Free Architecture Residencies

Art Omi

Ghent, New York, United States

Art Omi offers five distinct residency programs for international artists, writers, architects, musicians, and dancers. Located in Columbia County, New York, the residency provides artists with time, space, and resources to create, experiment, and collaborate in a rural setting. The residency programs are fully funded, covering accommodations, meals, and studio space. Each program has its own application process and focuses on different creative fields, encouraging a diverse range of artists from around the world. Art Omi is committed to cultural exchange and professional development, offering participants opportunities to engage with peers and visiting professionals from various creative industries. The residency fosters an environment of collaboration, community, and artistic exploration in an inspiring, natural setting.

Bloedel Reserve

Bainbridge Island, Washington, United States

The Creative Residency at Bloedel Reserve offers a unique opportunity for artists and researchers to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Bainbridge Island, Washington. Established in 2015, the program hosts creative individuals from various disciplines, providing them with a serene and inspiring environment. Residents stay in a fully furnished home nestled within the 140-acre reserve, with access to its sculpted gardens, forests, and wildlife habitats. The program is designed to foster creative thinking inspired by nature and explore the connection between humans and the environment. Each resident receives a $1,000 stipend to support their work and is encouraged to engage with the public through presentations, workshops, or other community activities. The residency is open to professional and emerging artists, composers, writers, botanists, and other creative thinkers. Participants must be 21 years or older, and the residency can accommodate only one artist at a time. The program offers an enriching experience for those looking to deepen their connection with nature and their creative practice.

Delfina Foundation

London, United Kingdom

The Delfina Foundation Residency Program, based in London, offers opportunities for artists, curators, and writers to develop their practice, explore connections, and build collaborations. Residencies, lasting up to three months, are largely thematic and support both emerging and established cultural practitioners. The Foundation hosts 6 to 8 residents simultaneously in its central London location, providing flexible living and working space. Residents engage with international peers and the public, fostering artistic exchange and professional development. The program has a strong focus on critical issues in contemporary art and has established relationships with the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia.

DESIGNREGIO Kortrijk

Kortrijk, Belgium

Designregio Kortrijk annually invites recently graduated designers from various creative disciplines to participate in its Designers in Residence Kortrijk program. Established in 2014, this residency allows selected designers to develop experimental concepts through interactions with citizens, society, entrepreneurs, and education in Kortrijk. Running from September to November, participants create contextual work and engage in inspiring excursions and conversations. The residency includes travel reimbursement, accommodation, a fee, and access to the Budalab Open Makerspace. Designers showcase their research at the Kortrijk Creativity Festival and Design Fest Gent. Eligible candidates must be recent graduates with manual and conceptual skills, ready to collaborate and innovate.

MacDowell

Peterborough, New Hampshire, United States

MacDowell offers a nurturing environment for artists of exceptional talent to work in peace and collaboration. Situated in Peterborough, NH, and with a New York City office, MacDowell provides studio space, accommodations, and three daily meals for residencies up to six weeks, free of charge. The foundation supports artists in various disciplines, including architecture, film/video arts, interdisciplinary arts, literature, music composition, theatre, and visual arts, emphasizing artistic excellence as the sole criterion for acceptance. Applications are welcomed from artists worldwide, promoting a diverse and inclusive community. MacDowell is dedicated to a more equitable arts sector, offering barrier-free access to its main buildings and some studios. Financial assistance for travel and other residency-related expenses is available, highlighting MacDowell's commitment to accessibility for artists at all stages of their careers. The application process is thorough, encouraging artists to review guidelines and FAQs. MacDowell has temporarily suspended the reference letter requirement to lower barriers for applicants, particularly women and BIPOC artists. A $30 processing fee applies, with waivers available for those experiencing financial hardship. Fellows are selected by distinguished panels in each discipline, ensuring a broad spectrum of artistic practices and inquiries are represented. MacDowell encourages collaboration, allowing small groups to apply, though it cannot accommodate partners, children, or other family members not involved in the project. This prestigious residency aims to foster artistic growth, offering a peaceful retreat for creative exploration and production.

Sharpe-Walentas Studio Program

Brooklyn, New York, United States

The Sharpe-Walentas Studio Program awards rent-free, non-living studio space to 17 visual artists for year-long residencies in DUMBO, Brooklyn. Selected annually based on merit from a competitive pool of applicants by a professional jury, the program is open to professional visual artists 21 years or older who live in the US, as well as US citizens or permanent residents living abroad. The studios feature high ceilings, elevator access, and communal spaces including a kitchen, slop sinks, restrooms, and a sitting area with wi-fi. Artists have 24/7 access to their studios and are expected to spend at least 20 hours per week in the studio, participate in the spring open studios event, and maintain all communal spaces. The residency does not provide housing or financial stipends, and applicants must not be enrolled in any degree program or maintain a separate studio during their residency.

