Best Architecture Residencies

Art Omi

Ghent, New York, United States

Art Omi offers five distinct residency programs for international artists, writers, architects, musicians, and dancers. Located in Columbia County, New York, the residency provides artists with time, space, and resources to create, experiment, and collaborate in a rural setting. The residency programs are fully funded, covering accommodations, meals, and studio space. Each program has its own application process and focuses on different creative fields, encouraging a diverse range of artists from around the world. Art Omi is committed to cultural exchange and professional development, offering participants opportunities to engage with peers and visiting professionals from various creative industries. The residency fosters an environment of collaboration, community, and artistic exploration in an inspiring, natural setting.

Bloedel Reserve

Bainbridge Island, Washington, United States

The Creative Residency at Bloedel Reserve offers a unique opportunity for artists and researchers to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Bainbridge Island, Washington. Established in 2015, the program hosts creative individuals from various disciplines, providing them with a serene and inspiring environment. Residents stay in a fully furnished home nestled within the 140-acre reserve, with access to its sculpted gardens, forests, and wildlife habitats. The program is designed to foster creative thinking inspired by nature and explore the connection between humans and the environment. Each resident receives a $1,000 stipend to support their work and is encouraged to engage with the public through presentations, workshops, or other community activities. The residency is open to professional and emerging artists, composers, writers, botanists, and other creative thinkers. Participants must be 21 years or older, and the residency can accommodate only one artist at a time. The program offers an enriching experience for those looking to deepen their connection with nature and their creative practice.

Bogliasco Foundation

Bogliasco, Italy

The Bogliasco Foundation offers fellowships to exceptional individuals who are developing significant new work in the arts and humanities. Located in Bogliasco, Italy, these fellowships are open to scholars and artists of any nationality, age, race, religion, or gender, provided they are not students in a degree-granting program. The Foundation values applicants who demonstrate they would thrive in an intimate, international, multilingual community of scholars and artists. Fellowships are awarded twice annually and provide recipients with a one-month residency at the Foundation's Study Center in Italy. During their stay, fellows are provided with accommodation, meals, and a personal workspace, fostering an environment conducive to creative and scholarly work.

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.

Delfina Foundation

London, United Kingdom

The Delfina Foundation Residency Program, based in London, offers opportunities for artists, curators, and writers to develop their practice, explore connections, and build collaborations. Residencies, lasting up to three months, are largely thematic and support both emerging and established cultural practitioners. The Foundation hosts 6 to 8 residents simultaneously in its central London location, providing flexible living and working space. Residents engage with international peers and the public, fostering artistic exchange and professional development. The program has a strong focus on critical issues in contemporary art and has established relationships with the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia.

DESIGNREGIO Kortrijk

Kortrijk, Belgium

Designregio Kortrijk annually invites recently graduated designers from various creative disciplines to participate in its Designers in Residence Kortrijk program. Established in 2014, this residency allows selected designers to develop experimental concepts through interactions with citizens, society, entrepreneurs, and education in Kortrijk. Running from September to November, participants create contextual work and engage in inspiring excursions and conversations. The residency includes travel reimbursement, accommodation, a fee, and access to the Budalab Open Makerspace. Designers showcase their research at the Kortrijk Creativity Festival and Design Fest Gent. Eligible candidates must be recent graduates with manual and conceptual skills, ready to collaborate and innovate.

Eutopia

Meteora, Greece

Eutopia Art Residency offers a unique opportunity for artists to immerse themselves in Greece's rich cultural and natural landscapes. Established in 2023, this residency has quickly become a hub for creative minds seeking inspiration, collaboration, and exploration. Eutopia Art Residency curates several thematic residencies across Greece, each designed to offer artists a different aspect of Greek life, from the tranquility of Meteora's monastic landscapes to the vibrant urban setting of Kavala. These residencies are open to artists from various disciplines, including visual arts, music, literature, and performance, providing a diverse and inclusive environment. With an emphasis on communal living and interaction with local communities, Eutopia Art Residency encourages artists to engage with Greece's cultural heritage, local artists, and Mediterranean cuisine. The program includes workshops, group exhibitions, and cultural excursions, enriching the residency experience. Artists are provided with accommodation, workspace, and logistical support to foster creativity and productivity. Despite its relative novelty, Eutopia Art Residency has successfully organized cultural events and residencies, facilitating a creative exchange that resonates with artists globally.

