Top Artist Residencies 2026

Art Residencies – Immersive artistic journeys

Isn't it every artist's wish to have the time and space to develop their art practice and explore new techniques in an inspiring environment, free from distractions and stress? This is what the best art residencies offer.

Art residencies do not only foster artistic growth, but also provide opportunities to expand networks, foster international collaborations and friendships, and reward your artistic practice. The impact of an art residency on an artist's work can be significant. Seize the opportunity by finding open calls for art residencies on our website.

Are you looking for an open call for art residency in a specific country or city? Check our carefully chosen selections:

FAQs: Art Residencies

You can read answers to the most frequently asked questions about art residencies here.

What is an art residency?

Art residencies provide artists with time and space to focus on their practice, and some even offer financial support in the form of fellowships or honorarium. Moreover, they offer artists the opportunity to work in new environments, which are often away from the artists’ usual surroundings and daily obligations.

How did art residencies start and evolve over time?

Throughout history, artists have traveled abroad for education, to learn new techniques, and to study the work of other artists. During the Renaissance, many artists flocked to Italy to learn from the work of the Italian masters. In the 16th century, the Accademia delle Arti del Disegno in Florence initiated a residency program for artists in Rome. In the 17th century, the French Academy in Rome established the Prize of Rome, which welcomed French artists for multi-year stays for artistic and educational development. This concept of artist residency has since evolved, and spread throughout the world.

Why should artists consider attending a residency?

Art residencies offer various benefits to artists, serving as platforms for personal and artistic growth. They provide dedicated spaces, without daily distractions, sometimes without any production pressures. In addition, residencies provide artists with a new working environment, often complemented by unique research opportunities and the exploration of new techniques. They are also beneficial for recent graduates transitioning into professional practice. Other benefits include the expansion of the artist’s network, as well as potential collaborations and projects. Finally, art residencies bring recognition to one’s artistic practice, thus validating the work carried out.

How do I choose the right art residency?

As you can see on the Artenda website, there is a multitude of quite different art residencies. Choosing the right one depends on your goals for the residency. Since the application process can be time-consuming, a careful selection is crucial. It is key to consider its specific type of residency, and to keep in mind your expectations, your preferred location, and your practice goals. Select the residencies to which you apply accordingly.

In addition, a targeted approach can increase your chances of success. As popular residencies attract many applicants, you may also want to consider lesser-known opportunities – sometimes they have everything the more famous ones offer, except the already established reputation. Consider applying for fewer residencies, but spend more time creating strong, comprehensive applications. Starting well before the submission deadline is key for a strong application.

How do I apply for an art residency?

Most open calls for art residencies require artists to submit a comprehensive application, including a project description, a portfolio, a resume, and sometimes a recommendation letter.

Do you need some help with this? Our online courses “How to apply for an art residency” serve as step-by-step guides giving you all the tools you need to build a strong application for art residencies.