Spreepark Art Space

Berlin, Germany

Spreepark Art Space is a Berlin-based international residency program dedicated to interdisciplinary artistic research within a unique urban-natural setting. Hosted in the Eierhäuschen, a historic riverside building adjacent to the reclaimed Spreepark amusement park, the residency provides an inspiring environment for collectives exploring connections between people, art, and the environment. It specifically welcomes international groups of four who do not live in Berlin or Brandenburg, offering space for collaboration, experimentation, and public engagement. The program emphasizes sustainability, artistic research, and creative approaches to ecological and urban transformation. Residents are supported with complimentary housing, travel cost coverage, and a fixed living stipend. The residency culminates in a group exhibition at the Eierhäuschen the following year, showcasing research-based outcomes. Spreepark Art Space maintains a strong commitment to inclusion, welcoming applications from BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and disabled artists, and offers visa support for non-European participants. It serves as a dynamic platform where art, planning, and nature converge within Berlin’s evolving cultural landscape.

TaDA - Textile and Design Alliance

Arbon, Switzerland

The TaDA – Textile and Design Alliance Residency offers a three-month residency for six creative professionals annually, welcoming both national and international artists to Arbon, Switzerland. This program facilitates collaboration with local textile companies, providing artists with accommodation, travel expenses, and a contribution to living costs. Residents work in the Kreativzentrum ZIK, a former textile and engine factory, gaining access to technology, infrastructure, and expert guidance. The residency aims to foster innovative projects and strengthen regional identity through artistic engagement with Eastern Switzerland’s rich textile and design culture. Residents present their projects at the public event “TaDA Spinnerei,” which includes discussions with international experts. The program encourages the development of new projects in various fields, including art, design, architecture, literature, and performing arts. TaDA is supported by the Cantons of Appenzell Ausserrhoden, St.Gallen, and Thurgau, along with various foundations and sponsors.

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.

Soaring Gardens Artists Retreat

Laceyville, Pennsylvania, United States

The Ora Lerman Charitable Trust's Soaring Gardens Artists Retreat offers a serene and inspiring environment for visual artists, writers, composers, and instrumentalists to focus on their creative work. Located in Laceyville, PA, the retreat operates from mid-May to the end of September, providing residencies typically for three weeks without any application or attendance fees. The retreat encourages both individual artists and groups from various disciplines to apply, fostering a space for personal projects, collaborative endeavors, or both. With two distinct residency locations, the church and the farmhouse, artists can choose between a more intimate setting or a communal atmosphere. Soaring Gardens is committed to inclusivity, offering a limited number of need-based grants, with a special encouragement for applicants from historically marginalized communities. The retreat's tranquil rural setting, complete with extensive gardens and studio spaces, allows artists the freedom and tranquility to immerse themselves in their work, supported by a community of fellow creatives.

1 Shanthiroad

Bangalore, India

1Shanthiroad Studio/Gallery in Bengaluru, India, founded in 2002 by Suresh Jayaram, is an artist residency and gallery space that nurtures creativity and cutting-edge art practices through programs hosting artists from diverse countries and backgrounds.[1][2] It offers residencies like the annual NEXT-STEP program for five emerging artists, providing a platform for experimentation, collaboration, and community engagement over four weeks.[2][4] Administered by the Visual Art Collective (VAC) Trust, it includes studio access, mentorship, workshops, and exhibitions.[1][7]

A|S Boutique Residence

La Habana, Cuba

A|S Boutique Residence is a luxury artist residency program located in a privately owned 5-star boutique hotel in the heart of UNESCO World Heritage site Old Havana, Cuba. Created by Amsterdam-based owner and artist Andre Visser and his partner Sandy Solano, the program offers emerging and established artists an unparalleled artistic experience in one of the world's most creative neighborhoods. The residency provides luxury accommodations in a meticulously restored 19th-century palatial mansion featuring 9 luxury suites, Art Gallery HAV, organic restaurant, and tropical garden patios. The program includes curated workshops with local artists, studio visits with contemporary Cuban artists and curators, museum visits, and collaborative opportunities, culminating in exhibitions at the on-site art gallery.

