Artist residencies, reviewed by artists who've been there

Mauser EcoHouse

Near San Jose, Costa Rica

The Mauser EcoHouse Artist Residency, established by the Mauser Harmony with Nature Foundation in 2019, is located in the remote tropical mountains of Costa Rica. The residency offers private and shared studios, set in a Spanish-style villa that promotes an eco-friendly and health-conscious lifestyle. Artists from all disciplines and backgrounds are invited to explore and create amidst one of the most biodiverse environments on the planet. The residency emphasizes sustainable living, with a focus on permaculture and the use of natural materials found on-site. Accommodations include options for private or shared rooms, with vegetarian meals provided to foster communal engagement. Artists have access to a large communal studio and an outdoor veranda for plein air activities, ensuring a variety of working environments. The program supports deep reflection and intensive creative work, free from the distractions of daily life, making it an ideal retreat for artists committed to environmental conservation and creative exploration. The residency operates year-round and welcomes applications from international artists, offering a unique opportunity to experience 'Pura Vida' – the pure life of Costa Rica.

ArteSumapaz

San Bernardo, Colombia

ArteSumapaz, located in San Bernardo, Cundinamarca, Colombia, serves as a multifaceted arts center set on a historical coffee plantation that has been transformed into a vibrant cultural and ecological hub. The center focuses on a variety of artistic disciplines including visual arts, sculpture, printmaking, dance, theatre, and music among others. It offers a range of residencies lasting from four to twenty-four weeks and is open to international, national, and emerging artists. ArteSumapaz emphasizes community involvement and environmental sustainability, featuring organic agriculture and reforestation initiatives. The facility includes several studios, a performance space, a bookbindery, and accommodation for artists and volunteers. Artists are encouraged to engage with the local community through workshops and open critiques, contributing to a dynamic exchange of ideas and cultural enrichment.

Biophilium is a Canadian, artist-run residency program focused on helping artists study the natural world, wildlife, bioart, and death-related themes. Its current format centers on two-week online seminars with lectures by researchers, artist talks, studio visits, field trips, and workshops; the program is described as a research-oriented residency rather than a production residency.

Hub Feenix

Meltola, Finland

Hub Feenix, nestled in the tranquil southeastern Finland forest, offers a unique artist residency program that fosters creativity, healing, and connection. Located in a beautifully renovated former sanatorium, the Hub provides an inspiring environment for artists, writers, and other creatives to focus on their work while enjoying the serene beauty of nature. The residency program supports creative exploration and personal growth, offering both quiet, private spaces and opportunities for communal engagement. With a strong commitment to sustainability and inclusivity, Hub Feenix is an ideal retreat for those seeking inspiration and rejuvenation in a supportive, nature-immersed setting.

Joya AiR

Vélez Blanco, Spain

Joya: AiR, an artist residency program located in the Parque Natural Sierra María - Los Vélez in Almería, Andalucía, offers a unique interdisciplinary residency for artists, writers, and creatives from various disciplines. Founded by Simon and Donna Beckmann in 2009, it emphasizes sustainable living and creative work that regenerates the land. The residency provides private studio space, accommodation, and meals, fostering a communal atmosphere among residents. It encourages exploration, learning from the surroundings, and engagement with the local community and environment. Joya: AiR is an off-grid, carbon-positive initiative, supporting over 1500 artists since 2006 in one of Europe's sunniest regions. The program includes access to workshops, critiques, and the opportunity for artists to present their work, enhancing their creative journey in a supportive and inspiring setting.

La Maison de Beaumont

Beaumont-de-Pertuis, France

La Maison de Beaumont is an esteemed multi-disciplinary artist residency located in the picturesque Provence & Luberon region of the South of France. Established to provide artists from diverse disciplines—including musicians, scholars, writers, and painters—a serene environment to cultivate their creative pursuits, this residency offers fully-equipped private apartments and dedicated studio spaces such as the Music & Exhibition room and a Fine Arts Atelier. Residents can immerse themselves in the Provençal lifestyle, benefiting from the natural beauty and historical backdrop of Beaumont-de-Pertuis, which enhances their artistic and personal rejuvenation. The program accommodates artists for stays from 2 to 12 weeks, providing various studio and apartment options to suit different needs and budgets. Additionally, the residency fosters community engagement through collaborative spaces, cultural workshops, and local partnerships that facilitate creative exchanges among residents.