Stokroos Foundation: Residency Fundaziun Nairs

The Stokroos Foundation was founded in 1992 by Paul Deiters (1952-2017). His love for people, nature, and art inspired him to contribute to a better world. In 2005, Stokroos began implementing its objective: to support designers and visual artists.

Each year Stokroos Foundation invites artists and designers to apply for a three-month fully funded residency at Fundaziun Nairs in Scuol, Switzerland. Nairs is located in a historic bathhouse of a former spa hotel, right by the Inn River. In 1988, artists took over the vacant building. After a major renovation in 2016, Nairs offers well-equipped living and working spaces, an exhibition space, an auditorium, a library, and a shared kitchen. The artist-in-residence will reside alongside approximately 10 other creators, including visual artists, designers, writers, and filmmakers.

Nairs is situated in the Engadin, an alpine region in southeastern Switzerland. The area is known for its natural springs, which boosted its tourism and wellness industry in the 19th century. Characterized by breathtaking nature, the presence of diverse living crafts, and robust houses adorned with carvings and sgraffito, the region also has a rich cultural history, with a high concentration of museums, libraries, galleries, and private collections. Locals speak "Rumantsch" (Romansh), Switzerland’s fourth official language, related to Italian.

For Paul Deiters, founder of Stichting Stokroos, the Engadin was like a second home since a young age. This connection led the foundation to support a work period at Nairs in 2019. Previously, artists such as Eva Susova, Ceel Mogami de Haas, Marit Westerhuis, and Franciska Meijers participated in the residency with support from Stokroos.