The Residency

Leaving the dream
(abandoning the parody of living the dream)

We have some hopes rather than requirements:

We have nothing to achieve.
No hidden agenda.
No cultural washing.


The people paying for the foundation will have no tax deduction from this enterprise, (i.e. they will not gravate on the public in general depriving the coffer of the state: the minimum of decency).

They will also remain publicly anonymous.

In other words we have no sponsors, (we have real friends).

The aim is not to promote some hidden commercial benefit or wearing greed on our sleeves as a sign of recognition and acceptance of the dominant tribe, we are not the sandwich-artists of the Pharaoh.

The possibility practiced in Montenero is to exit the megamincer in style, pulling the felon artist out of the Pavlovian maze, working outside the mega-machine, rubbing rocks together searching for the sparkle that will ignite the rest, deeply immersed in an illusion that others call aesthetic, living the good life, arriving maybe a bit late at the Symposium.

Montenero Val Cocchiara is a small town of under 300 residents. There is a single bar in the square of the town, and a small church. This sleepy town provides the perfect backdrop to explore your current practice, or something
entirely new.

At the foot of the village in the valley is the “Pantano”, one of europes largest and oldest peat bogs. Water accumulates here over winter and dries out over summer. Wild horses live here, and often other wildlife can be seen here.

In 2025 We Will Be Hosting Two Residencies.

MAY 6TH TO
JUNE 6TH 2025.

This residency is perfect for thos who want to get lost in a project for 1 month. We will do traditionally cooked molise style dinners for our guests 3 times a week and a day trip once a week. the spring time will allow for lunches in the garden with your fellow residents and walks in the pantano or forrest to break away from the studios.there are two artist places, one musician , one writer & one photographer/digital artist
application open date 6th January 2025
application deadline 6th february 2025

NOVEMBER 3RD
TO 16TH 2025

This residency will be an intimate two week long residency.

so that the creatives can make the most out of their two weeks here,  we will cook traditional molise style dinners for the guests 6 nights a week.
this residency is perfect for creatives with other time constricting commitments and a big appetite for nightly discussions.
there are two artist places, one musician , one writer & one photographer/digital artist
application open date 3rd july 2025
application deadline 3rd august 2025


Montenero Val Cochiarra is a special place, so make sure to research into it so that you can tell us why you’d like to come here. The application can be found below. We look forward to reading your applications.


Applications can be sent to frenkielponti@gmail.com
With the subject titled
‘“Application - Month - (Artist/Musician/Writer/Photographer/Digital Artist)

DOWNLOAD
OUR RESIDENCY PDF
HERE


In our PDF you'll find travel, location and accommodations information, equipment lists and more...

The Residents Point of View

Aidan Hermans Multidisiplinary Artist February 2024 Resident
"
The residence in Montenero Val Cocchiara was a fantastic experience! I felt at home and welcomed, in a family atmosphere. I can only give positive feedback, from the welcome, to the people who make up the foundation, to the beauty of the environments we lived and to finish the goodness of the dishes cooked. For this there was nothing missing in the facilities, there was everything I could want and even more. One of the most beautiful moments was during one of the last evenings, a very normal evening apparently but we were drinking tea, we were reading the cards and I felt very comfortable.This residency came at a moment where I needed time and space to develop new and untested ideas. There was no expected output and yet this knowledge and freedom drove me to rigorously probe a new project resulting in a productive residency period. The setting is beautiful and a great inspiration for working, making, observing, foraging and feasting. The two weeks felt like a gift — a pause in time where anything from new ideas, friendships and things left unconsidered might sprout from the muddy bog. There is something here for every artist and creative.”

Nathan Jeffers Writer February 2024 Resident
"
Coming to Montenero felt like a voice saying "Yes." Yes to space, yes to creativity, yes to delicious food. Having the time to write was a blessing, and I left feeling deeply grateful."

Ben Maier Musician August 2023 Resident
‘I had a magical time at the Frenkiel Ponti Foundation. The chance to let ideas percolate in such stunning surroundings was very special. It can be hard to find the psychological space to create in the hustle and bustle of daily life--usually in stolen moments--and to have the opportunity to create in such a beautiful and peaceful place was invaluable. The residency gave not only space but also nourishment of mind and body--from swims in the nearby lake, to some of the most delicious food I've ever eaten and stimulating after-dinner conversations with the wonderful hosts and other artists. Overall, the residency was a uniquely revitalising experience, both personally and creatively.’

Paul Kindersley Multidisciplinary Artist May 2023 Residency
"It’s been an incredible few weeks- wish I could’ve stayed longer! The residency was a magic and useful experience that gave me precious time to think, draw, read, experiment and play without the stress of needing to produce. This fruitful time gave me a chance to focus on drawing and helped sew the seeds to many future projects. The food, rooms and company was incredible and I especially enjoyed the times at meals and after when we had time to share ideas and talk about art, politics, nature and of course food! It’s a truly beautiful place that nourishes both the soul and the mind, allowing an important break to recalibrate and focus."

Ben Maier Musician August 2023 Resident
‘I had a magical time at the Frenkiel Ponti Foundation. The chance to let ideas percolate in such stunning surroundings was very special. It can be hard to find the psychological space to create in the hustle and bustle of daily life--usually in stolen moments--and to have the opportunity to create in such a beautiful and peaceful place was invaluable. The residency gave not only space but also nourishment of mind and body--from swims in the nearby lake, to some of the most delicious food I've ever eaten and stimulating after-dinner conversations with the wonderful hosts and other artists. Overall, the residency was a uniquely revitalising experience, both personally and creatively.’