1. How can I apply to Sam Rit Residency?
Applications open with calls and responded to within 2-3 weeks of submission. We recommend residents apply to the program at least 6 weeks in advance of their intended time frame. Residencies are on offer at different times and with specific projects. We require interested applicants to complete an online form stating their intentions during a residency, links to any websites or blogs, a history of their creative background and a preference of which times are suitable. Applications are assessed on the merit of the applicant’s responses to the questions, professionalism of work, and their intended goals of a residency. Interested applicants must ensure they have read through all important information on this website before starting the application process.
2. How much does the residency program cost?
Sam Rit Residency is operated on a minimal fee-for-service basis. We have three different fee and package options available for residencies – Independent, Semi-Supported and Fully Supported. Each different option offers more facilities and services for a higher cost. Please refer to Program Fees for more information. Please note that prices are quoted in $USD.
3. Which residency package is right for me?
Our Independent Residency is best suited to those who have either stayed in Sam Rit Residency before and are well orientated with the area, or those who possess an efficient level of Thai language in order to be self-sufficient and independent during their stay.
Our Semi Supported Residency is suitable for those who have not travelled to this area before, with limited Thai language, and would benefit from the experience and support of a guide in the first two days of their stay. Residents are completely orientated and settled into the community with a door to door service before they can enjoy the independence of their private living quarters. Weekly shopping visits to nearby towns are also included as part of the extra fee.
Our Fully Supported Residency is best suited to those who are also seeking the same assistance as the Semi-Supported residency but are also looking to do a community workshop, presentation, performance or similar. Fully Supported residents receive the added benefit of a project assistant who will act as a liaison between the community and the resident as well as assist in making preparations for gathering materials or organising a small event. Fully Supported Residencies are only available at certain times of the year.
4. Does Sam Rit Residency provide any financial assistance to residents?
As Sam Rit Residency is a non-profit entity without government or philanthropic funding we cannot offer any form of financial assistance to residents. Proceeds from the program are put directly back into the Sam Rit community through employment and projects. Unfortunately we are unable to provide direct financial assistance to residents. We have however structured our package options to offer residents more affordable options through choosing the services they wish to pay for. We are happy to assist any successful residents who are applying for external funding in the form of Letters of Support.
5. What do my fees cover?
Depending on your residency package of choice our fees cover all the basic necessities for accommodation and studio needs, as well as a choice of extra services on offer. For more information please go to Residency Facilities and Program Fees.
6. What is the method of payment for fees?
Sam Rit Residency accepts payments via bank transfer. Residency fees can only be made in a maxiumum of 2 installments - the deposit and the fee balance. This is to reduce transaction, banking and foreign exchange fees.
7. Do I need to pay a deposit?
Yes – Sam Rit Residency requires a non-refundable deposit of $100 USD to secure your placement in the program. This deposit is required within 10 days of letter of offer. The balance of the fee is then due no later than 4 weeks from the date of arrival at Sam Rit.
8. Can I bring my partner/children or collaborator?
Yes – Sam Rit Residency allows partners, children and collaborators to reside with residents provided there is available room at the time. We have five separate rooms available – two with twin beds and three with a single bed, and can accommodate up to 5 people at a time. Total residency fees including partners and children are quoted upon receipt of application.
9. What are the fees for bringing my partner/children or collaborator?
Fees for extra guests are calculated on an individual basis depending on the type of package, length of stay, and number of rooms required. Please indicate how many rooms are required on your application form.
10. Will there be other artists at the residency during my stay?
Possibly – it will depend on the time of year and if you're applying for a project or not. We can only accommodate up to 5 people at a time. If you would prefer your residency to have just yourself please indicate this on your application form and we will book your stay on a different date.
11. What kind of facilities and equipment are on offer in the studio space?
The shared studio space offers basic furnishings including a total of 6 tables (catering for 2 desks each for up to 3 residents), desk chairs, lamps, and air-conditioning. There is also shelving and a couch in the space. Past residents have also left certain art supplies for communal use at the end of their stay such as paints and paper. Residents may arrange the desks in the studio to their liking during the course of their stay.
