Cafe Tissardmine Artist Residency – Moroccan Sahara Desert

Remote Desert Retreat for Artistic Renewal and Cultural Immersion in Berber Village

Overview

Cafe Tissardmine offers a profoundly different artist residency experience: a 21-day retreat in a remote Moroccan Sahara village designed not for intensive production or mandatory outcomes, but for recharging, breathing, and finding new inspiration in one of the world’s most silent and isolated environments. Founded in 2010 by Australian artist Karen Hadfield, this solar-powered, water-conserving eco-residency accommodates up to 9 artists simultaneously in a traditional Berber setting 30 kilometers from Erfoud, providing full board, private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, shared studio space, and immersion in the richness of Berber culture, way of life, cooking, and crafts—all for €950 covering three weeks of complete removal from modern connectivity and urban demands.

Founding Vision: A Place to Breathe

Founder & Philosophy:

Karen Hadfield, an Australian artist who established Cafe Tissardmine in the remote village of Ksar Tissardmine, recognized a fundamental need often overlooked in the artist residency landscape:

“There are many demands put on artists and so our intention at Cafe Tissardmine is to provide a space for the artist to get re-inspired and to just breathe.”

This philosophy prioritizes:

• Rest and restoration over production pressures
• Silence and beauty over stimulation and networking
• Simplicity over abundance of resources
• Disconnection from constant connectivity
• Cultural immersion in traditional Berber life
• Personal renewal without required outcomes

Since 2011, Cafe Tissardmine has operated as independent association/foundation, maintaining intimate artist-run character while serving broader community development goals.

Location: Remote Sahara Village

Geographic Isolation:

Cafe Tissardmine occupies one of the most remote artist residency locations globally:

Ksar Tissardmine
52450 Morocco
Moroccan Sahara

Distance from Civilization:

• 30 kilometers from Erfoud (nearest significant town)
• 25 kilometers from Rissani (smaller town with services)
• 9-12 hours by bus from Marrakech or Fes
• Accessible only via unpaved piste (desert track) requiring 4×4 or high-clearance vehicle

What “Remote” Actually Means:

“We need to get an understanding from you that you understand how isolated we are.”

This isolation manifests as:

• No daily internet access (“we have access to internet but not on a regular basis and it requires some effort to get it”)
• Limited mobile phone connection at Tissardmine
• 30km trip to Erfoud or Rissani required for reliable internet (“internet hill” walk or town visit necessary)
• Rare opportunity to escape constant connectivity of modern world
• Solar power dependency limiting electricity availability
• Water scarcity requiring conservation
• Limited local supplies (even quality paper hard to find)

Why This Matters:

“It is not a place for internet based research. It is a place to recharge and inspire.”

Artists must:

• Be comfortable without daily internet
• Not require constant connectivity for work
• Embrace digital disconnection as opportunity not hardship
• Plan ahead for any online needs (batch emails during town trips)
• Work independently without streaming research or cloud collaboration

Sahara Desert Environment

Natural Setting:

The Moroccan Sahara around Tissardmine offers:

Erg Chebbi Dunes:

• Massive sand dunes reaching heights of 150 meters
• Sunset trip to giant dune included in residency fee
• “This may seem like a touristy thing to do but is essential to experience!”
• Spectacular desert landscapes in constantly shifting light

Silence and Beauty:

“It is beautiful here and silent.”

This quality of silence—rare in modern world—provides:

• Acoustic space for deep thinking and listening
• Visual expanse of desert horizons and star-filled night skies
• Sensory simplicity allowing heightened awareness
• Contemplative environment supporting reflection
• Natural rhythms unmediated by technology

Climate Considerations:

Sahara desert experiences:

• Extreme heat in summer (May-September, regularly exceeding 40°C/104°F)
• Cool/cold winters (November-February, nights near freezing)
• Pleasant spring and fall (March-April, October-November)
• Intense sun requiring protection year-round
• Dry air and minimal rainfall
• Dramatic temperature swings between day and night

Berber Cultural Immersion

Living Culture:

Ksar Tissardmine is a working Berber village maintaining traditional ways:

Berber (Amazigh) Heritage:

• Indigenous North African people with millennia of Saharan presence
• Distinct language (Tamazight variants), customs, and worldview
• Traditional architecture (ksars – fortified villages)
• Nomadic and settled agricultural practices
• Textile weaving, carpet making, and craft traditions
• Unique culinary traditions adapted to desert resources

Cultural Exchange Opportunities:

“A Residency at Cafe Tissardmine is also an opportunity to discover the richness of the Berber culture their way of life, cooking and crafts.”

