Painting Residencies in Norway

Artica Svalbard

Longyearbyen, Norway

Artica Svalbard, one of Norway’s leading not-for-profit residency foundations, offers artists, writers, and researchers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the stunning Arctic environment of Longyearbyen, Svalbard. This residency emphasizes deep thinking and creative exploration, focusing on addressing some of the most pressing issues of our time through artistic practice. Artica Svalbard integrates the natural cycles of Svalbard, from the midnight sun to the polar night, to challenge perspectives and inspire change. Residents benefit from accommodation, travel support, a per diem, and access to studio and print workshop facilities. The program encourages community engagement through workshops, talks, and other events, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas. With a minimum stay of six weeks, the residency allows for deep immersion and meaningful impact. Artica Svalbard values fewer residents with longer stays, promoting profound and lasting experiences. The residency supports a diverse range of disciplines, including multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary practices.

Artist in Residence Bergen at USF Verftet

Bergen, Norway

The Artist in Residence Bergen at USF Verftet is a program offered by USF Verftet, a former sardine factory turned contemporary culture house in Bergen, Norway, providing 3-month residencies to professional foreign artists in all fields to foster collaborations with local artists. It includes a rent-free studio and accommodation, though artists must cover all other expenses like travel and materials. Note that as of January , Bergen municipality has withdrawn funding, leading to reduced residencies and a delayed application ; contact air@usf.no for updates.

Atelier Austmarka

Austmarka, Norway

Atelier Austmarka is a non-profit artist residency located in the scenic village of Austmarka, Finnskogen, in Southeast Norway near Sweden, offering a peaceful retreat for creative individuals to engage in artistic practice and research. The residency provides private accommodation and shared studio space in a remote natural environment surrounded by forests and lakes, emphasizing reflection, rest, and creative exploration rather than promotion or public exhibition.

Kunstnerhuset I Svolvaer

Svolvaer, Norway

Kunstnerhuset i Svolvaer is an artist residency and guesthouse on Svinøya island in the historic Svolvær stockfish harbor, originally established in 1952 (replacing a 1934 cabin) for Norwegian and Swedish visual artists, now open to all professional artists. It provides accommodation, shared studios (including a printmaking room), workspaces, and opportunities for courses, with flexible rental periods from days to months. Managed by the North Norwegian Art Centre, it supports artistic creation, idea exchange, and hosts events like the Lofoten International Art Festival.

Kvitbrakka Artist in Residence

Berlevåg, Norway

Kvitbrakka Artist in Residence (AiR), located in Berlevåg, Norway, offers a unique opportunity for artists to create site-specific work inspired by the region’s dramatic Arctic landscape and rich fishing heritage. Since 2012, Kvitbrakka has hosted over 50 international artists, writers, and musicians, evolving into a significant cultural center for the Nordic region. The residency program spans four to six weeks, with sessions running from February to May and September to November, and is open to artists from various disciplines, including visual arts, writing, and music. Residents are encouraged to immerse themselves in the community, hosting workshops, exhibitions, and public presentations. The program provides accommodation, studio space, and a travel grant of 7,000 NOK to support the artists’ stay. The small coastal village of Berlevåg, known for its natural beauty and cultural traditions, offers a vibrant community setting, with additional support available from local residents and nearby resources.

Leveld Kunstnartun

Ål, Norway

Leveld Kunstnartun is an international artist residency program established in in Leveld, Norway, offering free accommodation, workspaces, and a monthly stipend to professional artists including visual artists, writers, musicians, curators, filmmakers, dancers, and architects for stays of 1 to 3 months. It promotes interdisciplinary artistic expression in a mountain village setting with facilities like bright studios, a writing room, graphics workshop, and equipped living quarters, while hosting open studios, workshops, and summer exhibitions.

PRAKSIS

Oslo, Norway

PRAKSIS, established in 2015 in Oslo, Norway, is a dynamic platform that fosters collaboration and creativity among artists, thinkers, and researchers from various disciplines. With a commitment to addressing contemporary issues, PRAKSIS offers thematic residencies that operate nomadically, leveraging partnerships with a range of organizations. Open to local, national, and international applicants, these residencies provide a supportive, high-energy environment for creative exploration and dialogue. Offering three to four residencies annually, PRAKSIS supports participants with accommodation, a stipend for international residents, and a rich program of activities. By emphasizing peer-to-peer interaction and public engagement, PRAKSIS aims to demystify the creative process and encourage a broader understanding of artistic practice.

Spitsbergen Artists Residency

Longyearbyen (Svalbard), Norway

The Spitsbergen Artists Center, located in Longyearbyen, Norway, offers a unique artist residency program in the Arctic environment. It's situated in Nybyen, part of Longyearbyen, named after American John Munro Longyear, who founded the town in 1906 as a coal mining hub. The center, housed in a historical building constructed in 1947 as a store for miners, now focuses on fostering connections among artists from various countries and disciplines, emphasizing projects related to the Arctic and climate change. The residency operates year-round, inviting artists to engage in creative projects or research that involve the Arctic. Artists are encouraged to contribute to the community through exhibitions, workshops, or lectures during their stay. The facility includes private rooms, a common area with a fully equipped kitchen, shared bathrooms, and internet access. The residency costs 15,000 NOK per month, with an additional charge for double occupancy. The center also features a craft center, open for specific hours and events, showcasing and selling local artists' and craftspeople's work. Additionally, it provides an exhibition space for local and international artists to display works related to polar regions and climate change. Located at 78°12.2' N 015°35.3' E, the center is accessible by plane from Oslo and Tromsø. Visitors should be prepared for extreme weather conditions and aware of local safety guidelines, including precautions against polar bears. The residency does not accommodate children and may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges. There are no art or camera supply stores in Svalbard, so artists are advised to bring necessary materials.

The Nordic Artists’ Centre Dale (NKD)

Dale i Sunnfjord, Norway

The Nordic Artists’ Centre Dale (NKD) is an internationally recognized art residency located in Dale i Sunnfjord, Norway, established in 1998. Supported by the Arts Council Norway, NKD offers opportunities for artists, designers, architects, and curators to develop their practice, engage with the local and international art scene, and collaborate with peers. The center provides residents with a monthly stipend, individual studios, and separate living accommodations, all located on-site. NKD is renowned for its beautiful and tranquil setting in the Norwegian fjords, offering five individual cabins and two apartments as housing for residents. The studios are large, 50 square meters each, and equipped with natural light, high ceilings, and necessary facilities for various artistic practices. Applications are accepted through annual open calls, typically announced in January and February. NKD also promotes open studios, workshops, and seminars to engage both residents and the local community.