Ray Bradbury once said, “I’m not in control of my Muse. My Muse does all the work.” William S. Burroughs took it even farther in recommending, “Cheat your landlord if you can and must, but do not try to shortchange the Muse. It cannot be done. You can’t fake quality any more than you can fake a good meal.”

Our artists have one non-negotiable condition to take part in this Quarantine: they simply refuse to be guides on a tour that shows participants how to paint as they do, as if leading a flock of art-world tourists.

Their courage involves conveying everything else on this delightfully uncertain voyage: philosophy, motivation, initiative, dignity, discomfort, euphoria, coherence, disappointment, courage, discipline, tears, challenges, connection, work ethic, decision making… ultimately, the trial of living a life that is genuinely committed to Art.

The artists will share their experiences from multiple perspectives and will discuss why they paint and how they experience painting. Throughout the week, the mentor you choose will pose various challenges to pulverize the student in you.

Because at some point, my friend, you will have to stop studying Art and start creating it… Why seek comfort if it delivers no feeling?

Welcome to Quarantine.

FAQ

Is Quarantine for me?

At Quarantine we don’t want the best version of you. We prefer a more vulnerable version, one that makes mistakes, that has bad days. And we love people who understand that creation is not a competition.

If you are that person, have no doubts; Lazaretto is a refuge.

PERFECT for you if…

• You are open-minded and want to surround yourself with people like you.
• You think outside the box and are open to the unexpected.
• You understand that progress requires questioning one’s comfort and confronting one’s fears.

NOT for you if…

• You wouldn’t have taken the “red pill”.
• You are comfortable perfecting a method, are not ready to question it.
• You do not enjoy debate and the exchange of ideas with other artists.

What will I learn?

At Quarantine you will learn more, and understand less:

• You will learn to unlearn, to question the rules and give meaning to your artistic training.
• You will learn to embrace crisis, take advantage of your vulnerabilities and free yourself from your fears.

Why is it necessary to apply?

Our “boot camps” are generating quite a stir, but they’re not for everyone. They are highly intense experiences and require an open mind. And we know from experience that not everyone is ready.

Mentors and Quarantine staff will make a selection from among the most committed applicants.

Selection criteria

1. Commitment level
2. Open mind
3. Variety: we aim to put together a heterogeneous group. We love mixing applicants from different creative fields.

When will I know if I am selected?

Please try to avoid writing to us from time to time to inquire about the selection process. We know you are eager to participate, but this process takes time. We will inform you in due course, we promise! 

That said, you will have an answer within one month of submitting your application. If your heart is set on attending Quarantine, we recommend applying sooner than later, as applications will be reviewed in stages and groups are likely to fill up.

Can you help me to choose a mentor?

Sure. Let’s help you choose a mentor. We have a trusty oracle for this. Select a path:

But what on earth is going to happen on that island?

Whatever happens, happens, I can say no more.

So, cell phones will be prohibited simply to avoid distraction, but also to reveal that living the experience is more important than documenting it like a tourist.

The ancient Venetians knew how to spread information disguised in secret. They also knew that the longer a secret could be kept, the faster it would spread. So it seems you’ll just have to discover the program’s little secrets alla Veneziana!

See you in Quarantine?

Do you have grants?

Grants

If you’re 25 or under, talented and truly need a grant to attend Quarantine, we may have a wonderful opportunity for you.

We are currently working on the creation of full and partial (50%) grants for Quarantine, which will be announced around Christmas. To stay up to date on all our latest developments, we recommend signing up for the newsletter:

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