Artists experience:

• Daily life rhythms of Saharan village
• Traditional cooking through meals prepared by local cooks
• Craft observations potentially including carpet weaving, pottery, basketry
• Village interactions with neighbors and community members
• Agricultural practices in desert environment
• Social customs and hospitality traditions

Community Engagement:

“There are opportunities to work with the children in the village and engage in village life.”

Not required but available for interested artists:

• Teaching or creative activities with local children
• Participating in village events or gatherings
• Collaborative projects with local artisans
• Sharing meals or tea with families
• Learning Berber phrases and customs
• Contributing to community life

Community Development:

As “one of the few businesses in the area, we provide employment for many locals through our need for services such as laundry, bread making, building and cooking.”

Cafe Tissardmine creates sustainable local economy through:

• Hiring local cooks, cleaners, builders
• Purchasing bread, food, services from village
• Annual health clinic hosted in partnership with local association
• Supporting local association working for community benefit

Artist residency fees directly support this rural economic and social development.

Residency Structure: No Outcomes Required

Radical Simplicity:

“The residency is not project based or requiring specific engagement or outcome but it is a place to find peace and new ideas.”

This no-requirements approach distinguishes Cafe Tissardmine from most residencies:

No Mandatory:

• Production of artworks
• Public programs or presentations
• Community workshops or engagement
• Final exhibitions or showings
• Documentation or reports
• Donation of work
• Social media posting

Optional:

• Everything above, if artist desires
• Village engagement at comfort level
• Work creation (or not)
• Sharing process with fellow residents
• Contribution to local community

Philosophy:

The residency trusts artists to:

• Know what they need for renewal
• Use time according to personal priorities
• Self-direct without external requirements
• Define success by internal measures
• Return to regular practice rejuvenated

This approach serves artists who:

• Are burnt out from production demands
• Need thinking time more than making time
• Seek research and reading over creation
• Want contemplative space for life/work reflection
• Require rest from constant exhibition/presentation cycle

2025/26 Residency Dates & Duration

Fixed 21-Day Periods:

Cafe Tissardmine operates six residency sessions annually:

2025 Residencies

Session 1: September 23 – October 14, 2025

Session 2: October 24 – November 14, 2025

Session 3: November 21 – December 12, 2025

2026 Residencies

Session 4: January 5 – January 26, 2026

Session 5: April 20 – May 11, 2026

Session 6: May 18 – June 8, 2026

Duration: Exactly 21 days (3 weeks) each session

Priority: “Priority is given to those artists who commit to the full length of the residency.”

This means:

• Partial residencies rarely accepted
• Full 3-week commitment strongly preferred
• Helps create cohesive resident community
• Allows adequate time for desert adjustment and renewal

Arrival/Departure: Must arrive on first day and depart on final day of advertised dates for included transfers

Financial Structure

Residency Fee: €950 (approximately $1,040 USD / 10,650 Moroccan Dirhams)

What’s Included in Fee:

Full Board

“All meals with water” throughout 21 days:

• Breakfast, lunch, dinner daily
• Traditional Moroccan and Berber cuisine
• Prepared by local cooks
• Water provided with meals
• Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free accommodations possible

Food Context:

• Meals using local and regional ingredients
• Desert-adapted recipes (preserved lemons, dates, couscous, tajines)
• Opportunity to learn Berber cooking methods
• Communal dining fostering resident interaction

Private Accommodation

“Your own room with linen and towels”:

• Single room with double bed, desk
• Private bathroom (en-suite) with hot water
• Linens and towels provided and laundered
• Personal space for rest and reflection

Shared Studio

“Shared use of studio” (7m x 10m large studio with small room at one end):

• Communal workspace for up to 9 artists
• “Not all artists require a studio and we have plenty of quiet spaces and places in which to work”
• Alternative working areas including outdoor spaces, terrace, quiet corners

Desert Experience

“A sunset trip to the giant dune of Erg Chebbi”:

• Guided excursion to spectacular sand dunes
• Sunset viewing on massive dunes
• “This may seem like a touristy thing to do but is essential to experience!”
• Understanding Saharan landscape and scale

Support & Guidance

“All the help and advice we can give you to make the most out of your time with us”:

• Orientation to village and surroundings
• Connections to local artisans or community if desired
• Practical assistance with logistics
• Cultural guidance and translation support