A4 Residency Art Center

Chengdu, China

The A4 Residency Art Center, based in Chengdu’s Luxelakes Eco-City, is an interdisciplinary and community-driven residency dedicated to fostering boundary-crossing creative practices. Since its foundation as part of the A4 Art Museum, it has supported artists, scientists, designers, and other thinkers from over 23 countries through deep, localized engagements. A4 emphasizes sustainability, transdisciplinarity, and co-creation with the public and community. The program offers artists studio and accommodation space, round-trip travel, production support, and access to a unique “Super Agent” system—local residents who help artists integrate culturally and socially. Residents are expected to engage with the community through public events, collaborative workshops, and open studios. The residency fosters experimental, interdisciplinary projects that examine the relationships between people, place, and culture. Each session ends with a major public event such as RE-CREATE Art Season or the RE-SALON Residency Forum. A4 is a hub for international creators seeking to blend artistic innovation with social relevance in China’s rapidly evolving urban and ecological context.

Akademie Schloss Solitude

Stuttgart, Germany

Akademie Schloss Solitude is an international and transdisciplinary artist-in-residence program in Stuttgart, Germany, awarding 50-60 residencies every two years to artists, researchers, and cultural professionals across all disciplines. It provides space for concentrated work, interdisciplinary exchange, and networking, with fellows receiving furnished live/work studios, a monthly stipend of €1,300, and travel support for 6- or 9-month stays.[1][2][3]

American Academy in Rome

Rome, Italy

The American Academy in Rome, established in 1894, is a leading international center fostering interdisciplinary exchange among artists, writers, and scholars. Each year, the Academy awards the Rome Prize and Italian Fellowship through a competitive application and jury process to support innovative work in the arts and humanities. Winners are invited to Rome for a period conducive to intellectual and artistic freedom, engagement, and growth. The residency offers a unique opportunity to interact with an evolving international community, enriched by the historical and cultural backdrop of Rome. This tradition enhances the creative output of residents by providing a vibrant atmosphere that encourages the exchange of ideas and experiences within a global context.

Aomori Contemporary Art Center (ACAC)

Aomori, Japan

The Aomori Contemporary Art Center (ACAC) offers an Artist-in-Residence program titled "SPINNING SCAPES" that invites contemporary artists, curators, and researchers to engage deeply with their practices in a supportive and fully equipped environment. Located at the foothills of the Hakkoda Mountains in Aomori, Japan, the ACAC is celebrated for its distinctive architecture by ANDO Tadao and its integration into the lush local landscape, offering a unique space for creative exploration and public engagement. Residents at ACAC can participate in various lengths of stays, from two weeks to up to six two-week terms, depending on their project needs. The program is flexible, allowing for both in-person and remote participation. It encourages artists to immerse themselves in the local community and environment to inspire new "scapes" or perspectives within their work, whether through exhibitions, performances, or other collaborative projects. Key features include access to specialized workshops (engraving, silkscreen, ceramics, digital production, construction), a personal studio space, communal living areas, and exhibition opportunities. The residency is supported by a dedicated team, offering logistical, technical, and community engagement assistance, aimed at fostering meaningful cultural exchanges and expanding the artists' practices and visibility.

Atelier Mondial

Basel, Switzerland

Atelier Mondial is an international and interdisciplinary artist residency program in Basel, Switzerland, hosting guest artists from partner institutions worldwide in its seven studios for stays typically lasting three to six months. It provides live-in studios, stipends for living expenses, and opportunities for open studios and exhibitions at Salon Mondial. The program also offers grants to regional artists from Basel, South Baden, and Alsace for residencies abroad in fields like visual arts, literature, fashion & textiles, dance & performing arts, and curation.

Atlantic Center for the Arts (ACA)

New Smyrna Beach, Florida, United States

Atlantic Center for the Arts (ACA), nestled in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, stands as a beacon of interdisciplinary artistic collaboration and excellence. Established in 1977 by the visionary Doris Leeper, ACA fosters a nurturing environment where artists across multiple disciplines can converge, create, and share ideas. The center is renowned for its Mentor Artist-in-Residence Program, which pairs emerging and mid-career artists with distinguished mentors to explore new projects, experiment, and engage in rich dialogues across artistic fields. Beyond its core residency, ACA extends its creative reach through community arts and wellness initiatives, offering a broad spectrum of programs that underline the center's commitment to artistic innovation and community engagement.