For larger scale or performance works residents may also use the space underneath the open hangar at the complex. This may be subject to availability with rice-harvesting season. For more information please refer to the Floor Plan.
12. Who will be in Sam Rit to assist me with my residency?
Project Manager Sumalee (Goong) and Program Assistants will both be available at Sam Rit Residency all year around. Bangon Khaikratok is also available at certain times during the year to act as a project assistant with small events or projects for Fully Supported Residencies. Director Elysha Rei stepped out of project in 2017 and artist Sumalee is now supporting the team with organisation and plans. For more information on our team please go to Meet the Team.
13. Are there any opportunities to engage with the local school?
Yes – Sam Rit Residency has a great relationship with the local school which starts from Kindergarten and goes up to High School. Past residents have given presentations, Open Studio days and had tours of the school. Children of residents are also able to attend the school for a short period of time if the school term dates coincide and plenty of notice is given for organising. A local highschool art faculty is often involved with Residency activities with activities on site at the school and the Residency.
14. Can I have an exhibition during my residency?
Sam Rit Residency can assist in putting together a local gathering of community members for an exhibition using the Studio Space only. There are no formal exhibition spaces in Sam Rit or the surrounding region. For events like this, a project assistant is available to help coordinate with the Fully Support residency package.
15. Do I need to have any vaccinations before coming to Thailand?
It is recommended to have Hepatitis A and B vaccinations up to date before coming to Thailand. Malaria is not a problem in this region. Corona virus immunizations are widespread among Thais with most in the village having three vaccinations to date.
16. Can I travel around Thailand or Southeast Asia before or after my residency and be picked up somewhere other than the airport?
Yes – residents can be picked up or dropped off at alternative locations to the airport with advance notice to the Director. For Semi-Supported and Fully Supported residents there is no extra cost for this if the alternative location is still in Bangkok.
17. What mode of transport do I have at the residency?
A bicycle is the most local and easy method of transport whilst in the village. Each resident and their guests will be lent a residency bicycle during their stay. The area is very flat and easy to navigate especially with the map we provide at the residency. For those wishing to travel further distances, we do offer day package tours and potential for motorcycle rental (license required) for a modest extra cost.
18. Does my fee include food during the residency?
No – food is only included for the first 2 days for those who have chosen either the Semi-Supported or Fully Supported residency options.
19. What kinds of food options are available at the residency?
Residents may choose to cook their own meals using the shared facilities at Sam Rit Residency or eat authentic Thai food at the local village restaurants for modest prices including noodles, stir fry, Thai curries, grilled meats and rice dishes.
Residents who have opted for the Semi-Supported residency receive one weekly shopping trip per week to nearby towns, and Fully-Supported residents receive two trips per week. This includes the services of a car and driver and assistance in sourcing required groceries if needed. Independent residents must make their own way to shopping locations either by bicycle or paying extra for transport services as needed.
20. Can I access money in the village?
The village of Sam Rit does not have ATM facilities, but the nearest town of Phimai provides international ATMs across the town. We recommend residents withdraw cash from an ATM at the airport before pick-up or wait until the first 2 days orientation in Phimai. Bank cards that are accepted at these ATMs have a ‘Plus’ or ‘Cirrus’ logo on the back of the card.
21. Will I have an interpreter for the whole duration of my stay?
No – not all the time. Our Program Manager Sumalee, Bangon, Lindsay, Art and Aek and several assistants have English skills and Sumalee is fluent in Japanese. Collectively they will provide the orientation and transport services for those who have opted for the Semi-Supported and Fully Supported residencies, then remain on call if needed for emergencies or to arrange weekly shopping visits for supplies (for Semi and Fully supported residencies only).
Residents requiring more extensive translating services for audio or written material can purchase the services of an online translator which we can recommend.
Please be mindful that the locals in this region have only had real-life exposure to foreigners through our program as it is not on the major tourist trail of Thailand. Our team includes the only people that can speak English in the village. Despite this many community members are always keen to learn more English from our residents through daily interactions, although being quite shy. Students learn basic English at school but are not comfortable to engage speaking English. Google Translate may come in handy. A sense of patience, openness and understanding is required of residents in order to adjust to a place where English really is a foreign language.
