Best Curation Residencies

Arthereistanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

Arthereistanbul, founded in 2014 in Istanbul, Turkey, was initially established to provide Syrian artists facing difficulties with a space for artistic creation, away from the impacts of war and political strife. This unique residency offers a haven for artists to work, exhibit their creations, and sustain themselves through a café and the organization of workshops, screenings, and performances. Emphasizing a custom-made residency program, Arthereistanbul opens its doors to artists, researchers, curators, and writers from all backgrounds, aligning projects with the residency’s vision. The program encourages research, creativity, and cultural exchanges among Syrian, Turkish, and international artists, aiming to foster dialogue, diversity, and understanding. Arthereistanbul equips its residents with studio spaces, archive rooms, exhibition and performance areas, and technical facilities, including a dark room and woodworking tools. Accommodation is provided in Kadiköy, near the residency space, ensuring a comfortable and conducive environment for artistic and cultural exploration.

Correlación Contemporánea (Correlacion Contemporanea)

Iquitos (for Amazonica), Peru

Correlación Contemporánea is a non-profit, artist-run organization based in Peru, focused on analyzing and contributing to the contemporary art scene through a range of residency programs. Since 2016, they have fostered exchanges between national and international artists, creating horizontal spaces for dialogue that stimulate artistic creation within the Peruvian socio-cultural context. Their residency programs include Amazonica, COM_UNIDAD, IWATI PARANA, and ANACONDAAA, each offering unique experiences that connect artists with the rich cultural, social, and environmental landscape of Peru. These residencies are designed for multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary artists, curators, and researchers who wish to engage deeply with local communities, traditional practices, and contemporary issues in the Peruvian Amazon and Andean regions.

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.

Lighthouse Works

Fishers Island, New York, United States

The Lighthouse Works Fellowship Program stands out as a comprehensive support system for artists, curators, and writers working at the forefront of their fields. Located on Fishers Island, New York, the program offers six-week residencies throughout the year, providing participants with housing, meals, studio space, and a $1,750 financial stipend. Fellows are accommodated in a three-story Victorian house, sharing kitchens and living spaces while enjoying private bedrooms. The program's commitment to catering to all dietary needs, combined with communal dinners prepared by the staff, fosters a warm, collaborative atmosphere among residents. Studio spaces, situated 1.5 miles from the housing, overlook the ocean and are equipped with necessary facilities including a wood and metal shop and a kiln. With a primary focus on the advancement of individual projects, Lighthouse Works encourages a culture of productivity and creative exchange. This is facilitated through minimal formal obligations, save for participation in an Artist Talk and an Open Studio event that bookends each fellowship session. These interactions, coupled with the intimate scale of the program, promote rich dialogue, critique, and potential collaboration among fellows. Applications for the fellowship are invited annually through an open call on Slideroom, running from September to October, with a selection process concluding in mid-January. Artistic excellence is the cornerstone of selection criteria, ensuring a diverse and vibrant cohort of fellows each year.

Prostor by Culture Hub Croatia (CHC)

Split, Croatia

[Prostor], led by Culture Hub Croatia (CHC), is a dynamic creative hub located in Split, Croatia. Established in 2017, CHC is dedicated to fostering creativity, contemporary art, and intercultural dialogue through innovative educational programs and continuous exhibition activities. The residency program at Prostor supports artists and cultural professionals in contemporary art, emphasizing participatory, research-based, and process-based practices. Residents receive a private room, shared facilities, and access to an open studio, co-working area, and exhibition space. The program also offers opportunities for networking, curatorial support, and presenting work through exhibitions, talks, or workshops. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with thematic focuses for each year. Prostor’s self-directed residency aims to create a collaborative and community-engaged environment for artists to develop and share their projects. This initiative emphasizes the importance of art in fostering a socially just and sustainable future.

Residencia Corazón (Corazon)

La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Residencia Corazón, located in La Plata, Argentina, offers a dynamic Artist-in-Residence (AIR) program for international artists, curators, and writers. The program provides a fully personalized experience for each participant, offering support in navigating the local arts scene, research, production, and post-production of works. Artists, writers, and curators from all disciplines are welcome, and residencies are available with or without exhibition opportunities. The residency offers accommodations in private rooms, access to studio spaces, and curated networking with local artists and institutions. While the residency does not offer financial support, it assists artists applying for grants in their home countries by providing necessary documents. Residencia Corazón offers a vibrant space for creative exploration and engagement in Argentina’s cultural scene.

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.

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.

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.

Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts

Omaha, Nebraska, United States

The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, since its inception in 1981, has stood as a beacon for artists worldwide, offering an invaluable platform for research, creation, and exploration. Located in Omaha, Nebraska, the Bemis Center provides a rich environment for artists to delve into their creative processes without the constraints of specific outcomes or expectations. The residency offers a unique blend of private live/work studios, extensive installation and production spaces, and specialized facilities such as the Okada Sculpture & Ceramics Facility and a Sound Studio. These spaces are designed to support a wide range of artistic activities, from large-scale sculpture fabrication to sound experimentation and recording. Residents benefit from the Bemis Center’s commitment to fostering a vibrant community among a multidisciplinary mix of artists. This community is not only a source of professional collaboration but also a foundation for lasting personal friendships. Moreover, the Bemis Center provides its artists-in-residence with financial support to cover personal needs, material costs, and travel expenses, easing the financial burden and allowing them to focus on their artistic development. Technical and administrative support further enhances the residency experience, enabling artists to navigate challenges and seize opportunities to advance their work. The Bemis Center also places a strong emphasis on public engagement, inviting residents to share their work through presentations, open studios, and interactions with the broader community and local art organizations. This approach enriches the residency experience, offering artists a platform to showcase their work and engage with diverse audiences.

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.

Art Hub Copenhagen

Copenhagen, Denmark

Art Hub Copenhagen (AHC) is an innovative and international art institution based in Copenhagen, Denmark, dedicated to supporting and promoting professional visual artists. It aims to broaden and qualify public debates on artistic practice and strengthen the voice of artists in society. With a focus on artistic research, production, development, and communication, AHC offers professional facilities and sparring in artistic development, networking, research, and the production of new works. It serves as a meeting place that brings together artists, curators, writers, researchers, companies, cultural institutions, and the general public in a new community. AHC is committed to boosting dialogues on contemporary art both nationally and internationally by facilitating collaborations with a wide range of local and international partners. The institution is known for its residency programs, including the traditional Art Hub Residency and the Residency To-Go program, which is specifically designed for artists with their own studios. This unique program focuses on feedback, network development, and professional guidance, offering discussion/feedback sessions with curators and mentors from Denmark and Skåne County, Sweden. Founded by the Bikuben Foundation in 2018 and continuing to receive its support, AHC operates independently with its own board. It is located at Halmtorvet 27, 1700 Copenhagen V, Denmark, and engages in various activities aimed at supporting the artistic community and fostering dialogue within the art world.

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.

Nectar

Near Vilanova de Sau, Spain

Nectar, nestled in the Les Guilleries Natural Park in north Catalonia, offers a residency program within a tranquil, forested environment. This program caters to artists and creatives at various career stages, promoting community-based living and working experiences. It features specialized residencies like the Artist Family Residency, supporting artists with families by providing accommodations, meals, and creative workshops for children. Additionally, Nectar's Artist Residency CICLES focuses on site-specific works and includes a long-term mentoring program. The residencies blend professional development with immersive nature experiences, fostering creativity in a rural setting.

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.

SIM Residency (SÍM Residency)

Reykjavik, Iceland

The SÍM Residency, an initiative of SÍM - The Association of Icelandic Visual Artists, stands as a beacon of artistic growth and cultural immersion in Reykjavik, Iceland. Founded by SÍM, Iceland's largest organization for professional artists, the residency upholds the association’s commitment to enhancing artists' livelihoods and rights. Evolving from a modest apartment to a hub hosting international artists, it has become Reykjavik's most established and inspirational artist residency. With locations at Seljavegur in the bustling city center and Korpúlfsstaðir on the serene outskirts, the residency offers diverse environments for artistic work, housing around 70 studios including specialized facilities for Textiles, Ceramics, and Printmaking. This setup fosters a dynamic and collaborative community, enabling artists to engage deeply with their practice. SÍM Residency’s commitment to international exchange is evident in its numerous partnerships across Europe, promoting a global artistic dialogue and collaboration. Participating artists benefit from a range of programs, including public events and solo exhibitions, while also enjoying privileged access to Reykjavik’s prominent cultural institutions through the SÍM Guest Artist card.

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.

Belgrade Art Studio

Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade Art Studio Residency, nestled in the historic neighborhood of Dorćol in Belgrade, Serbia, offers a unique environment for artists, curators, and researchers to focus on their creative pursuits away from everyday distractions. This residency is open to both emerging and established artists of any discipline and nationality, providing a space that combines the charm of eclectic luxury with the functional needs of creative work. Housed in a beautifully renovated 19th-century building, the studio merges vintage design elements with contemporary art, creating an inspiring setting for residents. The residency accepts applications on a rolling basis, welcoming individuals, couples, and even pets. It encourages artists to engage with the local community and maintain professional conduct during their stay. Facilities are not handicapped accessible due to the historic nature of the building. Residents are expected to cover their travel and living expenses, although the studio offers financial aid packages of up to 40% off the cost, varying by the artist's financial situation and country of origin.

Farm Studio

Andore Village, Rajasthan, India

Farm Studio International Artist Residency in Rajasthan, India, offers artists from all disciplines an opportunity to develop their work in a rural community setting. Founded to foster creative exchange, dialogue, and collaboration between Indian rural artists and international contemporary artists, Farm Studio supports community-based activities and celebrates local cultural identity. The residency provides accommodation, meals, studio spaces, and an exhibition opportunity, encouraging experimentation and intercultural exchange. Artists are responsible for their travel, visa, and personal expenses. The program hosts residencies from October to the end of February each year, accommodating 3-6 artists at a time.