prehistoricsoul LAB residencies program
prehistoric LAB residencies is a new self-directed residency program in Denpasar, Bali, designed for uninterrupted work. For its first year (2025), we offer simple workspace and living accommodations to four or five practitioners per month, with no pressure to produce or perform. Emerging from the ongoing research platform prehistoricsoul.net, the residency focuses on process, providing space to work on projects, conduct research, connect with Balinese culture and local artists and researchers or reflect on your practice.
We welcome practitioners across disciplines: visual artists, movement and performance makers, sound and music explorers, writers, researchers, archaeologists, anthropologists and those working across or beyond traditional categories. There are no set themes, residents may work independently or exchange ideas organically.
This is a self-directed residency, giving residents the freedom to shape their own projects and work at their own pace. While there are no set expectations, we are open to organizing workshops or presentations of your work if you wish to share your process or outcomes with others. We are also happy to help facilitate connections with local artists, researchers, or communities if relevant to your practice. Residents can also choose whether they would like their work or reflections from the residency to be featured on our website.
Studio Space
The residency takes place in a large open-plan house, located in Denpasar, Bali’s capital, in a quiet neighbourhood and overlooking the Ayung river, it offers both calm and access to the broader cultural energy of the island. It's around 20 minutes ride to the Sanur beach, 30 minutes ride to Ubud and 45 minutes ride to Canggu.
The studio is equipped with basic tools including tables, floor mats, lamps, a shared toolkit (scissors, knives, rulers, pliers), extension cords, a Bluetooth speakers, projector, push pins, clips, paper, paint, sketching materials. If your practice requires something specific, feel free to mention it in your application and we will do our best to help source it locally or find a simple solution together.
The space has previously hosted dance, theatre, and music events, with infrastructure that includes:
Outdoor and indoor work areas
Basic tools
Garden areas and shared kitchen,
Wi-Fi and simple furnishings
Residents are expected to care for the space and one another, following basic house guidelines.
Sessions and Dates
The residency runs in three one-month sessions throughout the summer of 2025. Applicants may apply for one or two consecutive months, depending on availability:
Session 1 from June 10 to July 10 - 2025
Session 2 from July 10 to August 10 - 2025
Session 3 from August 10 to September 10 - 2025
Practicalities, Visas and Fees
Accommodation options include a Shared Studio with single beds (4 residents max) in an open upstairs studio with shared facilities and a Private Pavilion, independent apartment with open kitchen, private bathroom, small terrace studio, and access to common areas.
A shared studio space with a single beds is available for 150 EUR per person per month, and a private pavilion at 300 EUR per month. To confirm your placement, a 50% deposit is required within seven days of acceptance (75 EUR for shared space, 150 EUR for private). This deposit is non-refundable and it secures your spot. The remaining balance is due 10 days before your arrival.
Your residency fee covers accommodation, Wi-Fi, and access to all shared spaces including the kitchen, work studios, and garden areas. Drinking water tanks will be provided and regularly refilled throughout your stay. Residents are responsible for their own meals, travel expenses, art materials, and any specialized equipment beyond our basic tools.
Regarding visas, please note we are unable to provide sponsorship. Most visitors can obtain a 30-day visa upon arrival in Indonesia, which can be extended once for a maximum 60-day stay. We recommend checking official immigration resources for your specific nationality requirements.
All fees contribute directly to maintaining the residency, from utilities and internet to the upkeep of shared facilities and basic tools. This model allows us to keep costs affordable while providing a functional workspace.
Residents should budget for personal expenses, which typically range from €200–€500/month for food, transportation, and supplies, depending on lifestyle.
Please note: the space is currently undergoing light renovation in preparation for the 2025 residency season. New beds, furniture, and refreshed workspaces will be ready and in place for all sessions.
Accessibility
The residency space currently has significant accessibility limitations: stairs at all entrances and no wheelchair-adapted bathrooms. We acknowledge that this excludes many individuals, and we are actively working on solutions for future iterations.
If you have specific access needs, mobility, sensory, or health-related, please contact us before applying. We will be happy to explore potential workarounds, though some barriers may unfortunately be unavoidable.
Application
We encourage applicants of all nationalities, cultural backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, ages, abilities, and disciplines. The LAB is a shared space, we ask residents to actively contribute to an environment of mutual respect and openness.
To apply please submit your application via this form
We will ask for a short statement about yourself, few examples of your work (upload or link to your portfolio or written statement about your practice), preferred session dates and accommodation choice and any specific needs or tools your practice requires.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until all spots are filled. We aim to respond within 7 days of receiving your application.
For further details or questions, please contact us at jonas@prehistoricsoul.net
Location:
prehistoricsoul LAB,
Gg. Margot No.20A, Peguyangan Kangin, Kec. Denpasar Utara, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80115, Indonesia
