Artist Residency Reviews

I would strongly recommend this residency for artists who work in larger teams.

Cobertizo is a nice residence for production in terms of space and accompaniment. You also get in touch with some galleries. The cost is a bit high compared to the rewards received.

Benefits: more international links with artists, an extra context to use as a basis for architecture and design, the residency was a months-long period and this made it fulfilling to engage with other artists/designers, interactions with local artisans were worthwhile. Challenges: it was a long process applying for a visa to Indonesia (I had to travel to Kenya twice to process my visa), flights from Uganda to Denpasar were expensive but the residency directors supported me with this. Practical Advice: ensure to have a physical output by the end of the residency, ensure to work by the schedule of the residency. Costs vs. Gains: The investment in the residency involved overcoming logistical challenges such as visa processing and expensive flights. However, the rewards received outweighed these costs. The benefits included more international links with artists, an enriched context for architecture and design, fulfilling interactions with other artists and local artisans, and support from residency directors. These rewards contributed to personal and professional growth, expanded networks, and tangible creative output, making the investment in the residency highly rewarding despite the initial challenges.

The residency at Pact is really special and the conditions are very good. We would have liked to talk a bit more with the team about the process we were going through. We also missed a small social moment for all the residents with the team (like a coffee organised by Pact at a precise time with the 3 groups in residence, to stimulate the exchange between the groups). The possibility of dividing the residency time into 2 different periods would be a real help for the teams and projects. We would have liked to see a bit more dissemination and communication on social media, for example a mini interview with the team and also some photos or videos of when we presented our mock-up of the piece to the team. Financial support is ok to live during the residency, but obviously it would always be better to receive a salary commensurate with the work time involved in a residency.

Tal and Brenda are incredible. They are reliable, supportive, and generous.

For an artist who is looking to explore new processes that include experimentation with materials, it is an excellent option.

Staying at El Sur was the best I could have wished for. The neighborhood is preserved from gentrification, I felt like I was in a small town whilst perfectly connected to Mexico's many centralities. The space itself is a marvel, the private rooms as much as the studio spaces. Above all I enjoyed meeting the dedicated team of artists and curators who run the space and ensured we had the best possible experience. We were immediately immersed in the city's art scene, and supported at every step. In just 5 weeks I felt at home in the residency and the city, I made wonderful friends, got to research and work on my art in amazing conditions. I couldn't recommend it more.

I developed a strong art project during the residence. At these moments, I was ending my masters, and these artworks were the best of all my thesis. The residence gives you support about materials; devices in Mexico City—all the rest is on your expenses.

Art Center Padula was a great fit for my artistic needs. Interested in southern Italy's culture, I valued the people I met, the conversation and connections, and the time to be inspired in the studio and to experience not only Padula culture and cuisine but also the surrounding region.

The residency supports a part of the creative process that is not often funded by other tools. I think the team behind it has a high degree of sensitivity towards the ecology of labor of creative artistic practices. It is a unique grant opportunity allowing you to focus in the initial steps of a project with a new working constellation. It provides space, time and resources to meet in person with your colleagues, direct your research, strategize the next steps of your collaboration. The institution felt quite open; I only would have wished to understand better how the topic of the research forum (governance) is situated in their own practice. As another working constellation. How the critical thoughts of the program could permeate the institution itself. Nevertheless, it is a very nice hospitality format and it fosters better working conditions for our field. I was grateful.

French courses provided / little studio not convenient for painting or dirty practices

This residency sparked inspiration in so many ways—a peaceful place with a friendly vibe helped me focus. I usually have difficulty focusing, and the quiet environment helped. I was able to work through my creative block by spending time with other artists at this residency.

The benefit of the residency was to experience the peace and quiet of the countryside of Padula, Italy. It was also great to connect with the townspeople as well as authentic Italian culture.

Traditional and authentic Italian town. Perfect for an intimate residency in a village. Very nice historic home with nice accommodations. One art studio, writer's studio, and a work studio. Lovely authentic kitchen. A few lovely hosted events.

I left this residency with a new artist statement, headshot, and two new large-scale installations. It was an extremely fulfilling and productive time for me. The organizers take great care in selecting the cohorts and are genuinely invested in creating a lasting sense of community.

La Cité Internationale des Arts is an historical residency. Being part of it is first of all the honour to be part of that story. The staff is incredibly nice, engaged and willing to help so don't hesitate to communicate with them! If you're not funded, I would say that even two months is great to take. Just make most of it. Paris is full of galleries, projects, museums, talks, debates, cinemas, dance, poetry. Everything. The Cité being located in the center of Paris it's super easy to commute, so don't only stay in your studio, do as much as you can! It's part of the residency experience. La Cité also proposes talks and visits, don't hesitate to take part in it, it's a great opportunity to meet other residents.

Passionate staff, large studio to yourself, large bedroom and bathroom to yourself. Great engagement with the community. Hurdles were just facilities; however, they clearly state what is available, so it was not a surprise when arriving.

Tal and Brenda were amazing, super helpful and professional. The studio was big and full of everything I needed. The only thing I was a bit unhappy about is the fact that the final exhibition was too short (only one night) and lots of people couldn’t come.

The residency was quite well organized and structured to foster strong group dynamics as well as individual growth. The technical support was phenomenal, and should be taken advantage of!

Arteventura, nestled in a picturesque finca in Spain, offers a unique and inspiring artist residency experience. Nearby a small town, there is a close connection to the local community and vibrant cultural tapestry of Spain. With a supportive community of fellow artists, participants at arteventura find themselves immersed in a dynamic exchange of ideas and techniques. The serene environment of arteventura serves as a retreat, allowing artists to focus on their craft while enjoying the beauty of the Spanish countryside. The residency provides dedicated studio space and living area.