Bauhaus Earth

Berlin, Germany

The Experimental Fellowship at Bauhaus Earth is an international program designed for emerging practitioners in architecture, design, engineering, and interdisciplinary fields aiming to explore sustainable, regenerative approaches to the built environment. Hosted by Experimental, a Berlin-based non-profit founded by architect Prof. Regine Leibinger, the program supports fellows through financial assistance, mentorship, and access to a collaborative network. The fellowship emphasizes open-ended, practice-led research that results in tangible prototypes or architectural fragments integrating ecological and social concerns. Bauhaus Earth offers a supportive environment that connects fellows with workshops, expert advisors, and public engagement opportunities in Berlin and Brandenburg. Projects are developed in mutual collaboration with the program team and relevant stakeholders. Fellows gain visibility through exhibitions, publications, and public programming. The initiative bridges research and real-world application to rethink how architecture can contribute to sustainable futures. With a focus on material innovation, local ecosystems, and circular practices, Bauhaus Earth fosters experimental design practices that push boundaries in the architectural field.

Bibliothek Andreas Züst

Oberegg, Switzerland

The Bibliothek Andreas Züst offers four studio residency stipends in autumn 2024, providing a four-week stay for national and international cultural workers across various disciplines, including visual arts, literature, new media, music, theatre, design, architecture, film, and photography. Located at the Alpenhof panorama lodge in Oberegg, Switzerland, the residency includes free accommodations, meals, studio access, and travel costs. Applicants are encouraged to propose projects related to the library or its sub-areas, fostering research and creative work that explores cultural diversity.

Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation

Lisbon, Portugal

The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian), a renowned international foundation, facilitates impactful residencies under its program, "Bauhaus of the Seas Sails." These residencies, including "Radical Waters – Concrete Matters," "Eating Between Tides," and "A Call to the Sea," are designed to foster innovative approaches across various disciplines—integrating art, science, and community engagement. Each residency is fully funded and supports interdisciplinary collaboration to explore and address environmental and societal issues through artistic and scientific lenses.

Can Lis

Mallorca, Spain

Can Lis Residencies, located at Jørn Utzon’s iconic house on Mallorca, offer a unique opportunity for architects and others linked to the Danish architecture scene. Managed by the Danish Arts Foundation in collaboration with the Utzon Foundation, these residencies aim to foster the artistic dimensions of architecture both domestically and internationally. The residency site is notable for its aesthetic appeal and architectural consistency, featuring modest furnishings and located atop a cliff. It provides a conducive environment for architects to engage deeply with their work, emphasizing research and cross-disciplinary dialogue. The residencies are available for periods ranging from 13 to 26 days, during which residents may also apply for travel and transport cost funding. The program prioritizes projects that plan to communicate their outcomes publicly, with a keen focus on artistic quality, relevance, and aesthetic understanding.

Casa Wabi Fundación (Foundation)

Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Fundación Casa Wabi, a non-profit civil association, promotes contemporary art and local community engagement through its residency program. Located in three locations: Puerto Escondido, Mexico City, and Tokyo, Casa Wabi operates under the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi, finding beauty in simplicity and imperfection. Founded by Mexican artist Bosco Sodi, the headquarters in Puerto Escondido is designed by renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando. The residency program invites national and international artists to engage in multidisciplinary exchanges that foster social development. Residents benefit from comprehensive facilities, including studios, exhibition galleries, and communal spaces, to inspire creativity and community interaction.

Centre International d’Art et du Paysage (CIAPV)

Beaumont-du-Lac, France

The Centre International d’Art et du Paysage (CIAPV) on Vassivière Island, France, supports research, experimentation, production, and dissemination of contemporary art. The CIAPV is unique within the French artistic landscape, known for its remarkable contemporary architecture and open-air permanent collection. The residency program offers an immersive experience in the landscape, history, and culture of Vassivière Island, fostering artistic experimentation and public engagement. The upcoming thematic residency, “Landscape and the Commons,” invites an artist-scientist duo to explore the relationship between landscape and the commons.

Cove Park

Helensburgh, United Kingdom

Cove Park is an international artist residency centre on a 50-acre rural site overlooking Loch Long in Argyll, Scotland, near Helensburgh, hosting national and international artists, writers, researchers, and creative practitioners across all art forms and career stages.[1][3] The program supports research, experimentation, development, and production of new work in a supportive environment with communal facilities and events.[1][2] Residencies vary from funded opportunities with stipends and housing to self-funded stays, typically lasting 2-4 weeks.[1][2]

Fogo Island Arts

Fogo Island, Canada

Fogo Island Arts is an international residency program founded in 2008 that invites professional contemporary artists, curators, writers, filmmakers, musicians, designers, and thinkers to live and work on Fogo Island, Newfoundland, Canada, fostering creation, research, and connections around themes of sustainability, ecology, economy, and belonging.[1][2][3] Residents stay in saltbox houses within local communities, with access to individual studios in scenic locations, and are expected to engage publicly through presentations or workshops.[1][2] The program, part of the Shorefast Foundation, supports a range of disciplines and has specific opportunities like the fully funded 6-8 week Newfoundland and Labrador Artist Residency.[5]

