🏝️ Island Residencies

AARK (Archipelago Art Residency in Korpo)

Korpo, Finland

AARK (Archipelago Art Residency in Korpo) is an independent, artist-run residency located on the island of Korpo in the Finnish Archipelago. It provides a tranquil retreat for artists from all disciplines who seek inspiration from nature and the surrounding seaside environment. The residency offers private studios and apartments with sea views, fostering both solitude and community engagement. Artists can enjoy the stunning landscape year-round, from frozen seas in winter to the midnight sun in summer. AARK encourages a dialogue between national and international guests, as well as engagement with local people and the environment. Weekly informal meetings, shared meals, and sauna sessions help foster a sense of community among residents. The residency is easily accessible by public transport from Turku and is located near ferries connecting the outer archipelago. While AARK does not provide direct funding, artists are encouraged to apply for external grants. The residency welcomes both individual artists and artist duos, offering flexible stays ranging from one to three months.

ArtHouse Jersey

St Mary, United Kingdom

ArtHouse Jersey offers an inspiring residency program for artists from around the world, providing them with time, space, and resources to develop their practice in the tranquil and scenic surroundings of Jersey, located on the north coast at Greve de Lecq Barracks. The residency welcomes artists from all disciplines and encourages interdisciplinary collaboration with local artists, fostering creative exchanges that contribute to both the artists’ work and the cultural landscape of Jersey. The residency provides an immersive environment where artists can focus on their projects while drawing inspiration from the island’s natural beauty and rich artistic heritage. Notably, Jersey has a long history of attracting creatives like Victor Hugo and Claude Cahun. While the residency is typically invitation-only, artists interested in proposing a project or visit can reach out to ArtHouse Jersey’s Head of Programme to explore opportunities for collaboration. Residencies at ArtHouse Jersey frequently result in lasting relationships between the visiting artists and the local creative community, often leading to collaborative projects, exhibitions, and other forms of creative expression.

Casa na Ilha

Ilhabela, Brazil

Casa na Ilha is a serene art residency nestled in Ilhabela, Brazil, set within a rich ecological and cultural landscape. The program offers artists the opportunity to immerse themselves in their creative projects away from the distractions of everyday life. It accommodates a variety of disciplines including visual arts, writing, and research, particularly with an environmental focus. Residents benefit from a flexible, self-directed program with support available from on-site tutors. The residency encourages collaborative interactions among artists and promotes engagement with the local community and natural surroundings.

Casa Tagumerche

La Gomera, Spain

Casa Tagumerche is a creative residency located on La Gomera, one of the Canary Islands, designed to offer artists and writers a serene space for focused work and reflection. The residency supports diverse creative endeavors, welcoming visual artists, writers, and researchers seeking a contemplative environment to pursue their projects in a private setting. Situated in the remote area above Alojera, the residency provides scenic ocean views, a lush garden, and several comfortable living and work spaces. Accommodations include a main house and guest cottages with shared and private room options, alongside communal spaces like the terrace and garden for dining and relaxation. The program fosters a sense of community, with shared meals and opportunities for informal idea exchange, yet allows residents ample independence. Casa Tagumerche is self-funded, with residents covering a daily accommodation fee and food costs.

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.

Cuttyhunk Island Artists' Residency (CIAR)

Cuttyhunk, Massachusetts, United States

Cuttyhunk Island Artists' Residency (CIAR), located off the coast of Massachusetts, provides a secluded and inspiring environment for visual artists and writers to deepen their creative practices. Established in 2017 and housed at the historic Avalon Inn, CIAR supports a diverse group of artists through its focused residency programs. Artists have the opportunity to engage deeply with the natural surroundings of Cuttyhunk Island, using it as a studio and source of inspiration. The residency fosters a communal atmosphere, with shared meals and accommodations, encouraging collaboration and dialogue among participants. CIAR offers fellowships covering full costs, including meals and accommodation, with special consideration for artists who are parents or of color. The residency ensures a supportive, nurturing environment by requiring vaccinations for participation.

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.

Gibraltar Point

Toronto, Canada

Gibraltar Point Centre for the Arts on Toronto Island, Ontario, Canada, offers two types of artist residencies: self-directed and thematic/programmed. The self-directed residencies provide artists, writers, and composers with private accommodations and studio spaces for short-term stays in a distraction-free environment, ideal for creative focus, research, or collaborative work. Studios are well-equipped, ranging in size and amenities, and the serene, car-free island provides a peaceful retreat year-round. The thematic residencies, on the other hand, bring together up to 18 artists to explore specific topics under the guidance of facilitators, fostering collaboration, dialogue, and new perspectives. Gibraltar Point offers accommodations, shared facilities like kitchens and lounges, and access to beautiful outdoor spaces, including scenic lakefront views, making it a unique and inspiring environment for artists across disciplines.

