equipped with air conditioning and fans. However, outdoor activities are also planned. In addition to normal packing for a tropical climate (comfortable clothes, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a basic medical kit), please ensure to bring face masks and any necessary medication if you have respiratory-related issues.

Art supply

Artists are responsible and need to bring supplies for their work. There are some art supplies in Chiangmai and in Doi Saket town if needed. The studio spaces have a table, chair, power source and access to the internet. If you foresee any other needs, please contact us before your arrival to discuss.

Electrical plug and socket and devices

In Thailand, we have both two-prong and three-prong plug and socket options. Please remember to bring along adaptors and electrical extension cords for your electronic devices. If you use a MacBook computer, please ensure to bring your own adaptor. We do not have any computers or laptops available for borrowing. Adaptors and electrical accessories are available for purchase in Chiang Mai city.

Cost of Living in Chiang Mai

You may refer to this information as a reference https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Chiang-Mai

Where can I eat?

Breakfast, lunch and dinner can be provided at the residency with additional cost, please contact us beforehand if you you would like to take up this option. At Studio 88, we provide local, seasonal, and home-cooked meals. In this case, breakfast would be a selection of seasonal fruits, bread and cereals, or local Thai breakfast namely rice soup or fried rice and dinner would be home-cooked local dishes.

Otherwise, in town there are several restaurant options serving local dishes, and one Italian restaurant. Meals range from 50 baht to 500 baht, depending on the restaurant. There are also cafes that serve tea and coffee, ranging from 40 baht to 120 baht.

There are small market stalls in town the sell fruit and vegetables and also a small supermarket that sells a range of products.

Are there vegetarian or special dietary options?

Dietary requirements can be catered for. We also have lacto-ovo-vegetarian option. Please do get it touch beforehand if you have any dietary requirements.

Is there internet?

There is wifi internet throughout the complex. However, keep in mind that this is a rural area and that sometimes there are unforeseen circumstances that make the internet connection less reliable.

Is there room cleaning?

Twice a week the bungalow will be cleaned. Private studio and shared studio will be cleaned on a regular basis and upon request. However it is also expected that the spaces will be kept relatively clean throughout the stay. If there is any damage to the bungalows, studio spaces, and communal spaces the resident will need to cover the cost of repair.

How do I do my washing?

Sak Homestay offers a coin washing machine within its vicinity. No dryer available, normally the clothes are hung dried under the sun. Dryer machine and laundry service (wash-dry-iron) is available at a nearby service provider.

Is the water drinkable?

Complimentary bottled drinking water is provided (one bottle a day) for each guest. Tap water is natural and may be used only after boiling; it is not recommended for direct consumption.

Money & Currency & Where can I withdraw money?

The official currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB). Cash is widely used, particularly in local areas. Credit cards are generally accepted in cities, large stores, shopping malls, and major restaurants; however, additional service charges may apply. QR code payments are common at local shops but are typically available only with a Thai bank account.

The nearest ATM is located approximately two minutes from the residence, opposite Tao Garden Health Spa & Resort. Banking services are also available in Doi Saket (approximately 6 km away) and in Chiang Mai. Money exchange is available at banks or at exchange services in Chiang Mai city.

Studio 88 accept the following payment methods: cash in Thai Baht, bank transfer, Wise, and Revolut.
We are unable to accept credit card, payment in other currencies or do not so any money exchange.

How do I get a phone/SIM card?

Upon arrival in Thailand, you can purchase a local SIM card at the airport or in Chiang Mai if you arrive by bus or train. Multiple providers offer packages with unlimited data for two weeks or one month, and plans can be easily topped up as needed. Orginial ID card or Passport must be present when purchasing a sim card. Mobile phone reception is available at the residence.

Alternatively, an eSIM may be used; however, this must be arranged in advance through the country where your mobile phone is registered and with a compatible device.

Are there hospitals near the residency?

There is a hospital in Doi Saket (about 10 minutes drive from the residency) and there are several pharmacies. There are also several big hospitals in Chiangmai, private and public, and some also speak English.

Can I invite friends or family?

Family can join the artists and occasional visits are allowed. Contact Studio 88 before applying to inquire about additional costs for more guests. Please do keep in mind that the residency is intended for focused creative work for all artists. Only registered guests are permitted on the premises. Any non-registered visitor must contact the reception and is not permitted to stay overnight without completing registration.

Additional services

Optional Exhibition/ showcase
Studio 88 offers Artists the opportunity to present an exhibition and/or public event in our gallery space. Participation is optional and not included in the standard residency fee. Exhibition costs vary depending on the nature and scale of the work and will be advised on a case-by-case basis. All exhibition fees must be paid in full before any preparation can begin. A confirmation must be made prior to the organise an exhibition/showcase and promotion; 3 weeks if the event takes place at Studio 88 and much longer especially if external venues or parties are involved. The space is timing is subject to availability.

Services upon request with additional fee

Estimation & quotation will be given upon request. Upon confirmation of services, artists are required to pay for requested services and materials in advance prior to the implementation.
Services include but not limited to the following

Organised trip or tour
Transportation, rental, & fuel
Technical support e.g. wood work, metal work, set-up, light & sound, etc.
Guest artist & collaborative artist, Project assistant, personal assistant, coordinator, project support, etc.
Professional translation
Exhibition installation and dismantlement
Project and event management
Promotion & Marketing
Photography
Videography
Editing
Materials
etc.