22. What kind of weather can I expect to experience at Sam Rit?
Thailand is located quite close to the equator and experiences tropical weather patterns:
Rainy Season – Jun/Jul – Sept/Oct
Hot Season – Feb/Mar – June
Cool Season – Oct – Feb
23. What kind of local events are on during the year? (note -Corona Virus depending)
24. What kind of art supplies are available to buy near the residency?
The nearest town of Phimai (20 minutes drive away) offers a Lotus's supermarket/department stall with basic arts supplies as well as a school supply shop with a huge selection of papers, and basic paints, brushes, pencils and pens. For more specialized art supplies, there are 4 shopping malls in Korat (40 minutes drive away) which both have a fine art supply shop in the department store. We do have access to a printing press at a nearby local High School who welcomes visiting from resident artists.
25. What kind of Visa will I need for a residency?
Residents must organize their own Visa through the Thai consulate at an Embassy in their country of residence. Information is usually available online. Visitors from some countries that have a diplomatic agreement with Thailand can be issued 15 to 60 day extendable tourist Visas upon arrival. Visitors from other countries, or those wishing to stay longer than 30 days must organize and pay for a tourist visa well in advance. All visitors to Thailand require a return or on-going flight to enter the country as well as 6 month validity on their passport from the date of departure. (Note - Thai Immigration is often revising border control rules and regulations and the most up to date information can be found through the Royal Thai Embassy in your country of origin)
Applications open with calls and responded to within 2-3 weeks of submission. We recommend residents apply to the program at least 6 weeks in advance of their intended time frame. Residencies are on offer at different times and with specific projects. We require interested applicants to complete an online form stating their intentions during a residency, links to any websites or blogs, a history of their creative background and a preference of which times are suitable. Applications are assessed on the merit of the applicant’s responses to the questions, professionalism of work, and their intended goals of a residency. Interested applicants must ensure they have read through all important information on this website before starting the application process.
2. How much does the residency program cost?
Sam Rit Residency is operated on a minimal fee-for-service basis. We have three different fee and package options available for residencies – Independent, Semi-Supported and Fully Supported. Each different option offers more facilities and services for a higher cost. Please refer to Program Fees for more information. Please note that prices are quoted in $USD.
3. Which residency package is right for me?
Our Independent Residency is best suited to those who have either stayed in Sam Rit Residency before and are well orientated with the area, or those who possess an efficient level of Thai language in order to be self-sufficient and independent during their stay.
Our Semi Supported Residency is suitable for those who have not travelled to this area before, with limited Thai language, and would benefit from the experience and support of a guide in the first two days of their stay. Residents are completely orientated and settled into the community with a door to door service before they can enjoy the independence of their private living quarters. Weekly shopping visits to nearby towns are also included as part of the extra fee.
Our Fully Supported Residency is best suited to those who are also seeking the same assistance as the Semi-Supported residency but are also looking to do a community workshop, presentation, performance or similar. Fully Supported residents receive the added benefit of a project assistant who will act as a liaison between the community and the resident as well as assist in making preparations for gathering materials or organising a small event. Fully Supported Residencies are only available at certain times of the year.
4. Does Sam Rit Residency provide any financial assistance to residents?
As Sam Rit Residency is a non-profit entity without government or philanthropic funding we cannot offer any form of financial assistance to residents. Proceeds from the program are put directly back into the Sam Rit community through employment and projects. Unfortunately we are unable to provide direct financial assistance to residents. We have however structured our package options to offer residents more affordable options through choosing the services they wish to pay for. We are happy to assist any successful residents who are applying for external funding in the form of Letters of Support.
5. What do my fees cover?
Depending on your residency package of choice our fees cover all the basic necessities for accommodation and studio needs, as well as a choice of extra services on offer. For more information please go to Residency Facilities and Program Fees.
6. What is the method of payment for fees?
Sam Rit Residency accepts payments via bank transfer. Residency fees can only be made in a maxiumum of 2 installments - the deposit and the fee balance. This is to reduce transaction, banking and foreign exchange fees.