Transportation

“Pickup and return Erfoud/Tissardmine on arrival and departure”:

• Included if arriving/departing on advertised residency dates
• 30km transfer across piste from Erfoud to Tissardmine
• Meet at designated location in Erfoud for guidance
• If arriving/departing on different dates: 450 Dirhams (~$49 USD) PER CAR for each transfer

Deposit: Non-refundable deposit required in advance of stay (amount not specified—contact for details)

Artist Responsibilities:

• International and domestic travel to Erfoud
• Art supplies and materials (“we ask artists to bring all their supplies with them as even good quality paper is hard to find locally”)
• Personal expenses beyond provided meals
• Excursions and vehicle with driver (available for extra cost if desired)
• Laundry beyond small hand-washing (large items sent to Rissani laundry at artist expense)
• Internet access (requires trip to town or “internet hill” walk)

Budget Planning:

For 21-day Sahara residency:

• Residency fee: €950
• Travel to Morocco and Erfoud: Variable
• Materials brought from home: Variable
• Discretionary expenses (minimal given remote location): €50-100
• Total: €1,000-1,200 plus international flights

Compared to 3-week European or North American residencies, this represents exceptional value given full board, private room, and unique location.

Accommodation Details

Private Rooms:

Each artist receives:

• Single occupancy room (not shared)
• Double bed
• Desk for writing, reading, small work
• Private bathroom (en-suite)
• Linen and towels provided

Bathroom Configurations:

Main House Guest Rooms:

• Hot water provided by solar panels
• Consistent hot water during daylight hours

Cabins:

• En-suite bathrooms
• Hot water via boiler heated by fire
• Wood is scarce, so fire lit once daily or every other day
• “The sooner you shower once it is hot the hotter it will be!”
• Timing showers when water freshly heated maximizes temperature

Water Conservation:

“Water is scarce so we ask that you keep the showers short.”

Sahara water scarcity requires:

• Brief showers (not long soaks)
• Mindful water use throughout stay
• Understanding desert resource limitations
• Participation in eco-conscious practices

Studio & Workspace Facilities

Shared Studio:

Dimensions: 7 meters x 10 meters (approximately 23 feet x 33 feet = 750 square feet)

Configuration:

• Large open workspace
• Small room at one end (potentially for storage or private work)
• Shared among all concurrent residents (up to 9 artists)

Equipment:

“Our supplies are limited however.”

Studio provides:

• Basic workspace
• Large work table (mentioned earlier)
• Natural light
• Shared use requiring coordination among residents

Does NOT provide:

• Specialized equipment (kilns, presses, power tools)
• Art materials or supplies
• Abundant electricity for equipment (solar power constraints)

Alternative Workspaces:

“Not all artists require a studio and we have plenty of quiet spaces and places in which to work.”

Options include:

• Outdoor areas (courtyards, terraces, desert surroundings)
• Private rooms (desk provided for writing, reading, drawing)
• Quiet corners throughout property
• Desert landscapes for plein air work or contemplation
• Village spaces if working with community

Best Suited For:

• Writers (reading, writing in room or quiet spaces)
• Poets and literary artists
• Small-scale visual work (drawing, watercolor, sketchbooks)
• Photographers (documentary of desert life, landscapes)
• Researchers (reading, note-taking, thinking)
• Contemplative practices (meditation, journaling, reflection)

Challenging For:

• Large-scale painting or sculpture
• Practices requiring extensive equipment
• Messy or toxic processes
• Work needing constant electricity
• Projects requiring internet research or digital resources

Technical Specifications & Limitations

Solar Power

“We run on solar power so occasionally we are short of electricity and ask that all equipment is only charged in the day time.”

Implications:

Daytime Charging Only:

• Cameras, phones, laptops, tablets charged during sun hours
• Evening electricity limited
• No guarantee of overnight charging
• Bring backup batteries if needed

Occasional Power Shortages:

• Cloudy days reduce solar generation
• Multiple artists charging simultaneously strain system
• Flexibility required

Equipment Considerations:

• Low-power devices preferable to power-hungry laptops
• E-readers better than tablets for reading
• Manual tools over electric when possible
• Plan work not requiring constant electricity

Projection Equipment

“We have provision to show films (projector and primitive screen) but you need to provide your own computer.”

Uses:

• Informal film screenings for resident community
• Presenting digital work or documentation
• Shared viewing experiences
• Artist talks with visual aids

Requirements:

• Bring own laptop with films/content
• HDMI or VGA adapter for projector connection
• Films downloaded (not streaming—limited internet)

Materials & Supplies

Critical Requirement:

“Generally we ask artists to bring all their supplies with them as even good quality paper is hard to find locally.”

