Best Interdisciplinary Residencies

A Position on Retreat

Lake Cowichan, Vancouver Island, Canada

A Position on Retreat, an artist residency situated in Lake Cowichan on Vancouver Island, Canada, offers a serene environment for artists from diverse disciplines. Known as 'The Blue House,' this comfortably renovated home sits at the center of a picturesque tourist town, surrounded by Canada's breathtaking natural landscape. Within a five-minute walk, residents have access to grocery stores, charming coffee houses, restaurants, beautiful beaches, and scenic hiking trails. Enveloped by a temperate rainforest, ancient old-growth forests, the vast Pacific Ocean, and numerous lakes and waterfalls, the residency is a haven for creative inspiration and rejuvenation. A Position on Retreat strikes a perfect balance between community engagement and the tranquility of nature, providing artists with an ideal setting for both creativity and reflection. This artist residency on Vancouver Island is an exemplary retreat for artists who seek to immerse themselves in nature and focus on their creative pursuits. It's an environment where the natural beauty and calm of the surroundings contribute significantly to the artistic process, making it a sought-after destination for artists looking to enrich their practice.

A Studio in the Woods

New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

A Studio in the Woods, a beacon of artistic and environmental collaboration located at the heart of Southeastern Louisiana, serves as a sanctuary where artists of diverse disciplines converge to explore the profound relationship between humanity and nature. This organization is dedicated to supporting artists passionate about addressing the critical issue of our time: the intricate bond between human beings and the environment. By facilitating residencies, A Studio in the Woods nurtures meaningful interactions between artists and the local community, ensuring that the rich culture and ecology of the region inform and inspire the creative process. Residencies are offered across a wide spectrum of artistic fields, welcoming both established and emerging talents who share a commitment to public engagement and a rigorous work ethic. Positioned at the nexus of the City of New Orleans, a vast hardwood forest, the Mississippi River, the Gulf of Mexico, and extensive alluvial wetlands, the studio offers a unique backdrop against which artists are invited to delve into their projects, influenced by the dynamic environmental context.

A.I.R. Vallauris

Vallauris, France

A.I.R. Vallauris (Artists in Residence) is a non-profit association located in the heart of old town Vallauris, France, that has welcomed over 500 international artists since its creation in 2001. Now entering its 24th residency season, the program welcomes artists from around the world to its lodgings and studios to meet with local artists and research and create new works in a unique setting. The residency operates in the historic pottery town of Vallauris on the Côte d'Azur, where Pablo Picasso once worked. The program provides an artistic laboratory specifically created for international artists to collaborate with local artists through cultural exchange between participants of different countries, nationalities, and backgrounds. Artists share knowledge, techniques, and experiences while creating new work in an environment conducive to and inspiring for artistic creation. The residency includes multiple program formats: Standard Residency sessions, Atelier Libre, Atelier Tremplin for recent graduates, and NCECA International Residency Awards. Artists participate in exhibitions, including the permanent display 'Invitation au Voyage' showcasing works created by artists from around the world.

All That We Are

Sandford, Australia

All That We Are is a dynamic, community-engaged, and immersive arts practice located in Sandford, Tasmania. Founded by Simon Spain and Victoria Ryle, the residency is dedicated to fostering creativity through a variety of artistic and community-oriented practices. Their philosophy centers on the belief that creativity is crucial for forming profound and enriching connections within oneself and the community. The program offers creative residencies for over 25 artists each year, providing spaces such as a self-contained studio and a library within their home, and the newly established Shaper Studio. The residencies are designed for both individual artists and groups, and are particularly suitable for visual artists, writers, researchers, and musicians. Artists are encouraged to immerse themselves in their practices, reflect on their creative processes, and engage with the vibrant Tasmanian art scene. The Shaper Studio, a distinctive feature of the residency, offers a large live/work space with stunning natural light and scenic views, promoting a blend of artistic endeavor and personal reflection. Specialized workshops, professional development, and creative coaching are also integral parts of the residency, helping artists to hone their skills, develop new ideas, and collaborate on community projects. The inclusive environment supports artists from various disciplines, facilitating a multidisciplinary exchange of ideas and cultural dialogues.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ecole nationale supérieure des beaux-arts de Lyon (Ensba Lyon)

Lyon, France

The École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts de Lyon (Ensba Lyon) offers a prestigious Post-graduate Art program, established in 1999. This year-long program selects five artists from various nationalities, providing them with a €4,800 grant, accommodation in a shared apartment at Les Subsistances, and access to all school resources. Participants benefit from personalized support and have opportunities to engage with the cultural structures of the Lyon region. The program fosters high-level education and training, aiming to advance participants’ careers in contemporary art. It operates independently of the university system, offering a certificate of participation instead of a degree.