MacDowell

Peterborough, New Hampshire, United States

MacDowell offers a nurturing environment for artists of exceptional talent to work in peace and collaboration. Situated in Peterborough, NH, and with a New York City office, MacDowell provides studio space, accommodations, and three daily meals for residencies up to six weeks, free of charge. The foundation supports artists in various disciplines, including architecture, film/video arts, interdisciplinary arts, literature, music composition, theatre, and visual arts, emphasizing artistic excellence as the sole criterion for acceptance. Applications are welcomed from artists worldwide, promoting a diverse and inclusive community. MacDowell is dedicated to a more equitable arts sector, offering barrier-free access to its main buildings and some studios. Financial assistance for travel and other residency-related expenses is available, highlighting MacDowell's commitment to accessibility for artists at all stages of their careers. The application process is thorough, encouraging artists to review guidelines and FAQs. MacDowell has temporarily suspended the reference letter requirement to lower barriers for applicants, particularly women and BIPOC artists. A $30 processing fee applies, with waivers available for those experiencing financial hardship. Fellows are selected by distinguished panels in each discipline, ensuring a broad spectrum of artistic practices and inquiries are represented. MacDowell encourages collaboration, allowing small groups to apply, though it cannot accommodate partners, children, or other family members not involved in the project. This prestigious residency aims to foster artistic growth, offering a peaceful retreat for creative exploration and production.

MASS MoCA

North Adams, Massachusetts, United States

Assets for Artists at MASS MoCA is a dynamic residency program located in North Adams, Massachusetts, designed to support artists across various disciplines. The program provides a platform for visual artists and writers, offering studio spaces and housing on the expansive MASS MoCA campus. Applicants are accepted through an inclusive process that prioritizes equity and diversity, aiming to support artists from all career stages and backgrounds. Residencies are largely self-directed, giving artists the autonomy to focus on their creative goals in an inspiring environment. Artists can apply for general residencies, which include options for financial aid and fellowships, or specific programs like the Early Application or Alumni Application, each tailored to different needs and stages in an artist's career. The residency is committed to anti-oppression, providing a nurturing space for artists to explore and grow their work amidst the cultural richness of the Berkshires. The program is part of the broader mission of MASS MoCA to facilitate the growth of artists and the creative economy, supported by several key partnerships and funders.

Serlachius

Mänttä, Finland

Serlachius Residency, maintained by the Gösta Serlachius Fine Arts Foundation, is a prestigious program aimed at professionals in the creative sector, including visual artists, art historians, researchers, or curators. It offers a serene environment conducive to creativity and professional development. The residency, which does not charge rent for accommodation or workspace, is set in the scenic locale of Mänttä, Finland, providing a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The program supports individual artists, working couples, artist groups, and families, offering flexible residency periods ranging from one to four months. Facilities include the historic Einola house for accommodation and the Aleksanterin linna for workspaces, equipped with studios and a gallery space for events and exhibitions. The residency fosters interaction with the local and international art community through events and exhibitions, enriching both the residents' experience and the cultural landscape of the area. Applicants are responsible for their travel and living expenses, and are expected to submit a report on their stay, contributing to the residency's legacy of artistic exchange and exploration.

Sharpe-Walentas Studio Program

Brooklyn, New York, United States

The Sharpe-Walentas Studio Program awards rent-free, non-living studio space to 17 visual artists for year-long residencies in DUMBO, Brooklyn. Selected annually based on merit from a competitive pool of applicants by a professional jury, the program is open to professional visual artists 21 years or older who live in the US, as well as US citizens or permanent residents living abroad. The studios feature high ceilings, elevator access, and communal spaces including a kitchen, slop sinks, restrooms, and a sitting area with wi-fi. Artists have 24/7 access to their studios and are expected to spend at least 20 hours per week in the studio, participate in the spring open studios event, and maintain all communal spaces. The residency does not provide housing or financial stipends, and applicants must not be enrolled in any degree program or maintain a separate studio during their residency.

