Since 1981 the Artist-in-Residence Program has welcomed a roster of distinguished participants as well as artistic newcomers to live and work in Altos de Chavon. The program is also a rich resource for School of Design students, who benefit from the intensive workshops and gallery exhibitions presented by invited artists.

Painters, sculptors, photographers, writers, musicians, and architects broaden the cultural and intellectual exchange at Altos de Chavon through three-month residencies.

Chavon has hosted more than 200 artists, from eleven countries. Past residents include Larry Rivers, Henry Koerner, Alistair Read, Roberto Juarez, Julia Alvarez, Lesley Dill, Xavery Wolski, Wozek Kiazak, Thomas Hornemann, Elvira Bach, Helmut Metzner, Gaby Thieler, Michael Thieler, Jerzy Kosinski, and Ianos Glycococolis–from the Neo-Expressionists of Berlin to the Eskimo artists of British Columbia. The contribution of these painters, sculptors, poets, and writers to the intellectual and artistic growth of School of Design students is immeasurable.

The Artists
At times Altos de Chavon is quiet, and at other times it bustles with the excitement of students and tourists. One of Altos de Chavon's goals is to expose its visitors to art and artists at work. The Artist-in-Residence Program seeks out participants whose work will be enhanced by interaction with a tropical, Caribbean environment. At the same time, an effort is made to attract artists who are comfortable working in a community setting with open studios.

The three-month residency gives emerging or established artists an opportunity to live and work in a setting of architectural and natural beauty. Most of the arts are represented, including painting, drawing, sculpture, dance, music, and writing. Many of Chavon's visitors, and some of the artists, are Dominican, so a knowledge of Spanish is very helpful.

Living and Working
Artists live in compact, comfortable apartments that are part of the School of Design’s housing complex. The apartments have small balconies and kitchenettes. Artists pay nominal monthly rent, their own airfare, and daily living expenses. Basic furniture and some housewares are provided at no cost. Linen and apartment cleaning service are available for a reasonable fee. Near the apartments are small individual studio spaces.

The village of Altos de Chavon has several restaurants, a market, stores, a gallery, and a church. Artists in residence can use the Minitas Beach, easily reached from the nearby resort hotel of Casa de Campo.

Transportation from Altos de Chavon to La Romana is available. The town, eight miles away, is the third largest in the Dominican Republic. It offers many stores and services. From La Romana an express bus makes the two-hour trip to the capital, Santo Domingo.

Many artists agree to teach an occasional workshop or class in their area of expertise. Each artist is expected to be part of a group exhibition or give a performance at the end of his or her residency. Artists sell their work through the Gallery at Altos de Chavon. The Foundation takes a commission on all works sold, and each artist donates to Altos de Chavon’s permanent collection a work produced during the residency.