Artist residencies, reviewed by artists who've been there

Siena Art Institute (SART)

Siena, Italy

The Siena Art Institute (SART), based in the historic city of Siena, Italy, offers a variety of artist residency programs aimed at fostering creative exchange and developing artistic practices across multiple disciplines. These residencies provide artists from around the globe with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture and engage with the community, while having the space and resources to focus on their work. The Institute supports these residencies through fully-equipped studio spaces, private accommodations, and opportunities for public engagement such as exhibitions and workshops. The programs are designed to cater to both emerging and established artists and include specialized options for young artists, such as the "Hidden Garden" project, which focuses on social practice and eco-friendly art. The Siena Art Institute emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and cultural exchange, offering courses and activities that integrate the arts into the broader social and environmental context of Siena.

SIM Residency (SÍM Residency)

Reykjavik, Iceland

The SÍM Residency, an initiative of SÍM - The Association of Icelandic Visual Artists, stands as a beacon of artistic growth and cultural immersion in Reykjavik, Iceland. Founded by SÍM, Iceland's largest organization for professional artists, the residency upholds the association’s commitment to enhancing artists' livelihoods and rights. Evolving from a modest apartment to a hub hosting international artists, it has become Reykjavik's most established and inspirational artist residency. With locations at Seljavegur in the bustling city center and Korpúlfsstaðir on the serene outskirts, the residency offers diverse environments for artistic work, housing around 70 studios including specialized facilities for Textiles, Ceramics, and Printmaking. This setup fosters a dynamic and collaborative community, enabling artists to engage deeply with their practice. SÍM Residency’s commitment to international exchange is evident in its numerous partnerships across Europe, promoting a global artistic dialogue and collaboration. Participating artists benefit from a range of programs, including public events and solo exhibitions, while also enjoying privileged access to Reykjavik’s prominent cultural institutions through the SÍM Guest Artist card.

Sachaqa Centro De Arte

San Roque De Cumbaza, Peru

Sachaqa Centro De Arte, located in the San Martín region of Peru, offers a residency program that provides artists with the opportunity to focus on their creative processes in the serene environment of the Amazon. Open to national and international artists, this residency emphasizes eco-conscious art practices, with options for engaging in painting, ceramics, sculpture, and photography. The center promotes collaboration with local Kechwa communities, offering immersive experiences in traditional crafts like ceramics and weaving. Residents can choose between communal or private accommodations, with both options designed to encourage focus and creativity. The residency includes workshops in natural pigment collection, ceramics, and other sustainable art practices, as well as excursions to local waterfalls, nature reserves, and indigenous villages. Artists can exhibit their work during their stay, either locally or within Sachaqa’s studio spaces. Sachaqa Centro De Arte is committed to fostering a connection between artists and the environment, inspiring the use of locally sourced materials and sustainable techniques.

Villa Capri

Vilafranca de Bonany, Spain

Villa Capri is a creative residency based in an 18th-century farmhouse in Mallorca, Spain. The female-led, interdisciplinary artist collective hosts international artists from various fields, including visual arts, music, performance, film, and gastronomy, for a 10-day immersive residency. Villa Capri aims to foster creativity and collaboration in a serene, nature-focused environment, far from the rush of urban life. The residency offers an open, dynamic structure where participants co-create the daily schedule, which may include movement workshops, nature walks, creative installations, and hands-on activities such as fabric dyeing and sculpture-making. The experience culminates in a public exhibition featuring performances, workshops, and art displays, with the goal of building lasting connections between the artists and the local community. Sustainability is at the core of Villa Capri’s ethos, with an emphasis on responsible consumption and regenerative practices.

Oreum

Seogwipo, Jeju, South Korea

Oreum Residency is a 4-week program located in Seogwipo City, Jeju Island, South Korea, designed to support emerging artists from around the world. The residency fosters connections between international artists and local creatives, providing opportunities for artists to develop their work and showcase it in a final two-week exhibition. Hosted by Cedar Hill, a residential community, and co-organized by DiSilence Creative Agency and Zip Amsterdam, the residency accepts five domestic and five international artists under 35 years of age, focusing on visual arts such as drawing, painting, photography, and sculpture. Participants stay in a residential facility with private bedrooms and shared workspaces, with activities like guided local tours and studio visits enriching their experience. The program culminates in an exhibition where the artists can present their work to collectors, curators, and local art enthusiasts.

Santa Fe Art Institute (SFAI)

Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States

The Santa Fe Art Institute (SFAI) Residency is dedicated to fostering innovative art practices that engage with social issues and promote positive change. Located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the institute offers thematic residencies that focus on complex global and local challenges. Each year, the theme changes to reflect pressing contemporary issues, encouraging artists to explore and respond creatively. The residency supports a diverse group of international and local artists through its dynamic programs, including open calls for applications and specifically themed residencies such as the “Sovereignty Residency” and “Community of Practice Residency”. SFAI provides critical resources and a platform for artists to engage in cultural exchange and collective learning. The facilities include private studios and living quarters, communal spaces, and essential amenities conducive to artistic creation. Residents are selected through a competitive process emphasizing artistic excellence and the potential to benefit from a community-oriented, thematic exploration. The institute notably supports marginalized and underrepresented artists through fellowships and awards, underscoring its commitment to inclusivity.