What This Means:

Bring From Home:

• All drawing and painting materials
• Quality papers, canvases, or surfaces
• Specialized tools or equipment
• Cameras and memory cards
• Notebooks, pens, writing materials
• Any medium-specific supplies

Limited Local Availability:

• Basic items possibly in Erfoud/Rissani (basic paper, pens)
• No art supply stores
• No specialized materials
• No replacement equipment

“It does not have everything to hand so you need to be inventive and resourceful (with some help from us).”

Artists should:

• Pack thoroughly before departure
• Bring backup supplies
• Problem-solve creatively with available materials
• Ask Karen for assistance finding local alternatives if needed

Laundry

Hand Washing:

• “Small loads of laundry can be washed by hand”
• Provided: tubs, soap, kettle of hot water
• “Mushi mushkil!” (No problem! in Moroccan Arabic)

Professional Laundry:

• Large items sent to laundry in Rissani (25km)
• Artist pays laundry service cost
• Requires coordination for transportation to/from town

Communication

Mobile Phone:

• “We have mobile phone connection at Tissardmine but limited internet connection”
• Calls and SMS possible
• Data/internet very limited or non-existent
• Roaming charges potentially high

Internet Access:

Options:

1. “Internet Hill” Walk: Hike to elevated location with better signal
2. Erfoud Trip: 30km to town with internet cafes or reliable mobile data
3. Rissani Trip: 25km with internet access

For Emergencies:

• Internet accessible in nearby towns
• Should plan town trips if needing to check email, upload work, communicate

Response Time from Karen:

“Please note that due to lack of internet I cannot answer enquiries quickly so bear with me! If your email goes without reply for a week then please resend…”

This applies both:

• Before residency: Application communication slower than typical
• During residency: Not constantly online or immediately responsive

Disciplines Welcomed

Open to All Practices:

“We accept applications from all disciplines.”

Explicitly mentioned or implied:

• Visual Art: Drawing, painting, photography, mixed media
• Sculpture: Small-scale work feasible with available resources
• Ceramics: (If bringing own materials; no kiln available)
• Dance: Movement, choreography (desert as stage)
• Theatre: Playwriting, performance development
• Performing Arts: Experimental performance, devising
• Textile Art: Embroidery, small weaving, fiber work (Berber textile traditions present)
• Music: Composition, songwriting, practicing (acoustic instruments)
• Literature: Writing, poetry, creative non-fiction, fiction

Practical Considerations:

“Not all practices are practical out here.”

Suitable:

• Contemplative/research-based practices
• Writing and reading intensive work
• Drawing, painting, sketching
• Photography (documentary, landscape, portrait)
• Poetry and literary creation
• Music composition and practice
• Conceptual development
• Journaling and reflection

Challenging:

• Internet-based research or digital collaboration
• Large-scale fabrication
• Practices requiring constant power
• Work needing abundant water
• Projects requiring specialized equipment
• Anything dependent on urban resources

Application Process

Submission:

Email: karen@cafetissardmine.com

Required Materials:

1. CV – Professional history and experience
2. Short Biography – Personal and artistic background
3. Examples of Work – Portfolio samples (format not specified—likely digital images, writing samples, documentation)
4. Statement – MOST IMPORTANT: “No longer than one A4 page about why you want to come to Cafe Tissardmine and what you hope to achieve from your time here.” Critical Question: “The most important information we need when you apply are the reasons you feel the desert is the right place for you to be.” Statement should address:
   • Why specifically desert isolation appeals to you
   • Understanding of how isolated Cafe Tissardmine is
   • What you hope to achieve (renewal, research, creation, thinking)
   • How you’ll handle limited internet and resources
   • Your approach to solitude and silence
   • Why this particular residency versus others

Selection Process:

“The process is personal, it takes time but we try to accept within the month.”

