Best Design Residencies

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.

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.

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.

K11 Art Village

Wuhan, China

The K11 Art Village, inaugurated in 2011 in Wuhan, China, is a dynamic platform designed to support and nurture emerging artists. It features seven studios and a 500-square-meter exhibition space dedicated to its artist-in-residence program. The village focuses on cultivating young talent, aiding in their artistic career development through curatorial support, project management, and creative communication guidance. It emphasizes community engagement and encourages interaction and exchange among artists and the local community. Over the past decade, K11 Art Village has established partnerships with prestigious institutions such as the Nissan Art Award in Japan, the Royal Academy of Arts in the UK, and the British and French consulates in China. The K11 Art Foundation, founded by Dr. Adrian Cheng in 2010, is a non-profit organization in Hong Kong committed to nurturing emerging Asian artists and promoting contemporary art. The foundation organizes various art projects, including exhibitions, residencies, and educational programs, fostering cross-cultural collaborations with global art and cultural institutions. These collaborations have included partnerships with renowned entities like the Royal Academy of Arts, Serpentine Galleries, Centre Pompidou, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and MoMA, among others. The foundation's efforts significantly contribute to expanding creative horizons and strengthening ties within the art community.

The Muse Gallery & Studio

London, United Kingdom

The Muse Gallery & Studio offers an Artist in Residence program to support recent graduates by providing subsidized studio space and gallery exposure to cultivate client and industry connections. Since 2004, this residency has been bridging the gap between academia and the professional art world, with a focus on emerging artists. Residents benefit from shared resources, mentorship, and opportunities to participate in community arts projects, exhibitions, and events. The residency spans from January to June each year, beginning and concluding with group shows. Selected artists are also offered a three-week solo exhibition during the following calendar year. The program is designed to foster professional development and facilitate networking, with additional support for event management and marketing.

Buinho Creative Residency

Messejana, Portugal

Buinho Creative Residency, located in the town of Messejana, Portugal, offers artists the opportunity to live and work for up to two months in a variety of unique residential spaces. Buinho manages five distinct houses, three of which are dedicated to the Creative Residency program, providing a range of accommodations including single and double bedrooms, shared and private studios, and communal living amenities. The residency supports artists with well-equipped working laboratories and facilitates community engagement through access to local exhibition spaces. Applications for the residency can be made through spontaneous application, with fees varying based on accommodation type.

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.

Fiskars AiR

Fiskars, Finland

Fiskars AiR, located in the picturesque village of Fiskars in Southern Finland, is a creative hub established in 2006 under the Cooperative of Artisans, Designers, and Artists. It invites professionals from various creative fields, including arts, crafts, design, and more, from all around the world, providing a multicultural and enriching experience. The residency offers a conducive environment for creative exploration influenced by the village’s rich history, unique population structure, and natural beauty featuring lush forests and tranquil lakes. Residents are accommodated in fully-equipped studio apartments suitable for individuals, couples, or small families, and have access to a large, versatile basement space for larger creative projects. Fiskars AiR aims to foster professional exchange and networking among local and international artists, enriching the local community through diverse artistic insights and collaborations.

Oreum

Seogwipo, Jeju, South Korea

Oreum Residency is a 4-week program located in Seogwipo City, Jeju Island, South Korea, designed to support emerging artists from around the world. The residency fosters connections between international artists and local creatives, providing opportunities for artists to develop their work and showcase it in a final two-week exhibition. Hosted by Cedar Hill, a residential community, and co-organized by DiSilence Creative Agency and Zip Amsterdam, the residency accepts five domestic and five international artists under 35 years of age, focusing on visual arts such as drawing, painting, photography, and sculpture. Participants stay in a residential facility with private bedrooms and shared workspaces, with activities like guided local tours and studio visits enriching their experience. The program culminates in an exhibition where the artists can present their work to collectors, curators, and local art enthusiasts.