torna Residency - FAQs
Who is the residency for and how can I apply?
Please see HOW TO APPLY page for more information.
What is and is not included in the fee?
- You will get a private bedroom and shared bathroom, kitchen and studio-space.
- You will have access to the household machines and most of the general arts tools & supplies.
- All meals are included in the fee. Most of the time we'll cook or prepare the food for you. Some days you may need to prepare your own food.
- We will provide you with towels and bedding.
- We have an extra bicycle in Şile if you'd like to cycle your way around town during your stay.
Unfortunately we can't fund your personal travel costs and individual work materials at the moment.
Overseas applicants may apply to various international funding organisations. Previous torna residents have received funding from these organisations: Creative Scotland, Arts Council Ireland, Arts Council Wales, Asia Link Australia, Arts Council
When can I come and how long can I stay?
This year (2026) we will be working on the restoration of the houses and will not be able to have residents. However, if you are interested you are welcome to volunteer for the restoration works. See HERE.
Who will I be living with?
You will be living with us: Merve, David and Idris. Merve runs the residency, David runs the making of the houses and Idris is 8 years old and is very much part of the house life. We will make sure you will get your own space, time and privacy in order to get on with your work. At times, you can even have the whole house to yourself for some of the week. However, please be aware that this is a residency with a small child present.
What does the residency cost?
The residency fee is 8500 TL (140 GBP, 160 Euros) per week.
(We are doing our best to keep this fee as low as possible. It is not set for us to make any profit from, but is a small help towards the torna projects, for us to keep going independently.)
Can I bring my child?
We are working on this. But unfortunately we are not able to have more children just yet.
Do you have a discounted fee for students or recent graduates from Turkey?
Yes. We will try to do our best. Get in touch and let's talk about how we can help each other.
Can I come with my partner or collaborator?
Currently we are not able to have more than one artist at a time as our spaces are limited. However, we are working on making more room for more people.
Laundry? Cleaning?
You will be kindly expected to do your usual bits to keep your personal and shared living spaces relatively tidy and clean. You will be provided with bedding and towels and we have a washing machine you can use whenever you need to.
What about dietary restrictions?
Do let us know if there is anything you don't eat. Our meals will mostly be prepared using local and fresh vegetables and fruits; yogurts and cheese; various legumes as well as occasional meat. There will always be vegetarian and vegan alternatives at the table as most of Turkish summer dishes are already vegetarian.
When can I come, when is the next residency?
There won't be a residency this year (2026). We have just moved to Bristol, UK and every other time we have in Turkey we want to spend it on getting the houses ready for the future residencies and get-togethers. Sign up to our mailing list below to be kept updated!
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