Haystack Mountain School of Crafts

Deer Isle, Maine, United States

Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, located on Deer Isle, Maine, offers a two-week Open Studio Residency that encourages a dynamic exchange of ideas among peers and provides extensive studio time without the distractions of daily life. Established to foster deep engagement with craft and creativity, the residency is designed to support artists in a variety of disciplines including ceramics, blacksmithing, fiber, graphics, metals, and wood. Participants benefit from the unique collaborative environment and are encouraged to explore and interact with different media. The residency includes full access to the Haystack's facilities, including the Fab Lab for digital fabrication, which enhances creative practices with cutting-edge technology.

Lost Artists

Capri, Italy

The Lost Artists photography residency in Capri, Italy, offers a week-long retreat for photographers seeking to reconnect with their artistic vision. Led by award-winning fine art photographer Davide Esposito, the residency combines tailored one-on-one mentorship sessions, photography workshops, and immersive exploration of Capri’s hidden landscapes. Participants will gain guidance on refining their artist statements, deepening their creative process, and mastering techniques like light, landscape photography, and storytelling. The program is rooted in helping artists create work that reflects their personal truth. Accommodation is provided in a serene three-bedroom apartment overlooking the sea, fostering an inspiring atmosphere. This residency also highlights Capri’s rich artistic history, which has inspired legends like Pablo Neruda and Oscar Wilde. Through a mix of introspection, technical skill-building, and creative exploration, Lost Artists offers a transformative experience for photographers.

MA Umi Residencies

Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan

MA Umi Residencies is a self-funded, non-profit international residency program based in the northern peninsula of Ishigaki Island, Japan, part of the Yaeyama archipelago. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and research, offering participants an opportunity to engage with the land, ocean, and local communities in a sustainable and immersive environment. Participants have access to complimentary lodging in private studios, shared facilities, and transportation within the area. The residency promotes ecological and cultural awareness, focusing on marine and coastal landscapes as part of its response to global climate challenges. Residents are encouraged to present their work publicly, whether through exhibitions, workshops, or discussions, fostering dialogue and intercultural collaboration. The program is open to artists, researchers, and creatives across disciplines, including visual arts, architecture, geography, oceanography, and literature. The selection process is based on artistic merit, the feasibility of proposed projects, and their alignment with the program’s mission.

Nantucket Island School of Design and the Arts (NISDA)

Nantucket, Massachusetts, United States

The Nantucket Island School of Design and the Arts (NISDA) offers the Offshore Artist Residency (OAR) for artists and educators across diverse disciplines such as photography, painting, ceramics, textiles, writing, music, performance, and interdisciplinary projects. Located 30 miles out to sea on Nantucket Island, this residency provides a unique environment rich in natural beauty and cultural history. NISDA encourages residents to engage deeply with the island’s vibrant community and participate in cultural events and lectures. Residencies are self-structured and offer live-in studios of varying sizes with access to ceramics studios for an additional fee. Options for residency exchanges and shared studio spaces are available to help reduce costs. The program operates year-round with specific schedules for summer, fall, and winter, encouraging longer stays for in-depth exploration.

Old Carpet Factory

Hydra, Greece

The Art Residency at the Old Carpet Factory, located on the picturesque Hydra Island in Greece, offers a unique opportunity for international artists and creatives to live and work in a historical 18th-century mansion. The residency is dedicated to preserving Hydra’s cultural heritage while supporting new artistic ideas. Open to a variety of disciplines, including visual art, sound art, and interdisciplinary projects, the program invites artists to engage with the local community and the island’s rich history. Residents are provided with accommodation in a private bedroom and given full access to the house. The residency seeks projects related to documenting Hydra, creating site-specific works, or developing sound art in the Old Carpet Factory’s recording studio. Artists are responsible for travel and material expenses, while room accommodations are covered by the program. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and projects of two weeks in length are preferred due to the space’s year-round schedule with the recording studio.

ÖRES

Örö, Finland

ÖRES is an artist-run residency program located on the island of Örö, a former military fortress in the Finnish Archipelago National Park. The residency offers a unique opportunity for artists and researchers to work in a pristine natural environment, focusing on experimental fields of art, art-science collaborations, and interdisciplinary projects. The program is ideal for those interested in the intersection of nature, history, and contemporary art practices. With its retreat-like atmosphere, especially during the quiet winter months, the residency is self-service, requiring a do-it-yourself attitude. The facilities include two apartments that serve as combined living and working spaces, suitable for individual artists, small groups, or families. The residency is free of charge, though participants must cover their travel, materials, and living expenses.

Rabbit Island

Near Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan, United States

Rabbit Island is a 91-acre forested island located in Lake Superior, Michigan, preserved as a pristine wilderness area. The island is dedicated to contemporary art, science, and conservation, hosting an artist residency program that supports artists for 2-4 weeks as they explore and respond to environmental and ecological themes. Founded on the principles of conservation and underpinned by a non-profit structure, Rabbit Island provides a unique, undeveloped space for artists to ponder and create works related to climate change, natural habitat loss, and sustainable living among other global issues. The residency is backed by significant support from entities like the National Endowment for the Arts and operates with a commitment to maintaining the island's untouched ecosystem. Artists are encouraged to interact deeply with the natural environment, utilizing their time to produce works that reflect on human interactions with nature and the responsibilities entailed in land stewardship and ecological awareness.