Gapado AiR

Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

Gapado Artist in Residence (Gapado AiR) is a distinctive cultural initiative located on the serene island of Gapado, South Korea. This residency provides a creative sanctuary for both domestic and international artists encompassing a wide array of art forms including visual arts, architecture, and literature. Artists are invited to immerse themselves in their work while engaging with the island’s unique ecological and cultural landscape, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas and artistic expressions. The program's architecture, designed by Choi Wook, integrates seamlessly with the island’s topography, featuring underground facilities and a minimalistic observatory that complements the natural surroundings. Facilities for artists include a community lounge, individual studios, and private accommodation, all equipped with necessary amenities to support creative endeavors. Artists benefit from structured programs such as AiR Talk, Open Studios, and local community events, which enhance their creative processes and facilitate interactions with both the local community and the international art scene. The residency emphasizes sustainable cultural development and aims to establish Gapado as a new hub of creativity and cultural exchange.

Grizedale Arts

Coniston, United Kingdom

Grizedale Arts is a contemporary arts organisation based at Lawson Park farm near Coniston in the Lake District, UK, operating as a residency and commissioning agency focused on integrating art into everyday life through hands-on, communal projects.[1][5] Over the past decade, it has shifted from traditional artist residencies to a flexible model involving commissioned works, research stays, volunteering opportunities, and roles as associate artists within local, national, and international programmes.[4] Residencies emphasise practical skills like construction, crafts, and sustainable initiatives, often at Lawson Park or The Farmer's Arms, with examples including volunteer builds and paid potter positions.[2][7]

I-Park

East Haddam, Connecticut, United States

I-Park, nestled within a 450-acre nature preserve in East Haddam, Connecticut, has been a sanctuary for artists since its inception in 2001 by founders Ralph Crispino, Jr., and Joanne Paradis. This rural, retreat-like residency is designed for artists across various disciplines to engage deeply with their work against the serene backdrop of nature. Offering three main residency programs—the General Residency Program, the Site-Responsive Art Residency & Biennale, and the Composers + Musicians Collaborative Residency—I-Park supports a multidisciplinary approach. Artists are provided with private bedrooms, studios, and communal spaces in a renovated 1840s farmhouse, with chef-prepared dinners five nights a week. The self-directed residencies emphasize minimal institutional demands, allowing artists the freedom to explore new ideas or continue existing projects. The surrounding landscape, featuring ponds, meadows, and trails, not only offers inspiration but also serves as a canvas for artistic interventions. With a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, I-Park invites artists from diverse backgrounds to share in this unique experience of creativity and community.

IASPIS

Stockholm, Sweden

The IASPIS residency programme in Stockholm, run by the Swedish Arts Grants Committee, provides nine studios for visual and applied arts artists, focusing on international exchange and exploratory artistic work that can be practical or theoretical. Swedish-based artists apply directly, while international artists are invited based on proposals from professionals in the field. Residencies last three to six months, offering studio access, networking opportunities, public events, and for international artists, accommodation and a subsistence grant.

Iméra (Imera)

Marseille, France

Iméra, the Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) at Aix-Marseille University, offers interdisciplinary residencies in collaboration with various global institutions. Established to support advanced research, the residency program is available for both academic researchers and artists. The residencies range from 5 to 10 months, and participants have access to a multidisciplinary cohort, fostering collaboration between fields such as arts, sciences, and social sciences. Iméra provides its residents with housing, a living allowance, research budget, and access to the scientific and cultural resources of the Aix-Marseille academic and cultural community. The residency includes mandatory participation in the weekly Community Building Seminar, a central activity designed to promote interdisciplinary dialogue among residents. With partnerships like the Fulbright/Iméra Chair in Migration Studies, Iméra continues to support high-level international scholars and artists, creating a dynamic platform for collaborative research and artistic creation.

La Becque

La Tour-de-Peilz, Switzerland

La Becque, nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva in La Tour-de-Peilz, Switzerland, offers a unique residency program for Swiss and international artists across a wide range of disciplines. The program, focusing on the intricate relationship between nature, the environment, and technology, encourages artists to explore these contemporary concerns through their artistic practices. La Becque provides three- or six-month residencies, emphasizing research, reflection, and the developmental phases of artistic work rather than the final production. This approach supports long-term artistic growth and fosters collaborations and interactions among residents and the broader creative community. Public events, such as discussions and open studios, complement the residency experience, offering visibility and engagement opportunities without being the sole outcome. Financial support includes accommodation, a monthly stipend, and travel costs, with additional support for childcare. La Becque's mission is to facilitate moments of reflection and transition in artists' careers, contributing to their development in an inspiring setting.

