Rancho Rata is an international artist residency and retreat set in the picturesque Andalusian village of Villanueva del Rosario. Nestled on a 1,000m² plot of land with breathtaking mountain views, our space offers artists a place to create, connect, and immerse themselves in nature.
Founded by artist and art educator Cristina Savage, Rancho Rata was originally her personal studio but soon evolved into a vibrant cultural venue. Encouraged by Veronica Ruth Frías, director of the neighboring residency, Rara Residencia, Cristina embraced the idea of establishing an artist residency, in her home, that fosters collaboration and artistic exchange.
Villanueva del Rosario has become a hub for creatives, especially since the pandemic, when many artists relocated here from Málaga City, just 40 minutes away. Rancho Rata thrives within this dynamic community, alongside other cultural spaces such as Peligro 19 (a performing arts and music venue), La Eklektica, Estudio Ignacio del Río, and The Museum of Failure.
At Rancho Rata, we cultivate a deep connection with nature. We organically grow a variety of fruits and vegetables and welcome animals on our land. Our two rescue German Shepherds, Carmina and Gina, are part of our family and often roam the grounds, adding to the unique charm of our space.
Through residencies, workshops, and events, we aim to create an inspiring and inclusive environment where artists from around the world can exchange ideas, experiment, and engage with the local community.
We invite you to learn more and become part of our journey at Rancho Rata.
Villanueva del Rosario.
Click here for interesting historical and demographic information about the typical picturesque white Andalusian pueblo that sits at the base of the Cerro de la Cruz Mountain of the northeast province of Malaga, close to Archidona, Antequera, and the city of Malaga—located a little over an hour away from Marbella, Ronda, Granada, and Cordoba. The figure below: Rancho Rata from above, Calle Canalejas 19, Villanueva del Rosario, 29132, Malaga, Andalusia.
Villanueva del Rosario is a quiet, close-knit community of a little over 3,300 inhabitants and was home to internationally renowned painter, illustrator, engraver, and designer José Hernández (Tangiers 1944 – Villanueva del Rosario, 2013) who spent thirty-eight years living between his studios and homes in Madrid and Villanueva del Rosario. Hernández sought in Villanueva del Rosario, Malaga, the peace and quiet he needed to create. The village has an exhibition space in memory of his work, and Rancho Rata generously received materials donated by the late artist’s daughter, Ana, that our residents may use.
The village has essential shops, some art materials, and supermarkets for basic needs. Still, for more fancy or exotic necessities, residents may travel to the largest city nearby, Malaga, where there is more commerce and variety.
The closest airport is in Malaga, one of the oldest cities in the world, founded in the 8th century by the Phoenicians. Today Malaga is best known for its extraordinary art culture and the birth town of Pablo Picasso. Many of Spain’s best museums are located right in this coastal city of the south. Malaga’s art museums include the Picasso Museum, Museo Carmen Thyssen, CAC Malaga, the Malaga Museum, and Centre Pompidou. Málaga has beaches flanking the city, banana trees, and beautiful fountains in the city´s parks. However, residents will find the best beaches as they wander from the city toward Nerja or Marbella.
International artist residency and retreat
At Rancho Rata, our interests lie in hosting community-based artists, musicians, performers, researchers, writers, and educators, providing them with an immersive experience in the village and surrounding Mediterranean forests, shared studio or teaching space, exhibition space, printmaking and ceramic equipment, and overall environment to enrich their practice and aid in artmaking and other projects. At Rancho Rata, we find growth in housing and sharing experiences with creative thinkers. We hope to create powerful and positive encounters that contribute to the lives of the people, plants, or animals involved in their proposals.
We prioritize local artists working on socially engaged art practices, interested in mutual aid and projects that help advance a social issue, environmentalism, and women in the arts. Rancho Rata is also equipped for printmakers and ceramicists, who we encouraged to join us at our studio. We work with the artists as a team, offering hands-on assistance for the artists when needed for the length of their stay, facilitating and curating proposed projects, and connecting the artists with their new surroundings.
Rancho Rata offers artists a retreat in a cozy studio house in a village with a growing cultural core that also gives our residents a chance to meet other international and local artists and artisans, musicians, and actors with whom to network, exchange ideas, and collaborate. Our leitmotiv is: to engage, share, communicate, and learn using art as a tool.
