Artist residencies, reviewed by artists who've been there

Kinhouse

Fort Wayne, United States

Kinhouse Artist Residency, located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a contemporary art gallery and residency program that welcomes both emerging and established artists, including families. Committed to inclusivity, the residency charges no application fee and bases residency fees on a household income sliding scale. Additional scholarships are available for single mothers, women of color, those with chronic illness or disability, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. The one-week residencies provide artists with the entire two-story, three-bedroom home, a detached art studio, WiFi, washer/dryer, kitchen, gardens, outdoor playset, fire pit, porch, and common areas. The residency does not cover travel, food, or art supplies.

Surel’s Place

Garden City, 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.

Ventspils House

Ventspils, Latvia

The International Writers’ and Translators’ House in Ventspils, Latvia, is a unique residency for professional authors, translators, and researchers connected to literature. The residency lasts for 4 weeks, providing a serene environment for creative work at a cost of €30 per week for accommodation. Each room in the house is equipped with private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and essential amenities. Residents enjoy shared kitchen, library, laundry facilities, and bicycles. Applications are accepted anytime and reviewed every two months. Financial support includes a €320 grant post-taxes for selected residents.

Vermont Studio Center (VSC)

Johnson, United States

The Vermont Studio Center (VSC) stands as a vibrant creative sanctuary, offering residencies for artists and writers in the tranquil environment of Johnson, Vermont. Offering private studios and accommodation, VSC is dedicated to providing an immersive creative experience, enhanced by the presence of visiting artists and writers who contribute through talks, presentations, and one-on-one sessions. VSC prides itself on its commitment to inclusivity, with various fellowships targeted at supporting BIPOC artists, women, Native Americans, and writers of color, highlighting its dedication to fostering diversity within its community. The center also encourages community engagement through a Community Contribution Program, allowing residents to actively participate in the local and on-campus community. VSC’s facilities are tailored for a wide range of creative practices, including a print shop, digital lab, sculpture shop, and access to traditional craft media, emphasizing its role as a comprehensive hub for artistic development.

Cafe Tissardmine

Tissardmine, Morocco

Cafe Tissardmine offers a unique artist residency in the heart of the Moroccan desert, providing a serene environment for artists to explore and create. This residency is designed for artists seeking inspiration from the vast landscapes and profound silence of the desert. Up to nine artists at a time can enjoy a 24-day stay, with the opportunity to engage with the local village and its children. The residency emphasizes the importance of being resourceful and inventive due to its isolated location, limited internet access, and the need for artists to bring their own supplies. The program includes accommodation, meals, studio space, and a sunset trip to Erg Chebbi's giant dune, aiming to recharge and inspire artists away from the demands of modern life. The selection process is personal and prioritizes artists committed to the full residency length, with a fee of 950 Euro covering most necessities and activities designed to immerse artists in the desert experience.

Mauser EcoHouse

Near San Jose, Costa Rica

The Mauser EcoHouse Artist Residency, established by the Mauser Harmony with Nature Foundation in 2019, is located in the remote tropical mountains of Costa Rica. The residency offers private and shared studios, set in a Spanish-style villa that promotes an eco-friendly and health-conscious lifestyle. Artists from all disciplines and backgrounds are invited to explore and create amidst one of the most biodiverse environments on the planet. The residency emphasizes sustainable living, with a focus on permaculture and the use of natural materials found on-site. Accommodations include options for private or shared rooms, with vegetarian meals provided to foster communal engagement. Artists have access to a large communal studio and an outdoor veranda for plein air activities, ensuring a variety of working environments. The program supports deep reflection and intensive creative work, free from the distractions of daily life, making it an ideal retreat for artists committed to environmental conservation and creative exploration. The residency operates year-round and welcomes applications from international artists, offering a unique opportunity to experience 'Pura Vida' – the pure life of Costa Rica.