Nicholson Project

Washington, DC, United States

The Nicholson Project, located in Washington, D.C., is an organization deeply committed to the role of art and design in community enhancement. Through its Artist Residency Program, it provides essential support, space, and resources for artists to engage in their studio practice and initiate onsite projects. The program is open to a wide array of creative professionals including visual artists, designers, dancers, poets, writers, chefs, gardeners, architects, engineers, and scientists, prioritizing BIPOC artists and those with ties to Southeast Washington, D.C. Residents receive a 10-week residency, a $5,000 stipend, private studio and living space, professional development opportunities, and up to $2,000 for project development. The Nicholson Project also emphasizes community engagement through open studios, artist talks, and optional Residency Projects focused on community activation. The residency application process is managed via Slideroom with a modest application fee, aiming to support, amplify, and engage artists and the local community through a multifaceted approach to artistic and community development.

Niederösterreich

Krems an der Donau, Austria

Artist in Residence Niederösterreich is a multidisciplinary residency program supported by the federal state of Lower Austria, designed to facilitate international and interdisciplinary exchanges among artists. Established to promote cross-cultural dialogue, the program is situated within the Kunstmeile Krems, which includes five studio apartments and a large communal space. These studios provide temporary living and working conditions to encourage creative and professional growth. The program primarily targets architects, visual artists, musicians, and writers, aiming to enrich the local cultural landscape through the integration of international artists. By partnering with global institutions that support artistic endeavors, AIR Niederösterreich not only brings international art to the local scene but also provides opportunities for artists from Lower Austria to engage abroad. Artists are selected to participate in this vibrant exchange through a rigorous process managed by a subject-specific advisory board. The scholarships awarded not only cover living accommodations but also include a stipend, making the residency an attractive opportunity for artists seeking to immerse themselves in a different cultural setting. The program’s commitment to diversity ensures a rich, creative environment where artists from various disciplines can interact and inspire each other. Regular artistic activities and a strong connection with local and Viennese cultural institutions further support the artists’ integration into the local art scene. Overall, AIR Niederösterreich stands out as a prime destination for artists aiming to develop their practice within a supportive and dynamic community, backed by the scenic and culturally rich environment of Krems an der Donau.

Onassis AiR

Athens, Greece

Onassis AiR, established in Athens, Greece, in 2019 by the Onassis Foundation, is a pioneering Artistic Research, Residency & Fellowship Program designed to support arts professionals from various disciplines. It offers a unique environment for artists to explore their practices deeply without the pressure of producing a final work. Emphasizing artistic research and process, Onassis AiR has grown into a vibrant hub for cross-disciplinary exchange, operating as a mycelium-like network within the Onassis ecosystem and beyond. The program encourages artistic experimentation, speculative practices, and non-linear storytelling, fostering a community of peer-to-peer interconnection and knowledge sharing. Onassis AiR's mission is to serve as a catalyst for artistic exploration, offering a platform for co-creation and opening its doors to a diverse community of artists through international networks and collaborations. The residency provides various professional development opportunities, including mentoring, workshops, and engagement with the local art scene. It supports a wide range of disciplines, offering individual and collective resources to facilitate artistic growth and experimentation. Onassis AiR is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and collaborative working environment, further enriching the artistic community and fostering meaningful dialogues and exchanges.

Penland School of Craft

Penland, North Carolina, United States

Penland School of Craft, situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, is a prestigious national center for craft education. The Resident Artist Program, established in the 1960s, offers professional craft artists a unique opportunity to advance their practice through either a one-year project-based residency or a three-year career transition residency. The program supports artists with free housing, studio space, and utilities, fostering an environment of intense creative focus and community engagement. Residents interact with the larger Penland community, participating in informal and formal studio visits, workshops, and exhibitions. The program emphasizes diversity and innovation, with residents selected through a competitive national and international application process.

Platform

Vasa, Finland

Platform is an artist-run initiative in Vasa, Finland, dedicated to promoting and producing international contemporary art. Founded in 2000, it hosts exhibitions and projects primarily resulting from its residency program. The residency emphasizes local interaction through curated projects, artist talks, and seminars. Artists are invited to explore various themes, producing site-specific and community-engaged works. Platform provides accommodation, travel expenses, a working grant, and a production budget. The residency fosters a conducive environment for creative development and intercultural exchange. Artists benefit from private apartments, project spaces, and essential tools and equipment. The program aims to connect artists with the local community and broader artistic discussions.