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.

Hayama

Hayama-machi, Japan

Hayama Artist Residency, located in the scenic town of Hayama in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, offers a nurturing environment for artists to immerse in Japanese culture. The residency includes a roundtrip flight to Japan, shared accommodations at hôtel ami hayama for 4 weeks, and a weekly stipend for meals and transportation. Artists enjoy a blend of scheduled events and free time for reflection, without the pressure to create new work. A highlight is the group exhibition hosted by KOKI ARTS in Tokyo's art district, Bakurocho. Selection for the residency is made by an esteemed committee of international curators and arts professionals. The program fosters future opportunities, including a fee waiver for reapplying artists the following year.

James Castle House

Boise, Idaho, United States

The James Castle House in Boise, Idaho, offers several residency programs for artists, scholars, and creators to immerse themselves in the history and legacy of James Castle. These programs include a 10-week residency, a short-stay residency, and project-based residencies, each designed to foster new work that contributes to understanding the site. Participants receive private living quarters, studio space, and a stipend, enabling them to focus on their projects without financial burden. Residents are expected to engage with the Boise community through public events, such as workshops and open studios. The residencies are open to emerging and mid-career artists and professionals from any field, provided their work is compatible with the site’s limitations. The James Castle House residency programs emphasize daily creativity and experimentation, maintaining the artist’s legacy. Located in the vibrant Collister neighborhood, the house provides easy access to Boise’s downtown and natural surroundings. The program seeks to cultivate a growing local and national community, deepening the public’s understanding of James Castle’s life and work.

Kaaysá Art Residency (Kaaysa)

Boiçucanga, Brazil

Kaaysá Art Residency is an artist-run organization located in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, designed for artists, writers, and creators seeking to engage deeply with nature, local communities, and interdisciplinary practices. Founded and managed by women, the residency emphasizes decolonizing perspectives, reclaiming the wild body, and fostering non-hierarchical relationships. Kaaysá offers various programs, including themed residencies, open calls, and group initiatives, allowing for diverse creative formats and durations. The residency provides ample facilities, including private and shared studios, workshops, and recreational amenities, supporting up to 30 artists at a time. Participants can immerse themselves in the vibrant local culture, biodiversity, and collaborative environment. Kaaysá aims to integrate the local coastal region into the broader cultural circuit, leveraging its proximity to São Paulo for access to urban resources while promoting creative and ecological sustainability.

KinoSaito

Verplanck, New York, United States

KinoSaito is an interdisciplinary art center located in Verplanck, New York, dedicated to fostering the creation and practice of abstract art while encouraging experimentation across various forms and mediums. Founded to honor the legacy of the Japanese-American artist Kikuo Saito, the center provides artists with a serene environment to explore and develop their creative practices without the distractions of daily life. KinoSaito offers a residency program that hosts artists for six-week sessions, providing them with spacious studios, loft living quarters, and access to a vibrant artistic community. The residency program is designed to support artists in deepening their focus on their work, encouraging both independent creation and collaboration. In addition to the residency, KinoSaito engages the public through exhibitions, performances, and workshops, making it a vital space for artistic exchange and growth. Through its programs, KinoSaito continues Saito’s vision of an art free of borders and definitions, where the process of making and moving is celebrated.

La Baldi

Montegiovi, Italy

La Baldi Residency, hosted by Cultivate, is set in the picturesque village of Montegiovi, Italy, offering a nurturing environment for artists, writers, and researchers to engage deeply with the local culture and landscape. Named after Maura Baldi, a revered local educator and advocate for art and sustainable land practices, the residency encourages participants to explore and create within the rich historical and ecological context of southern Tuscany. Offering stays from two weeks to one month, La Baldi supports both individual artists and collaborative teams, promoting experimentation and development in a multidisciplinary context. Residents benefit from private accommodations, immersive engagement with the local community, and the unique opportunity to work in an outdoor environment that stimulates creative processes connected to the land and its heritage.

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.