We are dedicated to the preservation, transmission, & innovation of cultural heritage.
Our residency program is in the heart of the Medina of Sousse. We welcome multidisciplinary creatives, chefs, researchers, and practitioners to renew, create, and connect while immersing themselves in a new way of being in this ancient city on the Mediterranean.
What is a residency?
Our residency program serves as a sanctuary for artists, writers, storytellers, heritage keepers, designers, academics, chefs, entrepreneurs, and other creative professionals to focus on their work, relax, and connect with like-minded individuals in a serene and supportive environment.
The New Medina encourages a participatory approach, where guests contribute to fostering a creative, professional community. Collective projects or initiatives that aim to build collaboratively are highly encouraged and given priority.
We focus on creating a dynamic atmosphere where connections are is nurtured and sustained - both during your stay with us and beyond. Let us be your gateway to discovering the rich tapestry of Tunisian culture and history while you connect with your own work and passions.
Is our residency a match for you?
Are you…
Passionate about the creative, ancient wisdom of traditional cultural legacies?
Interested in revitalizing and building community resilience?
Seeking a global community of artists and professionals?
Inspired by global belonging and empowering diasporic communities and knowledge?
Looking for cross-cultural partnership and assistance finding those partners?
In need of a safe, transformative space to connect with your own creativity and work?
What is a residency & what can I expect?
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
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Thoughtfully designed rooms with a private bathroom that fuse mid-century aesthetics with Tunisian influences, offering comfort and a unique aesthetic.
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Enjoy a delicious and nourishing daily breakfast showcasing a variety of options sourced from local farms and artisans. Our in-house chef also offers seasonal, fresh traditional meals with a modern culinary twist upon request.
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Residencies are usually a minimum of 2 weeks and can extend up to 3 months. We are happy to work with you to find a length of time that is best!
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Personalized assistance from experienced professionals, providing guidance on research, artistic production, curation, local information, and addressing specific needs during your stay.
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Facilitated connections with local partners for those seeking collaboration and experiential learning.
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Access to all of the communal spaces of the New Medina, including the courtyards, roof, and multipurpose work rooms.
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Engage with the vibrant New Medina community, where the dynamic mix of creatives, agents of change, executives, and scholars can cross your path at any moment, offering enriching interactions and a unique cultural experience.
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All of our residents are invited to participate in our Living Archive project.
Every resident of The New Medina contributes to the growth of intentional community in The Medina, Sousse, Tunisia, and globally.
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We are a family friendly space! Children, spouses, parents, and elders are all welcome as part of your residency.
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Transportation Costs:
Travel to/from the accommodation.
Local transportation.
Meals Beyond Breakfast:
Lunch, dinner, and additional meals.
Snacks and beverages outside breakfast.
Personal Expenses:
Shopping, laundry, and entertainment.
Insurance (travel, health, etc.).
Extra Activities and Excursions:
Guided tours and special excursions.
Equipment rentals.
For additional questions, please see our FAQ page or email us directly.
Residency Types
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Book directly and experience the benefits of an uninterrupted stay. By choosing to book directly, you invest in your time, creativity and personal productivity. Our space offers the ideal environment for remote work, focused projects, or simply a mental reset. Immerse yourself in a stimulating cultural setting while enjoying the convenience of a dedicated workspace.
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You are an individual collaborating with a research Institutions, a private company, or a specific agency envelope. There is paperwork that may have to be filled out by the hosting institution (The New Medina), and there are time sensitive deliverables you need to build upon and or work through.
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In pay-it-forward model, The New Medina subsidizes from 50% to 100% of the residency cost in exchange for work that is left behind, and services that contribute to the revitalization of the heritage zones across the world.
Apply for consideration by our advisory committee. Application are reviewed every quarter. *
*Please note that 2024 applications are closed. Thanks for understanding!
Previous Residents
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MA Student Diane Ortiz-Macleod
“This place fosters an environment for reflection, relaxation, and deep focus. Enjoying the space and time here helped me make meaningful progress in my research. Then also getting feedback by exchanging what projects we’re working on with everyone here led to great conversations that fed into my work, I didn’t expect the extent of that.
Originally I had planned a short-term stay but extending my stay really cemented a sense of community that I was able to immerse myself in, and experience the rich culture here too. The people that come to the New Medina are a special group of people.”
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Photographer Ayse Gursoz
“Imagine waking up in the heart of the Medina to the smell of fresh baked bread as you wander down the labyrinthine pathways, bustling markets, and stunning architecture. I had the great delight of doing just that for a two-week photography residency with The New Medina in Sousse, Tunisia.
During the two weeks of the residency, I had the opportunity to engage with local artists and residents and create portraits and photographs that would be displayed at a gallery for, and within, the community. Their stories and traditions have added depth to my understanding and appreciation of Tunisian culture. I especially adored meeting Habib, the door-maker of Sousse, and learning about his process and the care and precision he puts into his artistry and craft. For me as a photographer, it provided an opportunity to hone in on my process and sharpen my technical skills, all while also embracing rest, presence, and enjoyment.
The New Medina has left an indelible mark on my work and my heart. It was also a special opportunity to forge new friendships and build community across geographies, like that with my now dear friend and fellow photographer @karentomczak . Thanks so much for an unforgettable and transformative time. “
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Student + Researcher Sityana Abdu
“On my drive to the New Medina from the Tunis airport, I could feel my brain waking up. My time as a resident the New Medina was nothing short of transformative. I took a gap semester to take a break from school and rediscover my academic interests, and it turned out to be an incredibly enriching experience.
During my stay, I conducted my first ethnographic research project in Sousse. Every day was new ways of thinking about things, new experiences, and interacting with new communities.
Living inside the Medina allowed me to deeply familiarize myself with the area and integrate into Tunisian life. The space facilitated interactions with both locals and global visitors, all united by a shared interest in community betterment.
I decided to return because I felt I had developed a strong academic and social community here, and I wanted to continue nurturing the relationships I had built.
The space is a great introduction to Tunisia and where I needed to be during this formative part of my academic career. “