Pro Helvetia

Zürich, Switzerland

Pro Helvetia's residency programme enables artists from Switzerland and regions covered by its liaison offices to spend up to three months immersed in a different daily context, offering possibilities for artistic exchange, reflection, and the emergence of new work, collaborations, and ideas.

RaumKulturDenkmal

Breitenberg, Germany

The RaumKulturDenkmal e.V. aims to promote nature conservation, art, culture, and the protection of cultural landscapes in the tri-border area of Germany, Czech Republic, and Austria. The association is involved in cross-border projects with international participation, focusing on the preservation of endangered cultural and wild plants, the revival and restoration of historical building structures, and artistic research. The Bauhaus Bavaria Artist-in-Residence program celebrates sustainable practices and inclusive spirit, merging the ethos of the Bauhaus Movement and the Black Mountain College. The residency offers a unique opportunity for sustainable creative experimentation in a historically rich and ecologically significant location.

Rimbun Dahan

Kuang, Malaysia

Rimbun Dahan is a private arboretum and arts centre in Kuang, Malaysia, established in 1994, offering residencies primarily for visual artists, choreographers, writers, and researchers from Southeast Asia to develop their work in a serene garden setting.[1][2][5] It provides various programs including the Southeast Asian Arts Residency for ASEAN artists (2 months, with accommodation, studio, stipend, and limited travel support) and paid options for non-ASEAN artists longer than one month.[1][4] The centre hosts 16-20 artists at a time across 5 studios, focusing on Malaysian and regional creators while welcoming international engagement.[2]

Sacatar Foundation

Itaparica, Brazil

Instituto Sacatar is the longest continuously-operating artist residency in Brazil, founded in 2001 on the island of Itaparica across the bay from Salvador, Bahia. The residency provides fully-funded fellowships to artists of all disciplines from around the world, hosting up to eight artists at a time across five annual sessions. Since its inception, Sacatar has awarded residencies to over 550 artists from more than 75 countries.

Sixi Museum

Nanjing, China

The Sixi Museum in Nanjing, China, offers the Sixi International Artist-in-Residence Project, a program designed to support emerging artists from diverse disciplines. The residency fosters cross-cultural exchange, creative breakthroughs, and personal growth by providing living accommodations, a dedicated studio space, and financial and logistical assistance. Participants stay in a city-center apartment and work in a loft studio on the outskirts of Nanjing, benefiting from technical resources and connections with the local art scene. The residency concludes with an exhibition showcasing the artists’ outcomes. Nanjing, a city known for its fusion of traditional and contemporary culture, provides a rich backdrop for creative exploration. The residency aims to contribute to Nanjing’s vibrant art ecology and international cultural exchanges, supporting the development of contemporary art in China.

Surel’s Place

Garden City, Idaho, United States

Surel’s Place offers month-long residencies to professional visual, literary, and performance artists, providing a supportive environment to focus on their work. Located in Garden City, Idaho, the residency includes a well-equipped studio and comfortable living quarters. Residents receive free rent, utilities, Wi-Fi, a modest living stipend, and a travel stipend. The program encourages artists to engage with the community through workshops and public events, fostering a deep connection with local audiences. Surel’s Place values technically advanced and conceptually valuable artwork and supports artists who seek to connect with an audience. One of the five residencies each cycle includes outreach to local schools, enhancing community involvement. The facility includes amenities such as garden spaces, a library, and bicycles for transportation. Surel’s Place emphasizes a non-smoking environment and welcomes partners but cannot accommodate children or pets.

Tokyo Arts and Space (TOKAS)

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo Arts and Space (TOKAS) offers the International Creator Residency Program, inviting distinguished and highly motivated international creators in fields such as visual art, film, design, and architecture. The program provides opportunities for creative activities in Tokyo, emphasizing cultural exchange and independent project work. The residency is divided into two main categories: Individual Projects and Theme Projects. Individual Projects offer a 3-month residency during specified periods, while Theme Projects focus on specific themes, encouraging collaborative exploration. The residency provides airfare, living expenses, a fee for creative work, and living space in single rooms, with shared studio facilities. Applications are evaluated based on artistic merit and project proposals, culminating in a result exhibition or open studio presentation. TOKAS fosters an enriching environment for creators to develop their work and engage with Tokyo’s vibrant cultural landscape.

