Best Creative Writing Residencies

Bundanon

Illaroo, Australia

Bundanon's Artists in Residence program, set within the cultural and natural landscape of Australia, is one of the most extensive of its kind nationally. Established by Arthur and Yvonne Boyd, the program has been operational since 1997, supporting over 250 artists annually across all creative disciplines, including visual arts, writing, music, and performance. Located in a region renowned for its scenic beauty, this program not only offers a retreat for artists but also a vibrant community space for creative exploration and public engagement. The residency facilities at Bundanon include studios, rehearsal spaces, and accommodation in single and shared apartments, as well as self-contained cottages capable of hosting up to 10 people. The program is designed to encourage artistic development without the pressure of specified outcomes, allowing for experimental and exploratory approaches to art-making. This supportive environment is supplemented by various fellowships and awards, aimed at providing financial assistance and facilitating creative growth. Structured through collaborations with various arts organizations and cultural agencies, Bundanon’s residency program serves as an incubator for innovative practices and a forum for cultivating deep connections among artists from around the world. With its commitment to diversity and inclusion, the program particularly encourages applications from First Nations artists, artists with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse artists, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Montello Foundation

Montello, Nevada, United States

The Montello Foundation, established to support artists who enhance our understanding of nature and its need for protection, offers a unique residency experience in the Nevada desert. Since its inception, the Foundation has been dedicated to fostering a deep appreciation and awareness of nature's fragility. Artists are encouraged to engage in creative exploration, contemplation, and innovation, reflecting on humanity's relationship with the natural world. Located in an isolated valley in Northeastern Nevada, the Foundation offers a retreat designed for solitary reflection amidst the desert landscape. The residency provides artists with a space that supports both their physical needs and their artistic work. The main structure, designed with minimal environmental impact, includes separate areas for living and working, promoting creativity and inspiration. Each year, the Foundation invites six artists from various disciplines and career stages to engage with the desert environment and the local community. The selection process for the residency is conducted by the Foundation's board members, focusing on the quality and relevance of the artists' work to the Foundation's mission. The residency experience is transformative, offering artists a chance to recalibrate and reassess their connection to nature and their creative process. The Foundation's commitment to solitude and reflection allows artists to immerse themselves in their work, free from the usual distractions of daily life. This approach has a profound impact on the residents, as evidenced by their reflections and the work they produce during their stay.

Zaratan

Lisbon, Portugal

Zaratan AIR offers a multidisciplinary residency in Lisbon for emerging and professional artists, curators, and writers, targeting both international and Portuguese artists living abroad. The program, lasting 4 to 12 weeks, accommodates two artists at a time, fostering an experimental and collaborative environment. Residents are provided with private accommodation, a personal studio, and receive technical and promotional support, though specific technical facilities are not available. Regular interaction with Zaratan's curatorial team is encouraged, along with public presentations of their work. The application process is ongoing, with a selection committee evaluating submissions. The residency, operated on a not-for-profit basis by Zaratan gallery, requires a fee that covers accommodation, studio, and support, with artists often securing funding from their home countries.

La Chapelle Saint-Antoine

Chora, Naxos, Greece

La Chapelle Saint-Antoine is a unique artist residency located in the historic Kastro of Chora on the Greek island of Naxos. Set in a beautifully restored old Venetian house that once served as a monastery, the residency intertwines rich history with artistic creativity. It offers a tranquil and inspiring environment for artists from various disciplines and nationalities to develop their work. The residency program, running from April to November, accommodates two artists each month, providing them with private rooms, personal workshops, and shared living spaces. Artists at La Chapelle Saint-Antoine benefit from the serene surroundings and the cultural richness of Naxos, an island known for its diverse landscapes and historical significance. The residency emphasizes the importance of creative exploration, cultural exchange, and the development of new works. Additionally, it fosters a community-oriented atmosphere, where artists can share ideas and experiences. La Chapelle Saint-Antoine represents a bridge between the past and present, offering a unique space where art and heritage coalesce.

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.

Künstlerdorf Schöppingen (Kunstlerdorf Schoppingen)

Schöppingen, Germany

Since its founding in 1989, the Künstlerdorf Schöppingen in Germany has supported international artists through its residency program. Located in two historic manor houses from the early 19th century in Münsterland, close to the Dutch border, it offers a serene rural setting for creative work. The program awards around 40 grants annually in visual arts, literature, and composition, hosting artists for two to six months. Künstlerdorf Schöppingen emphasizes cross-disciplinary artistic exchange and personal and professional development in an international dialogue. The facilities include a garden, communal kitchen, workshop, library, gallery, and exhibition hall, fostering a variety of artistic processes and interactions. The program is known for its collegial advice, knowledge exchange, and non-competitive environment. The residency program is open to international artists of all ages and is selected by expert juries. In addition to the residency, Künstlerdorf Schöppingen organizes events like the CAP program to discuss artistic practices and strategies. An alumni program promotes ongoing exchange among former residents, and the center publishes an annual edition documenting the residency fellowships and programs.

Millay Arts

Austerlitz, New York, United States

Millay Arts, founded in 1973 at "Steepletop," the historic estate of poet Edna St. Vincent Millay in Austerlitz, New York, offers multidisciplinary artist residencies. The nonprofit organization, located in the Hudson Valley, provides a serene environment for artists to deeply engage in their creative process from March through November. It hosts 6-7 artists for two-week or month-long stays, offering fully-subsidized Core Residencies and partially-subsidized Steepletop Residencies, as well as the Wintertide Rustic Retreat. Artists at Millay Arts benefit from the inspirational setting, with idyllic meadows and woods, and proximity to cultural institutions. The Core Residency, selected through a blind jury process, includes a stipend for groceries but not communal meals. The Steepletop Residency allows for advanced scheduling and the Wintertide Retreat offers a self-directed, quiet space for work or rest. Facilities include the Barn, a rustic space with studios and bedrooms, and the Main Building, featuring ADA-design, shared living spaces, and specialized suites. Millay Arts is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, supporting a wide range of artistic voices and fostering connections between artists and the local community.

Cité internationale des Arts

Paris, France

The Cité internationale des Arts, founded in 1965, is a renowned artist residency program in Paris, France. It facilitates cross-cultural dialogue and offers artists from around the world a platform to engage with the public and professionals. Annually, over 1,200 artists participate in the residency, with more than 300 new residents each month. The Cité collaborates with 135 long-standing partners from over 60 countries, fostering a rich environment for creative exchange. The residency provides 326 studios across two locations: Marais and Montmartre. These studios are designed to support various aspects of contemporary creation, offering spaces for production, experimentation, and research. Each studio, ranging from 20 m² to 60 m², includes a workspace, kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area. Residents can host guests for extended periods, subject to additional charges. Artists can apply for residency through the Cité's selection committees or via its network of long-standing partners. The Cité organizes different commissions by discipline and thematic, and also collaborates with institutions to support emerging international talents through residency programs and grants.