Mycology is the study of mushrooms.
Mycophilia is the love of them.
Two weeks in September, 2026
Apply before May 3, 2026
This ten day research residency is an online mycology course for artists to learn about mushrooms and fungi that will offer opportunities to learn from experts in their research labs and to develop ideas with other artists around the world. The program will give insight into the experiences of mushrooms from a wide range of perspectives.
Science:
Artists will learn about the lives and ecology of wild fungi directly from mycologists and naturalists. The program features daily live video lectures with international mycological researchers on a range of mushroom related topics. Artists will have oportunities to ask questions, make conversation and connect with people working on cutting edge mycology projects around the world. We will focus on ecological relationships, fungal behaviour and physiology, foraging and studio/lab techniques.
Artists:
Biophilium residencies are designed to facilitate research that will enrich visual and conceptual artists' practice within a small group of like minded creative people. Artists, writers, musicians, film makers and dancers are encouraged to apply. The jury will select eight international artists based on their portfolio rather than how they fit into any description of an artist. We will enjoy many short one-on-one meetings with artists who make art related to mushrooms and their experiences. Built in to the 2 - 2.5 hours of daily programming are discussions, recommended assignments and show and tell.
Outline
All activities are subject to change depending on expert availability and other uncontrollable variables.
Artist Talks – You are invited to introduce yourself and your practice to the group in a 10-15 minute presentation
Mycophilia 101: What is a mushroom, what is mycology?
Mycodiversity: Wild mushroom identification using keys, books and apps with the Mycological Society of Toronto
Fabrication with Fungal Materials with Genspace
Symbiosis: Fungi-Plant partnerships: Lichens, Ghost Plants and the Wood Wide Web with Kew Gardens
Symbiosis: Fungal Farming Insects with Cornell University
Mushroom Medicine & Poison with the Maine Mycological Association
Urban Lichen with the New York Mycological Society
Cordyceps and other Zombi Fungi with the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens
Dung Loving Fungi: Coprophiles are the most beautiful mushrooms with the New York Mycological Society
Ergotism and Endophytes with Agriculture Canada
Artist Collaborating with live Mushrooms Artist talk and Opportunities and Resources
Cost
$600 USD
Participation is limited to 7 - 10 selected artists
Click here to see all the artists who have studied fungi with us.
How to apply
1. Artist's CV
2. Artist's statement (about 200 words)
4. Portfolio 5 – 10 examples of your work
We are flexible and forgiving with application formats and deadlines. For best results let us know what you do and what you'd like to study with us as early as possible.
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"Thank you for both of the wonderful residencies.
I really appreciate your school and what you're doing. There aren't many spaces that open up conversation in such an approachable way between scientists and artists. I really commend you for the way you put these programs together and the very inspiring projects we got to discover through each class.
I'm so grateful for all the tips you've given me for opportunities in this very quirky field."
Catherine Euale, Species and Rewild 2025 |
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Thanks so much for a great residency during Mycophilia, I wish it could have gone on for weeks longer!
[Alexis'] enthusiasm for the topic was infectious! The speakers were all magnificent and the artists were just the best!
Mary Hegedus, Mycophilia 2022 |
"The Ayatana Residency will immerse you in the world of researchers and the biological sciences in a way that is often inaccessible to artists interested in these topics. A very unique and enriching opportunity."
-Eveline Kolijn, Infinitesimal, 2020 |
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“The Ayatana residency allowed me to explore many aspects of scientific practice I would otherwise not be able to access on my own. It pushed me in directions and toward practices I would not have explored independently.”
- Shelly Smith (Infinitesimal 2018) |
More with the Biophilium this year
 
 
 
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