Tromsø, Norway·Other
Artists retreat on an expedition sailing vessel
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Meridian Expeditions
Tromsø, Norway
Creating an artists retreat on an old sailing ship
Cost
€2,200 / week
Disciplines
All disciplines
Duration
We generally welcome artists for stays of one to two weeks, although we are flexible depending on the artist's project, interests and our sailing schedule. Longer stays may also be possible by arrange
Accommodation
Shared and private cabins
Languages
English, Spanish, Norwegian
Availability
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Minimum stay: 2 days
About this opportunity
The space
The Space- a traditional Norwegian sailing vessel! Meridian is a traditional Norwegian sailing vessel, offering a unique and cosy floating home for artists, creatives and adventurous souls looking for an inspiring place to live, work and connect. The boat has three separate cabins: one with a comfortable double bed and two with bunk beds. In addition, there are three individual single berths in the saloon, providing flexible sleeping arrangements for guests. At the heart of the boat is a spacious communal saloon, with a large dining and sitting area alongside a well-equipped kitchen. It is a natural gathering place for sharing meals, conversations, creative ideas and evenings together. The boat also has a generous cockpit and a large open deck space, offering plenty of room to practise yoga, read a book in the sunshine, enjoy a morning coffee or simply take in the surrounding scenery. Meridian is equipped with everything needed to make life aboard comfortable and enjoyable, including a TV, built-in sound system, coffee machine, waffle iron and a traditional heating stove. The stove provides warmth throughout the vessel and heats the water for onboard showers, making the boat cosy and welcoming even during colder Arctic days. Whether guests are looking for a quiet corner to paint, a communal space to collaborate, somewhere to share music, or simply a change of scenery to find fresh inspiration, Meridian offers a distinctive and intimate environment. It is more than just a place to stay – it is a floating home and creative space, surrounded by the ever-changing landscapes of Northern Norway.
Surroundings
During the winter and spring months, we are based in and around Tromsø, sailing between the islands and exploring the surrounding coastline, from the Lyngen Alps to the wild stretches of Finnmark. We are always on the move, following the weather, discovering new places and making the most of the changing Arctic landscape. When based in Tromsø, the marina is conveniently located within easy reach of the airport, which offers a good selection of international connections. During the summer and autumn months, we generally move south to the Lofoten Islands and, at times, the beautiful Helgeland coast. If joining us in this region, the best option is usually to fly to Bodø and continue by ferry – a scenic journey in itself and a lovely introduction to Northern Norway!
Life during a stay
A different kind of stay Life aboard Meridian follows a different rhythm. Days unfold around the weather, the sea, the changing light and the interests of the people on board. Mornings might begin with fresh coffee, a shared breakfast and conversations around the saloon table, before everyone finds their own rhythm for the day. Some days might bring a sail to a new anchorage, a hike ashore, a swim in the sea or an afternoon exploring the coastline. Others might be spent quietly painting on deck, writing in the saloon, reading in the sunshine or simply enjoying the peace and scenery. There is always the opportunity to get involved in sailing the boat, learn a little navigation or discover something new. Food and shared experiences are a big part of life aboard. We cook and eat together, share stories, play music and enjoy evenings that might turn into spontaneous creative collaborations or simply long conversations around the table. We don't run a formal, instructor-led artist residency or follow a fixed daily programme. Instead, we provide an inspiring environment in which artists can create their own experience, follow their creative interests and find their own balance between time alone and time together. Meridian is a place to disconnect from everyday routines, reconnect with nature and creativity, and meet like-minded people. We hope guests leave with fresh inspiration, new friendships and memories of a week spent living a little different
What the artist will do
We welcome artists and creatives from all disciplines and backgrounds. Whether you are a painter, writer, photographer, musician, filmmaker, designer or work in another creative field, Meridian offers an inspiring environment to explore your practice and develop your own projects. There is no set theme, commission or expected outcome. Artists are free to use their time aboard to develop an existing project, experiment with new ideas, find fresh inspiration or simply dedicate time to their creative practice. The ever-changing landscapes of Northern Norway, the sea, mountains, wildlife and experience of life aboard a traditional sailing vessel provide a unique backdrop for creative exploration. There may also be opportunities for spontaneous collaboration, shared creative sessions and exchanging ideas with other artists on board. Ultimately, we encourage everyone to follow their own interests and make the experience their own.
Good to know
A Few Things Worth Knowing Meridian is a traditional sailing vessel, and life aboard is a little different from staying in a conventional home or hotel. Space is shared, and we enjoy creating a relaxed, welcoming environment where everyone contributes to the everyday rhythm of the boat – whether that's helping prepare a meal, keeping things tidy or lending a hand while sailing. No previous sailing experience is necessary. Those who are curious are welcome to get involved, learn the basics and become part of the sailing experience, while others are equally welcome to sit back and enjoy the journey. Our routes and destinations are flexible, shaped by weather, sea conditions and the interests of those on board. Sometimes the best experiences are the unexpected ones. Above all, we welcome people who are open-minded, considerate and curious about the world around them. You don't need to be an experienced sailor or even an experienced adventurer – just bring an open mind, a little flexibility and a willingness to share the experience with others.
Practical details
Duration
We generally welcome artists for stays of one to two weeks, although we are flexible depending on the artist's project, interests and our sailing schedule. Longer stays may also be possible by arrange
Cost
Covers accommodation, all meals & food onboard, fuel for boat, marina or harbour fees, hiking, sailing, fishing and other activities, professional skipper & chance to get involved with & learn sailing
Accommodation
Shared and private cabins
Program notes
Meridian is a traditional sailing vessel, and life aboard is a little different from staying in a conventional home or hotel. Space is shared, and we enjoy creating a relaxed, welcoming environment where everyone contributes to the everyday rhythm of the boat – whether that's helping prepare a meal, keeping things tidy or lending a hand while sailing. No previous sailing experience is necessary. Those who are curious are welcome to get involved, learn the basics and become part of the sailing experience, while others are equally welcome to sit back and enjoy the journey. Our routes and destinations are flexible, shaped by weather, sea conditions and the interests of those on board. Sometimes the best experiences are the unexpected ones. Above all, we welcome people who are open-minded, considerate and curious about the world around them. You don't need to be an experienced sailor or even an experienced adventurer – just bring an open mind, a little flexibility and a willingness to share the experience with others.
What's offered
Accommodation
Meals
Kitchen Access
Equipment Access
Transport
Skills needed
Composition
Spoken Word
Photography
Painting
Drawing
Mixed Media
Poetry
Screenwriting
Translation
Journalism
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