Artist residencies, reviewed by artists who've been there

Hub Feenix

Meltola, Finland

Hub Feenix, nestled in the tranquil southeastern Finland forest, offers a unique artist residency program that fosters creativity, healing, and connection. Located in a beautifully renovated former sanatorium, the Hub provides an inspiring environment for artists, writers, and other creatives to focus on their work while enjoying the serene beauty of nature. The residency program supports creative exploration and personal growth, offering both quiet, private spaces and opportunities for communal engagement. With a strong commitment to sustainability and inclusivity, Hub Feenix is an ideal retreat for those seeking inspiration and rejuvenation in a supportive, nature-immersed setting.

Joya AiR

Vélez Blanco, Spain

Joya: AiR, an artist residency program located in the Parque Natural Sierra María - Los Vélez in Almería, Andalucía, offers a unique interdisciplinary residency for artists, writers, and creatives from various disciplines. Founded by Simon and Donna Beckmann in 2009, it emphasizes sustainable living and creative work that regenerates the land. The residency provides private studio space, accommodation, and meals, fostering a communal atmosphere among residents. It encourages exploration, learning from the surroundings, and engagement with the local community and environment. Joya: AiR is an off-grid, carbon-positive initiative, supporting over 1500 artists since 2006 in one of Europe's sunniest regions. The program includes access to workshops, critiques, and the opportunity for artists to present their work, enhancing their creative journey in a supportive and inspiring setting.

La Maison de Beaumont

Beaumont-de-Pertuis, France

La Maison de Beaumont is an esteemed multi-disciplinary artist residency located in the picturesque Provence & Luberon region of the South of France. Established to provide artists from diverse disciplines—including musicians, scholars, writers, and painters—a serene environment to cultivate their creative pursuits, this residency offers fully-equipped private apartments and dedicated studio spaces such as the Music & Exhibition room and a Fine Arts Atelier. Residents can immerse themselves in the Provençal lifestyle, benefiting from the natural beauty and historical backdrop of Beaumont-de-Pertuis, which enhances their artistic and personal rejuvenation. The program accommodates artists for stays from 2 to 12 weeks, providing various studio and apartment options to suit different needs and budgets. Additionally, the residency fosters community engagement through collaborative spaces, cultural workshops, and local partnerships that facilitate creative exchanges among residents.

Sam & Adele Golden Foundation for the Arts

New Berlin, United States

The Sam & Adele Golden Foundation for the Arts offers a distinctive artist residency focused on painters, located in the scenic environs of New Berlin, New York. This residency, housed within a refurbished 19th-century barn near the Golden Artist Colors manufacturing site, provides a rich environment for artists to deeply engage with the full spectrum of painting materials and technologies. Each residency session grants artists access to innovative and experimental paint products alongside traditional mediums, facilitated by the proximity to the Golden Artist Colors labs and production facilities. The program, operational since 2012, supports up to three artists per session, with each session lasting four weeks. Artists benefit from large, open studio spaces, a private apartment, and comprehensive material resources at no cost, thanks to fundraising efforts like art auctions. The goal is to immerse artists in exploratory work that pushes the boundaries of paint as a medium, backed by expert technical support from paint technicians and formulators. Residencies are awarded through a competitive, juried process, emphasizing artistic quality and professional dedication. Artists are encouraged to bring their own tools and substrates but are provided with a wide array of paints and materials. This setting not only offers a retreat into nature but also fosters a communal atmosphere through shared facilities and organized activities that encourage creative and professional growth.

The Ou Gallery

Vancouver Island, Canada

The Ou Gallery is a gorgeous and intimate place to nurture your creative rest and renewal. Artists and writers have 24-hour access to their own designated studio in a 100 year-old boat-building workshop and a thoughtfully appointed private bedroom in a shared suite with a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom. Our Great Room, with its modern fireplace, original fir floors, 12’ ceilings and huge windows overlooking a creek fed by Mount Swuq'us (and frequented by herons and owls) is a perfect spot to unwind and connect with other creatives after a full day in the studio. Located in the Quw'ustun Valley, in the heart of Vancouver Island, a stunning, nature-filled place. Come here to decompress, gather new inspiration alongside like-minded artists and devote space and time to your work. There is no fee to apply. Residencies are two or four weeks long. See website for details: www.theougallery.com.

MA UMI RESIDENCIES is a self-funded, not-for-profit international hub for artists and researchers located on the northern peninsula of Ishigaki Island, Japan, fostering experimentation with land, ocean, and local communities amid climate change concerns. It hosts one resident at a time for short-term stays of about 14 days, emphasizing fieldwork, interdisciplinary practices, and public presentations without being results-driven. Founded by artist and architect Valérie Portefaix, it includes sites like Green Rabbit, Pink Turtle, and Blue Seahorse, promoting sustainable ecological and economic models.