a note from oleta: what i wish i had

when i started out

when i started out i was working from the corner of my bedroom. one small desk and all my creative stuff piled into that same space. there was no separation between work and rest. no space to think or create properly. everything was overloaded in front of me. projects on the floor. half-finished ideas. things were in motion, but my environment wasn’t right.

i created these residencies because i didn’t want other creatives to have to start like that or endure that. i built this to give you what i didn’t have. a proper space to create in. a structure around you. a small circle of people who are just as serious about their work as you are.

what’s included

the residency programme includes a lot. monthly studio access. support from a business coach and accountability partner (we invest heavily in). creative strategy calls to help you build what you’re trying to build, workshops, dinners, events + a community around you that hypes you up and keeps you going.

why commitment matters

but the thing is, when people don’t show up, when they disappear or check out halfway through, it affects everyone. we’ve had people drop out and go ghost before and it breaks the structure (& my heart tbh).

success circle groups lose their momentum, events lose their energy, the support network gets quiet and someone else who needed the space and support ends up not getting it.

because of that, the team and i have had to become more intentional and selective. on previous waves we accepted around 7 to 10 percent of applicants and demand keeps growing.

how we assess

we don’t say yes unless we fully believe you’re ready to use the space properly, fully commit to your plan ‘a’, and follow through on what you say you’re here to do.

there’s a clear assessment criteria we go by. we check how aligned you are with riónce arts club and the kind of community we’re building. a space where everyone supports and feeds off each other. where your energy contributes to the momentum of the whole group.

we need to see clearly what projects you’re going to be working on,?what you plan to create, how many hours you’ll realistically need, who you’ll collaborate with, how you intend to use the time and space you’re asking for.

it’s not just a “i want to do this” type thing; but a chance to explain and share references of exactly what you’re going to do. share how you’ll do it and how you’ll make sure you follow through. this isn’t just something you’re going to wing, it’s something you’re committing to - so your plan needs to reflect that.

who gets accepted

the people who get accepted are the ones who apply like they’ve already been accepted and already started the residency. the ones who’ve already made space for this in their calendar and in their mind.

a couple of applicants will receive fully funded residencies. everyone else selected will be offered part-funded places.

a safe, serious space

this isn’t a harsh space. it’s a safe one. we don’t expect you to be perfect. we just ask for communication. the team & i will work with you if things get hard. we just need you to be real with us.

this programme is not easy. and it’s not supposed to be. you’ll be stretched. you’ll have to stay organised. you’ll have to show up even when it’s inconvenient.

but you’ll also have proper support, a strong routine, accountability. and the chance to design something that genuinely works for your life.

this was built to help you stop winging it and actually build something sustainable.

to close,

basically…if you’re not ready don’t apply yet. but if you are, and you’re serious about making this your life, not just a side hustle, then this might be exactly what you need.

“happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony.” ~ ghandi

let’s get it.

~ oleta

founder, riónce arts club