Best New Media Residencies

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.

Casa Lü Parque

Mexico City, Mexico

Casa Lü Parque is an artist-run visual arts residency in Mexico City near Parque Hundido, founded in 2017. It provides dedicated studio space, accommodation, and engagement with Mexico City's contemporary art scene through weekly critiques, cultural outings, studio visits with local artists, and a final group exhibition. The program hosts small cohorts of 5-6 artists and emphasizes sustained practice and experimentation within an active cultural context.

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.

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.

NARS Foundation (New York Art Residency and Studios)

Brooklyn, New York, United States

The New York Art Residency and Studios (NARS) Foundation Artist in Residency Program, based in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, offers three and six-month residencies for emerging and mid-career artists and curators from both the U.S. and internationally. The program provides 24/7 access to furnished, private or shared studio spaces (250 – 300 sq ft) and focuses on the artistic process and experimentation within a diverse artist community. Residents benefit from meetings with 3-4 Studio Visitors each month, gaining feedback and expanding their professional network. They also receive administrative, curatorial, and professional support to explore and expand their artistic practice. Presentation opportunities include a curated exhibition in the NARS gallery, bi-annual Open Studios, and the Entree/Encore program for sharing research and work through various formats. The residency fosters a community-driven program, encouraging ongoing dialogue with fellow artists through weekly gatherings, inter-studio visits, field trips, and meals. Residents work alongside NYC-based artists who retain space year-round, benefiting from exposure to New York’s cultural and sociopolitical context.