Spreepark Art Space

Berlin, Germany

Spreepark Art Space is a Berlin-based international residency program dedicated to interdisciplinary artistic research within a unique urban-natural setting. Hosted in the Eierhäuschen, a historic riverside building adjacent to the reclaimed Spreepark amusement park, the residency provides an inspiring environment for collectives exploring connections between people, art, and the environment. It specifically welcomes international groups of four who do not live in Berlin or Brandenburg, offering space for collaboration, experimentation, and public engagement. The program emphasizes sustainability, artistic research, and creative approaches to ecological and urban transformation. Residents are supported with complimentary housing, travel cost coverage, and a fixed living stipend. The residency culminates in a group exhibition at the Eierhäuschen the following year, showcasing research-based outcomes. Spreepark Art Space maintains a strong commitment to inclusion, welcoming applications from BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and disabled artists, and offers visa support for non-European participants. It serves as a dynamic platform where art, planning, and nature converge within Berlin’s evolving cultural landscape.

TaDA - Textile and Design Alliance

Arbon, Switzerland

The TaDA – Textile and Design Alliance Residency offers a three-month residency for six creative professionals annually, welcoming both national and international artists to Arbon, Switzerland. This program facilitates collaboration with local textile companies, providing artists with accommodation, travel expenses, and a contribution to living costs. Residents work in the Kreativzentrum ZIK, a former textile and engine factory, gaining access to technology, infrastructure, and expert guidance. The residency aims to foster innovative projects and strengthen regional identity through artistic engagement with Eastern Switzerland’s rich textile and design culture. Residents present their projects at the public event “TaDA Spinnerei,” which includes discussions with international experts. The program encourages the development of new projects in various fields, including art, design, architecture, literature, and performing arts. TaDA is supported by the Cantons of Appenzell Ausserrhoden, St.Gallen, and Thurgau, along with various foundations and sponsors.

TAKT

Berlin; Leipzig; Zeitz, Germany

TAKT Artist Residency is an independent arts organization based in Berlin, Germany, known for fostering the growth and exchange of artists internationally. Founded in 2007, it operates in the tranquil Prenzlauer Berg neighborhood, a hub of artistic activity and cultural exchange. The residency offers various programs, including artist-led critiques, studio visits, and German language classes, aimed at enriching the participants' experience. Artists benefit from both structured programs and the freedom to explore personal projects, culminating in a group exhibition. TAKT supports a diverse range of disciplines from visual arts to literature, promoting a vibrant creative environment. The residency aims to integrate artists into the local art scene, providing them with the tools and community needed to expand their practice.

The Nordic Artists’ Centre Dale (NKD)

Dale i Sunnfjord, Norway

The Nordic Artists’ Centre Dale (NKD) is an internationally recognized art residency located in Dale i Sunnfjord, Norway, established in 1998. Supported by the Arts Council Norway, NKD offers opportunities for artists, designers, architects, and curators to develop their practice, engage with the local and international art scene, and collaborate with peers. The center provides residents with a monthly stipend, individual studios, and separate living accommodations, all located on-site. NKD is renowned for its beautiful and tranquil setting in the Norwegian fjords, offering five individual cabins and two apartments as housing for residents. The studios are large, 50 square meters each, and equipped with natural light, high ceilings, and necessary facilities for various artistic practices. Applications are accepted through annual open calls, typically announced in January and February. NKD also promotes open studios, workshops, and seminars to engage both residents and the local community.