Characteristics:

Personal Review: “By curator” (Karen reviews personally, not committee)

Dialogue-Based:

• “Sometimes more dialogue is required before we can accept your application”
• May involve email exchange clarifying fit
• Conversation about expectations and realities
• Ensuring mutual understanding

Timeline:

• “We try to be prompt with replying”
• “We try to accept within the month”
• Given limited internet, allow patience
• If no reply after one week, resend email

Priority Criteria:

1. Full 21-day commitment (“Priority is given to those artists who commit to the full length of the residency”)
2. Understanding of isolation and readiness for remote desert life
3. Appropriate fit between artist needs and what Cafe Tissardmine offers
4. Genuine interest in desert, Berber culture, simplicity

No Application Fee: Free to apply

Access & Transportation

Reaching Cafe Tissardmine requires multi-stage journey:

By Air

Nearest Airports:

Errachidia Airport (Closest):

• “Schedules change frequently so best to check Ryan Air and Air Arabia online”
• Very limited flights
• Inconvenient schedules
• Primarily domestic or select European routes

Fes Airport (Recommended):

• More international connections
• Better schedules
• Overnight bus to Erfoud (9 hours)

Marrakech Airport (Alternative):

• Extensive international flights
• Daytime bus to Erfoud (11-12 hours)

By Bus to Erfoud

From Marrakech:

• Supratours bus once daily
• 11-12 hours daytime journey
• Book ticket to Erfoud
• Spectacular route through Atlas Mountains, valleys, desert edge

From Fes:

• CTM bus overnight
• 9 hours
• Book ticket to Erfoud
• Crosses Middle Atlas, Ziz Valley, desert landscapes

Erfoud:

• Desert town serving as gateway to Erg Chebbi dunes
• Where Cafe Tissardmine meets arriving/departing artists

Erfoud to Tissardmine

Distance: 30 kilometers

Terrain: Piste (unpaved desert track)

Included Transfer:

• Cafe Tissardmine provides pickup and return
• Only if arriving/departing on advertised residency dates
• Meet at designated location in Erfoud
• Guided across piste to Tissardmine

Outside Scheduled Dates:

• 450 Dirhams (~$49 USD) per car per transfer
• Must arrange in advance with Karen
• Requires 4×4 or high-clearance vehicle

By Car (Self-Drive)

From Fes:

• Route via Ifrane, Midelt, Errachidia, Erfoud to Rissani direction
• Well-maintained roads to Erfoud
• After Erfoud: “About 22kms you will cross a bridge over a dry river bed when you will see Hotel Darkaoua on the left”
• Call day before to arrange meeting at Hotel Darkaoua
• Cafe Tissardmine guides rest of way across piste
• Requires 4×4 or vehicle with good ground clearance for final approach

Self-drive allows:

• Flexibility for side trips during residency
• Transportation to Erfoud/Rissani for internet or supplies
• Exploration of region (Todra Gorge, Dades Valley, other ksars)

Sustainability & Environmental Practices

Eco-Conscious Operations:

“At Cafe Tissardmine we conserve water, are totally solar powered for both hot water and power. We try to reduce rubbish as much as we can.”

Water Conservation

• Solar-heated hot water systems
• Limited water availability requiring mindful use
• Short showers requested
• Hand-washing laundry when possible
• Desert water scarcity respected

Solar Energy

• 100% solar power for electricity
• Solar hot water heating
• No grid connection
• Renewable energy model

Waste Reduction

“We ask artists to be mindful of what they bring into the region. If you bring in any toxic artist materials and packaging we ask that you leave with them as well!”

Implications:

• Take trash out that you bring in
• Toxic materials: Paints, solvents, chemicals—pack out what you pack in
• Packaging: Minimize bringing excessive packaging
• Leave no trace environmental ethic
• Remote location makes waste disposal challenging

Community Support

• Local employment (cooking, cleaning, building, laundry, bread-making)
• Annual health clinic partnership
• Support for local association
• Sustainable rural economic development

Companions Policy

Generally Prefer Solo Artists:

“We prefer no partners but are open to discuss the option, not suitable for children.”

Partners:

• Generally discouraged but negotiable
• Contact Karen to discuss specific situation
• May be possible if space available
• Likely additional fee for companion

Children:

• Not suitable
• Remote location, lack of child-specific facilities
• Focus on adult artist retreat incompatible with childcare

Other Companions:

• Open to discussion on case-by-case basis
• Depends on nature of relationship and residency dynamics

Accessibility

Not Wheelchair Accessible:

Desert environment and traditional architecture create:

• Unpaved terrain throughout village
• Sand and uneven surfaces
• Traditional building construction without ramps
• No elevators or accessibility modifications
• Remote location challenging for mobility devices

Why Choose Cafe Tissardmine?