Vice~Versa Foundation

Goa, India

The Vice~Versa Foundation Artist-in-Residence Fellowship Program in Goa, India, offers a unique opportunity for visual artists, curators, and writers to immerse themselves in creative work within the serene and culturally rich environment of Goan Heritage Houses. This program is designed for both emerging and established professionals from around the world, providing a space for innovation, reflection, and the development of a significant body of work. Residents are accommodated in private suites within Indo-Portuguese heritage homes, equipped with modern amenities and surrounded by the historical and artistic richness of Goa. The fellowship includes a monthly stipend, studio space, and access to a library, kitchen, and laundry facilities, promoting a self-sufficient and contemplative creative process. The program emphasizes the care of the residency spaces and the engagement with the local cultural tapestry. With options for four or eight-week residencies, the program supports artists in their professional growth while encouraging the exploration of Goa's unique cultural and artistic landscape.

Villa Filanda Antonini (VFA)

Villorba, Italy

Villa Filanda Antonini (VFA) is an artist residency located in Villorba, near Treviso, Italy, established in 2021 by Giulio Feltrin and his family, founders of the design brand Arper. It is the first initiative supported by the Arper Feltrin Foundation, aiming to foster the dialogue between contemporary art, design, and architecture. Set in the historical Villa Antonini, which once served as the headquarters for a local silk factory, VFA is committed to preserving the architectural integrity while repurposing the space for cultural and artistic production. The residency is designed to be a collaborative, experimental space where artists from various disciplines can explore and engage with the local cultural and natural landscapes of Treviso. Offering a program that includes resident exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events open to the community, VFA encourages artists to create projects that have social repercussions and are responsive to the site. The program is open to European artists non-residing in Italy and is fully funded, including a grant from Culture Moves Europe and support from the European Union. VFA not only acts as a creative space but also participates in local regeneration processes, transforming industrial spaces into generative sites for cultural content and new knowledge. Through its emphasis on sustainable practices and community engagement, VFA aims to foster a network of creative processes that interpret the material and immaterial specifics of the region.

Villa Kujoyama

Kyoto, Japan

Villa Kujoyama is a pluridisciplinary research residency located in Kyoto, Japan that has welcomed established and emerging artists, artisans, and creators since 1992. The residency provides time and space for residents to dedicate themselves fully to their practice and research while engaging with artistic, cultural, academic, and economic communities across Japan. It is operated by Institut français du Japon and supported by the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation.

Villa Medici – French Academy in Rome

Rome, Italy

The Villa Medici – French Academy in Rome offers residency programs for French-speaking artists, authors, researchers, and craftsmen from all disciplines, including visual arts, music, literature, architecture, design, choreography, theater, and art history. Residents and fellows stay for periods ranging from two weeks to one year, focusing on creative, experimental, or research projects in a supportive environment that encourages interdisciplinary exchanges. Fellows receive grants covering room, board, workspace, and artistic support, while shorter residencies are available through thematic calls and partnerships.[1][2][4]

Virreina

Oicatá, Boyacá, Colombia

Virreina's LOMA SERENA residency program is aimed at artists, writers, curators, cultural managers, filmmakers, architects, and designers whose practice is critically engaged with the cultural sector. The program fosters exploration and collective questioning, offering participants space to rethink possibilities of exhibition, circulation, production, and development of both material and theoretical projects while immersing in an experience tailored to the local cultural ecosystem. Located in the Oicatá valley in Boyacá, one of the most emblematic regions of the Cundiboyacense highlands, the residency takes place in a colonial-style house with three internal courtyards surrounded by large green areas. Participants have access to workshop areas equipped for large-scale work and a 5-hectare complex ideal for agricultural work. The program includes field trips to locations offering creative possibilities from lagoons and deserts to artisan workshops and gastronomic events, plus studio visits with regional cultural agents.

WilderHaven

Chengdu, China

WilderHaven is an artist-founded initiative based in Southwest China that fosters cross-cultural dialogue and interdisciplinary creation in deeply immersive rural settings. Founded in 2024, it offers artist and writer residencies in the provinces of Sichuan, Yunnan, and Guizhou, engaging directly with the region’s diverse landscapes and minority cultures. The residency supports visual artists, writers, musicians, performers, and designers through flexible programs designed to bridge global practices with local traditions. With small cohorts and a balance of solitude and community, WilderHaven emphasizes experimentation, collaboration, and critical inquiry. Participants have access to studios, cultural excursions, and local engagement opportunities with ethnic Yi and Lisú communities. Group and pop-up exhibitions offer residents ways to showcase work locally and in major Chinese cities. Family-friendly accommodations, bilingual support, and curated events make it accessible to a broad range of creatives. The program is primarily self-funded but offers merit-based stipends to reduce participation costs for selected artists.