Free Culinary Residencies

Villa Lena

Tuscany, Italy

The Villa Lena Foundation, nestled in the Tuscan countryside of Italy, offers a distinctive artist residency that promotes multidisciplinary collaboration and creativity. This non-profit organization supports international artists across various fields, including art, music, literature, and fashion, to foster a rich dialogue and exchange of ideas. Set within a picturesque estate, the residency provides artists with accommodation, studio space, and half-board meals, facilitating a conducive environment for self-led projects from April to October annually. Artists contribute to the Villa Lena Collection by donating an artwork, creating a lasting legacy of their time spent at the residency. The program not only encourages artistic development but also integrates residents into community life, involving them in local agricultural practices and communal events. Special initiatives, such as family residencies and curatorial programs, highlight the foundation's commitment to accommodating diverse artistic endeavors and life situations. With a selection process that includes interviews and advisory board evaluations, Villa Lena seeks to assemble a vibrant, international community of creatives each year. The residency stands as a testament to the power of nature and community in fueling artistic innovation and collaboration in the heart of Tuscany.

Le Wonder

Bobigny, France

Le Wonder is an artist-run collective and residency space located in Bobigny, on the outskirts of Paris, France. Founded in 2013, it occupies large, repurposed industrial complexes and offers both individual and shared studios along with extensive technical resources. The organization emphasizes independence, experimentation, and collective work across a wide range of disciplines including visual arts, performance, and culinary practices. It fosters a collaborative environment where residents can engage deeply with the local and international art scene. Le Wonder runs a research and creation residency for international and French artists and curators outside the Paris region, focusing on experimentation rather than production. Artists receive financial support and access to comprehensive studio facilities and mentorship from members of the collective. The residency is embedded in a strong network of local art institutions and partners, enhancing artists’ professional development. It is supported by public funding and part of the Arts en Résidence network.

421

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The 421 Residency Program supports creative practitioners from various disciplines seeking space and time for experimentation. This multidisciplinary program spans five months and takes place at the artist studios at 421 Arts Campus in MiZa. The residency is open to practices in visual arts, curation, design and technology, literary arts, music, theater, culinary arts, and more. It prioritizes process-driven exploration over the need for a final project outcome. The program is designed for artists from the MENASA region (Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia), offering living space and studio facilities for non-Abu Dhabi-based participants, as well as travel expenses, a stipend, and a production budget. Each residency cohort includes three artists, with two cohorts held annually. The program promotes collaborative engagement among its residents while encouraging individual experimentation.

Hey Human!

Barcelona, Spain

Hey Human! is a nonprofit artists-in-residence program in Barcelona, providing a creative space for digital artists, musicians, writers, and other professionals to explore the intersection of data and art. The residency offers a two-month stay for four artists, including shared accommodation, a workspace, weekly sessions with DDS research team members, and a small event to present residency outcomes. The 2024 program focuses on the theme “New Data Languages,” encouraging projects that critically engage with data visualization, ethical data practices, and innovative storytelling. Supported by the Goethe Institute, the residency is open to applicants from Creative Europe countries. Selected artists are expected to develop and publish their projects online, participate in a final presentation, and engage with the local community.

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.

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.