Seawitch is a studio by the sea, a place to embrace psyche, focus, and solitude toward creative praxis and active rest. Initially founded as a home and studio in 2015 by Ali Van, the Seawitch residency programme supports practices that are:

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1. Engaging with the possibilities of being in solitude

2. Rooting in-place, with connection to the South China Sea region

3. Honouring a commitment towards the feminine within 

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Historically, Seawitch has hosted artists with ancestral roots in the region, and Today, continues to extend this invitation to practitioners with holistic and spirit-forward mindsets, working across disciplines, genders, and geographies. Seawitch is a project within a.f.t. Cooperative. 

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Q: I’m not an artist, do I still make a good candidate for a residency at Seawitch? 

A: One does not need to identify as an artist to be a resident at Seawitch. More importantly, Seawitch is interested in beings who practice and would like to further explore one or more of the following: solitudinous rhythm, sustainable presence, focus unto the feminine within. Although Seawitch has primarily hosted artists in the past, Seawitch welcomes distinction from residents of all disciplines, and is interested in diverse beings who explore and safeguard creative energy in their pursuit of living. 

 

Q: What does a commitment towards the feminine within mean? 

A: Seawitch understands the divine feminine as without weight, and yet with every weight of the world. As light and living energy, it is generous like a wise remembrance. As subtle substance, it is filled with feeling, forged to connect. The divine feminine is never far and always calling. 

 

There are so many answers to this question and we want to hear from you. This commitment could take the form of ancestral and spiritual connection, learnings from body and nature, or a personal redefinition of feminine values. We believe all beings carry valid and valuable perspectives on this question. 

 

Q: How remote is Seawitch in the context of Hong Kong? 

A: Seawitch is best suited to someone who finds value in being with solitude. Seawitch hopes to offer a place to safely and wildly be yourself, to dedicate focus to that which regular life perhaps struggles to accommodate. 

 

There are no shops, restaurants, or medical facilities at The Sea Ranch. The nearest commercial area is Cheung Chau, a 30 minute boat ride away. Located on the southern side of Lantau Island, The Sea Ranch is accessible from Hong Kong Island either by mountain hike or by two boat rides. Going between Seawitch and the city takes some advance planning of ferry schedules, with most people choosing to commute by water. 

 

By land, there are no road links to The Sea Ranch, but it is possible to hike there via Lantau Peak, a 3 hour/9.5km trek from Chi Ma Wan. By sea, one must take a ferry from Hong Kong Island to Cheung Chau, followed by another ferry from Cheung Chau to The Sea Ranch. Residents will be oriented to ferry schedules in more detail before their arrival. 

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Q: What are the expectations for residents staying at Seawitch? 

A: Our hope is that Seawitch residents can also be stewards of the space, and show care for this shared live/work environment during their time there. Though not a requirement, reports on the condition of the studio, and gestures to help maintain the space are deeply appreciated.

 

The residency itself is unstructured — the time is yours. We do not expect completion of work ideas put forward in your application, nor is there a public facing component to the residency. We do, however, ask for your participation in an inventory project, as well as for your time at Seawitch to be documented for archival purposes.

 

Q: What fees are involved with a stay at Seawitch?

A: There are currently no fees to apply to or be at Seawitch. At this time, Seawitch residents are responsible for their own travel and food expenses.

 

Q: What is Seawitch’s relationship to The Sea Ranch? What is The Sea Ranch?

A: Seawitch is one of 200 units comprising The Sea Ranch. Opened in 1979 as a luxury resort by Hutchison Whampoa (now CK Hutchison Holdings), The Sea Ranch was initially intended for those seeking reverie and solitude. Like many similarly failed exclusive residential communities in Hong Kong, by 1984 The Sea Ranch went bankrupt. To write off its $7 million HKD debt, The Sea Ranch was sold by Hutchison to the residents’ association for a nominal sum of $1 HKD.

 

Though not what its developers may have hoped for, The Sea Ranch’s fate has allowed for a new kind of occupancy to take place. A magnolia towers over the abandoned clubhouse, and stray pool tiles mix with shells in the sand. Around 70% of The Sea Ranch units are occupied today. Residents sit with push carts on the ferry to Cheung Chau, the nearest place to source everyday necessities. Despite its origins as luxury housing for Hong Kong’s elite, residents of The Sea Ranch today are made up of a range of the city’s demographics. The community composes a unique web of neighbours and islanders running for the ferry, fishing by the pier, and watering their gardens. 

 

Q: Can Seawitch support visas for someone interested in doing a residency? 

Currently the Seawitch staff is small and without capacity to fully assist with the international visa process, but we will support your application to the extent that resources allow. 

 

Q: I’m interested in being at Seawitch with a collaborator/partner. Is this an option? 

Yes, this is an option. The space is small (850 square feet), but there are two single beds, and Seawitch maintains the capacity to host duos. Our request is that you are both engaged in Seawitch’s mission, working either individually or together. 

 

Q: What is the land around Seawitch like?

Hong Kong is usually thought of as a city, when in reality its developed areas are merely embroidery along the skirt hem — the vast majority of its territory is wild. As an old Chinese saying goes < 背山面海 > Seawitch is auspiciously located at the base of Lantau Peak, overlooking Yi Long Wan (Second Wave Bay). Flora and fauna sightings by past Seawitch residents include water buffalo, bioluminescent plankton, beach morning glory, and butterfly pea. Summertime is hot and humid, with mosquitos and frequent monsoons. Winter is cool but with waters that are still swimmable, and generally clearer AQIs. 

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Seawitch is open to hosting those who appreciate living and being in solitude, in this studio by the sea. If the qualities above resonate with you, please consider applying here. Seawitch is currently accepting applications for 2026-2028. Please direct any questions to time@aft.studio.