This unique Sahara desert residency offers incomparable advantages:

• Most remote location among Morocco residencies (30km from nearest town)
• Digital detox opportunity rare in modern world
• Silence and beauty of authentic desert environment
• No outcomes required – genuine retreat without production pressure
• 21-day duration (3 weeks) ideal for renewal without excessive time
• Up to 9 artists creating intimate but not isolated community
• €950 all-inclusive (accommodation, meals, transfers, sunset dune trip)
• Private rooms with en-suite bathrooms
• Berber cultural immersion in working Saharan village
• Eco-conscious (solar power, water conservation, waste reduction)
• Community development supporting local employment and health clinic
• No application fee – free to apply
• Since 2011 – over decade of operation
• Personal selection process ensuring good fit
• All disciplines welcomed with understanding of practical limitations
• Erg Chebbi proximity – iconic Sahara sand dunes
• Authentic experience far from tourist circuits
• Optional village engagement with children and community
• Karen Hadfield’s personal hospitality and desert knowledge

Strategic Considerations for Applicants

Best Suited For:

• Artists burnt out from production demands seeking genuine rest
• Writers needing silent, distraction-free environment for intensive work
• Contemplative practitioners valuing meditation, journaling, reflection
• Photographers documenting desert landscapes, Berber life, cultural traditions
• Those genuinely excited about digital disconnection and simplicity
• Self-sufficient personalities comfortable with resource limitations
• Culturally curious individuals interested in Berber traditions
• Artists whose practice doesn’t require constant electricity or internet
• Those seeking inspiration through silence, space, and beauty
• Practitioners open to village engagement and children’s activities
• Eco-conscious artists aligned with sustainability values

Less Suitable For:

• Artists requiring daily internet for research or communication
• Practices needing specialized equipment, abundant electricity, or messy processes
• Those expecting abundant art supplies or urban resources
• People uncomfortable with heat (summer) or cold (winter)
• Artists needing structured programming or constant staff support
• Practices requiring outcomes, exhibitions, or public presentations
• Those bringing partners or children
• Anyone uncomfortable with water conservation or rustic conditions
• Artists expecting luxury amenities or resort-style residency

Application Strategy:

• Be honest about isolation understanding in statement
• Explain specific reasons desert appeals to your practice/life
• Describe what renewal means to you and how 21 days serves that
• Acknowledge resource limitations and explain how you’ll adapt
• Commit to full 21 days for selection priority
• Allow patient response time given Karen’s limited internet
• Resend email if no reply after one week
• Pack thoroughly bringing all materials needed
• Research Berber culture showing genuine interest
• Consider season carefully (climate preferences, Ramadan timing if relevant)

Cafe Tissardmine in Broader Morocco Landscape

Unique Position:

• Only Sahara desert residency among major Morocco programs
• Most remote and isolated versus urban Marrakech/Fes programs
• No outcomes model versus exhibition-focused residencies
• Eco-sustainability focus versus amenity-rich options
• Berber village immersion versus medina tourist contexts
• Digital disconnection celebrated versus connectivity-dependent programs
• Longest single location (since 2011) showing sustainability

Complementary to Other Residencies:

Artists might combine:

• Cafe Tissardmine (desert retreat, renewal) + urban residency (production, exhibitions)
• Silent contemplation in Sahara + collaborative exchange in Marrakech
• Research and thinking in Tissardmine + making and presenting elsewhere

Contact & Application

Cafe Tissardmine
Ksar Tissardmine
52450 Morocco
Moroccan Sahara

Email: karen@cafetissardmine.com

2025/26 Residency Dates:

2025:

• September 23 – October 14
• October 24 – November 14
• November 21 – December 12

2026:

• January 5 – January 26
• April 20 – May 11
• May 18 – June 8

To Apply:

1. Prepare CV, short biography, work examples
2. Write one-page statement explaining why desert is right place for you
3. Demonstrate understanding of isolation and resource limitations
4. Email complete application to karen@cafetissardmine.com
5. Be patient for response (limited internet)
6. Resend after one week if no reply
7. Engage in dialogue if Karen requests clarification
8. Expect response within one month typically

Questions to Ask:

• Deposit amount and payment schedule
• Specific room configurations (main house vs. cabins)
• Current availability for preferred dates
• Excursion options and costs (if interested in additional desert experiences)
• Laundry service timing and costs
• Bringing musical instruments or bulky equipment
• Partner accommodation possibilities
• Seasonal climate specifics for chosen dates

Experience the Sahara desert’s profound silence, beauty, and cultural richness through a residency that honors artists’ need to breathe, recharge, and rediscover inspiration beyond the demands and connectivity of modern creative life—in one of the world’s most remote and extraordinary landscapes.