Mirante Xique-Xique (MXX)

Igatu, Brazil

Mirante Xique-Xique (MXX) is a non-profit artist-led residency located in the mountains of the Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil. The residency welcomes researchers and practitioners across various fields such as arts, architecture, cuisine, and environmental studies, including those involved in community practices, agroecology, permaculture, and bioconstruction. The aim is to provide an immersive environment conducive to research and creative projects, while promoting the authenticity and sustainability of the Chapada Diamantina region. MXX supports the maintenance of a community library, cultural activities, and environmental education for the Igatu community, emphasizing the safeguarding of both architectural and intangible heritage. MXX offers a unique opportunity for researchers and artists to engage deeply with the environment and community of the Chapada Diamantina, fostering meaningful connections and promoting sustainable practices.

GoctaLab

Cocachimba, Peru

GoctaLab is an interdisciplinary art residency and nature lodge located in the Amazon region of Peru, offering artists a unique opportunity to develop their projects in a vibrant natural environment. The residency supports artists across various disciplines, including art, architecture, ceramics, music, biology, regenerative agriculture, and more. Artists are encouraged to engage with the local community, promoting cultural exchange and contributing to the well-being of the region through their work. GoctaLab provides modern accommodation with breathtaking views of the Gocta waterfall, a fully equipped workshop, and access to multimedia resources and kilns. The residency promotes sustainability, with a focus on permaculture and sustainable living, integrating art, food, and community into a holistic creative experience. Residencies last between two weeks and one month, depending on project complexity, and artists have full board during their stay.

Haihatus

Joutsa, Finland

Haihatus Artist Residency, located in the serene Finnish countryside of Joutsa, invites professional artists and art students from all disciplines and nationalities to apply for its international residency program. Offering periods ranging from one to three months, the residency provides both workspace and accommodation, welcoming individual artists and workgroups alike. Haihatus is celebrated for its inspiring and relaxed atmosphere, fostering over a decade of global artistic exchange. The residency boasts a variety of common and private workspaces suitable for a wide range of artistic endeavors, from visual to performing arts. Situated in three historic buildings amidst beautiful Finnish lakeland, Haihatus offers a unique blend of artistic freedom and community engagement, with facilities including studios, a performing arts studio, a gallery, and event houses. The residency encourages artists to immerse themselves in the local culture and natural beauty, offering a peaceful retreat for creative exploration and development.

PRAKSIS

Oslo, Norway

PRAKSIS, established in 2015 in Oslo, Norway, is a dynamic platform that fosters collaboration and creativity among artists, thinkers, and researchers from various disciplines. With a commitment to addressing contemporary issues, PRAKSIS offers thematic residencies that operate nomadically, leveraging partnerships with a range of organizations. Open to local, national, and international applicants, these residencies provide a supportive, high-energy environment for creative exploration and dialogue. Offering three to four residencies annually, PRAKSIS supports participants with accommodation, a stipend for international residents, and a rich program of activities. By emphasizing peer-to-peer interaction and public engagement, PRAKSIS aims to demystify the creative process and encourage a broader understanding of artistic practice.

The Arctic Circle

Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway

The Arctic Circle is an annual expeditionary residency program established in 2009, focusing on interdisciplinary collaborations among artists, scientists, architects, and educators. Participants explore the high-Arctic Svalbard Archipelago and Arctic Ocean aboard a specially equipped expedition vessel. The program encourages engagement in contemporary issues and professional development through fieldwork, research, and public engagement. It supports the creation and exhibition of new work, fostering individual creativity and collaborative efforts. The Arctic Circle accepts applications from international contemporary artists, scientists, architects, educators, and innovators. The program includes hotel accommodation in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, all meals on board, shore excursions, and access to onboard facilities. Participants are responsible for their transportation to and from Longyearbyen, Svalbard. The expeditions offer opportunities for personal projects and collaborations, with two distinct expedition opportunities aboard different vessels. Both vessels provide workspace, common areas, and privacy for productivity and creativity. The Arctic Circle team offers comprehensive support in expedition preparation and logistics planning, ensuring a safe and productive environment for all participants. The program takes place in the international territory of Svalbard, near the North Pole, offering a unique environment for artistic and scientific exploration.