Serious artists, writers and makers who want quiet, uninterrupted time to work — at any career stage and in any medium. It isn’t a taught painting holiday; it is a working studio in a beautiful, remote place, with an experienced artist on hand if you want guidance.

No. What matters is that you come to work. Emerging, returning and self-taught artists are welcome — the setting suits anyone serious about their practice who needs room to focus.

Yes. Artists from around the world have worked here — from Brazil, France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium and South Africa — many responding directly to the river and the landscape. Ponte d’Arte welcomes international artists in any medium and at any stage of their careers.

No jury, no application fee. You book the self-contained studio-apartment directly on Airbnb, and arrange mentorship with Celia if you want it. That independence is exactly what a self-directed residency is for.

The studio-apartment is booked directly on Airbnb, where you will always see the current nightly rate and guest reviews. The whole house is occasionally available by arrangement when Celia is away.

Yes. Mentorship is one-to-one — honest feedback, direction and critique of your work — arranged directly with Celia and paid in advance to confirm. It is separate from your stay; use the enquiry form to start.

No — Ponte d’Arte is privately run and self-funded, which is what keeps it independent and affordable. If you are looking for ways to fund a self-directed stay, see our guide to funding a self-directed residency.

A stone farmhouse on the Rio Alva with a fully-equipped kitchen and a terrace over the river, set in one and a half hectares of wild riverside gardens. The nearest village is fifteen minutes away.

Fly to Porto, then take the train to Coimbra; a pick-up can be arranged. The river beach, supermarkets and cultural sites are all within easy reach by car.