7. Do I need to pay a deposit?
Yes – Sam Rit Residency requires a non-refundable deposit of $100 USD to secure your placement in the program. This deposit is required within 10 days of letter of offer. The balance of the fee is then due no later than 4 weeks from the date of arrival at Sam Rit.
8. Can I bring my partner/children or collaborator?
Yes – Sam Rit Residency allows partners, children and collaborators to reside with residents provided there is available room at the time. We have five separate rooms available – two with twin beds and three with a single bed, and can accommodate up to 5 people at a time. Total residency fees including partners and children are quoted upon receipt of application.
9. What are the fees for bringing my partner/children or collaborator?
Fees for extra guests are calculated on an individual basis depending on the type of package, length of stay, and number of rooms required. Please indicate how many rooms are required on your application form.
10. Will there be other artists at the residency during my stay?
Possibly – it will depend on the time of year and if you're applying for a project or not. We can only accommodate up to 5 people at a time. If you would prefer your residency to have just yourself please indicate this on your application form and we will book your stay on a different date.
11. What kind of facilities and equipment are on offer in the studio space?
The shared studio space offers basic furnishings including a total of 6 tables (catering for 2 desks each for up to 3 residents), desk chairs, lamps, and air-conditioning. There is also shelving and a couch in the space. Past residents have also left certain art supplies for communal use at the end of their stay such as paints and paper. Residents may arrange the desks in the studio to their liking during the course of their stay.
For larger scale or performance works residents may also use the space underneath the open hangar at the complex. This may be subject to availability with rice-harvesting season. For more information please refer to the Floor Plan.
12. Who will be in Sam Rit to assist me with my residency?
Project Manager Sumalee (Goong) and Program Assistants will both be available at Sam Rit Residency all year around. Bangon Khaikratok is also available at certain times during the year to act as a project assistant with small events or projects for Fully Supported Residencies. Director Elysha Rei stepped out of project in 2017 and artist Sumalee is now supporting the team with organisation and plans. For more information on our team please go to Meet the Team.
13. Are there any opportunities to engage with the local school?
Yes – Sam Rit Residency has a great relationship with the local school which starts from Kindergarten and goes up to High School. Past residents have given presentations, Open Studio days and had tours of the school. Children of residents are also able to attend the school for a short period of time if the school term dates coincide and plenty of notice is given for organising. A local highschool art faculty is often involved with Residency activities with activities on site at the school and the Residency.
14. Can I have an exhibition during my residency?
Sam Rit Residency can assist in putting together a local gathering of community members for an exhibition using the Studio Space only. There are no formal exhibition spaces in Sam Rit or the surrounding region. For events like this, a project assistant is available to help coordinate with the Fully Support residency package.
15. Do I need to have any vaccinations before coming to Thailand?
It is recommended to have Hepatitis A and B vaccinations up to date before coming to Thailand. Malaria is not a problem in this region. Corona virus immunizations are widespread among Thais with most in the village having three vaccinations to date.
16. Can I travel around Thailand or Southeast Asia before or after my residency and be picked up somewhere other than the airport?
Yes – residents can be picked up or dropped off at alternative locations to the airport with advance notice to the Director. For Semi-Supported and Fully Supported residents there is no extra cost for this if the alternative location is still in Bangkok.
17. What mode of transport do I have at the residency?
A bicycle is the most local and easy method of transport whilst in the village. Each resident and their guests will be lent a residency bicycle during their stay. The area is very flat and easy to navigate especially with the map we provide at the residency. For those wishing to travel further distances, we do offer day package tours and potential for motorcycle rental (license required) for a modest extra cost.
18. Does my fee include food during the residency?
No – food is only included for the first 2 days for those who have chosen either the Semi-Supported or Fully Supported residency options.
19. What kinds of food options are available at the residency?
Residents may choose to cook their own meals using the shared facilities at Sam Rit Residency or eat authentic Thai food at the local village restaurants for modest prices including noodles, stir fry, Thai curries, grilled meats and rice dishes.
Residents who have opted for the Semi-Supported residency receive one weekly shopping trip per week to nearby towns, and Fully-Supported residents receive two trips per week. This includes the services of a car and driver and assistance in sourcing required groceries if needed. Independent residents must make their own way to shopping locations either by bicycle or paying extra for transport services as needed.
20. Can I access money in the village?
The village of Sam Rit does not have ATM facilities, but the nearest town of Phimai provides international ATMs across the town. We recommend residents withdraw cash from an ATM at the airport before pick-up or wait until the first 2 days orientation in Phimai. Bank cards that are accepted at these ATMs have a ‘Plus’ or ‘Cirrus’ logo on the back of the card.
21. Will I have an interpreter for the whole duration of my stay?
No – not all the time. Our Program Manager Sumalee, Bangon, Lindsay, Art and Aek and several assistants have English skills and Sumalee is fluent in Japanese. Collectively they will provide the orientation and transport services for those who have opted for the Semi-Supported and Fully Supported residencies, then remain on call if needed for emergencies or to arrange weekly shopping visits for supplies (for Semi and Fully supported residencies only).
Residents requiring more extensive translating services for audio or written material can purchase the services of an online translator which we can recommend.
Please be mindful that the locals in this region have only had real-life exposure to foreigners through our program as it is not on the major tourist trail of Thailand. Our team includes the only people that can speak English in the village. Despite this many community members are always keen to learn more English from our residents through daily interactions, although being quite shy. Students learn basic English at school but are not comfortable to engage speaking English. Google Translate may come in handy. A sense of patience, openness and understanding is required of residents in order to adjust to a place where English really is a foreign language.
22. What kind of weather can I expect to experience at Sam Rit?
Thailand is located quite close to the equator and experiences tropical weather patterns:
Rainy Season – Jun/Jul – Sept/Oct
Hot Season – Feb/Mar – June
Cool Season – Oct – Feb
23. What kind of local events are on during the year? (note -Corona Virus depending)
- New Year’s – December 31st – early January: A week of celebrations including live dancers, parties and religious ceremonies
- Thao Suranari Festival - Early March: A three day festival including a carnival, live performances and competitions between all 15 Sam Rit villages in dancing and cooking
- Song Kran - Mid April: A three day festival revolved around water, also the Thai New Year. This is essentially one big water fight during the hottest part of the year.
- Hea Tien Pansaa - Early July: A wax candle parade featuring gigantic ornate carvings. (has recommenced in 2022)
- Phimai Festival - Early November: A week-long celebration featuring an impressive sound and light show at the Phimai Historical Park, markets and a carnival. (has recommenced in 2022)
- Phimai Longboat Race - Early November: A huge part weekend featuring a competitive race of long-boats between the villages in the area. It coincides with the Phimai Festival. (has recommenced in 2022)
- Loy Kratong - Early-mid November: A festival featuring handmade floating 'kratong' vessels ornately decorated with flowers and incence, which are then cast upon local ponds and the river. (has recommenced in 2022)
24. What kind of art supplies are available to buy near the residency?
The nearest town of Phimai (20 minutes drive away) offers a Lotus's supermarket/department stall with basic arts supplies as well as a school supply shop with a huge selection of papers, and basic paints, brushes, pencils and pens. For more specialized art supplies, there are 4 shopping malls in Korat (40 minutes drive away) which both have a fine art supply shop in the department store. We do have access to a printing press at a nearby local High School who welcomes visiting from resident artists.
25. What kind of Visa will I need for a residency?
Residents must organize their own Visa through the Thai consulate at an Embassy in their country of residence. Information is usually available online. Visitors from some countries that have a diplomatic agreement with Thailand can be issued 15 to 60 day extendable tourist Visas upon arrival. Visitors from other countries, or those wishing to stay longer than 30 days must organize and pay for a tourist visa well in advance. All visitors to Thailand require a return or on-going flight to enter the country as well as 6 month validity on their passport from the date of departure. (Note - Thai Immigration is often revising border control rules and regulations and the most up to date information can be found through the Royal Thai Embassy in your country of origin)
