Best Textile Residencies

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.

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.

MASS MoCA

North Adams, Massachusetts, United States

Assets for Artists at MASS MoCA is a dynamic residency program located in North Adams, Massachusetts, designed to support artists across various disciplines. The program provides a platform for visual artists and writers, offering studio spaces and housing on the expansive MASS MoCA campus. Applicants are accepted through an inclusive process that prioritizes equity and diversity, aiming to support artists from all career stages and backgrounds. Residencies are largely self-directed, giving artists the autonomy to focus on their creative goals in an inspiring environment. Artists can apply for general residencies, which include options for financial aid and fellowships, or specific programs like the Early Application or Alumni Application, each tailored to different needs and stages in an artist's career. The residency is committed to anti-oppression, providing a nurturing space for artists to explore and grow their work amidst the cultural richness of the Berkshires. The program is part of the broader mission of MASS MoCA to facilitate the growth of artists and the creative economy, supported by several key partnerships and funders.

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.

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.

Casa Lü Sur

Mexico City (Tlalpan), Mexico

Casa Lü Sur (formerly El Sur) is an artist-run residency in southern Mexico City, providing spacious private studios, comfortable accommodations, and a structured program for visual artists and writers. It fosters collaboration among small cohorts of 5-6 artists through critical dialogue, curated activities, and connections to Mexico City's art scene. Sessions run 26-40 days, with limited fully funded and scholarship options available.

Fish Factory Creative Centre

Stöðvarfjörður, Iceland

The Fish Factory Creative Centre in Stöðvarfjörður, Iceland, is a beacon of creativity and sustainability nestled in a remote village within the East fjords. Established in 2011 through the transformation of an abandoned fish factory, this non-profit cooperative has become a hub for artists across various disciplines. The Centre emphasizes sustainable practices and community collaboration, aiming to rejuvenate the village by attracting creative individuals and fostering cultural and economic growth. It offers year-round art residencies, workshops, and cultural events, supporting both emerging and established artists. The renovation of the facility is an ongoing testament to the dedication of the core team and volunteers, reflecting the community's resilience and innovative spirit. The Centre's vision extends beyond artistic creation, aspiring to inspire similar initiatives that strengthen remote communities through creativity and cultural engagement.

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.

The Studios of Key West

Key West, Florida, United States

The Studios of Key West offers the Peyton Evans Artist Residency (PEAR) program, aimed at both emerging and established artists and writers from around the globe. Founded in 2006, The Studios began with a vision to create a space where artists could live and work, enhancing the cultural landscape of Key West. The program supports nearly 40 artists annually, facilitating creative endeavors across visual, literary, media, musical, and performing arts. Residencies typically span one month, offering artists the solitude and community needed to foster artistic exploration. The Studios emphasizes community engagement, encouraging residents to interact with local artists and participate in communal events. This residency program not only cultivates individual creativity but also aims to build lasting community connections through art.

Arquetopia Foundation

Puebla, Mexico

Arquetopia Foundation is an award-winning, multiple award-winning nonprofit arts and academic foundation with a significant social scope and global presence across three continents. Now in its 14th year, Arquetopia is dedicated to promoting critical thinking, a commitment to ethics, and a sense of reciprocity in artistic practices. It offers customized, professional International Artist-in-Residence Programs that are renowned worldwide for their comprehensive, research-based approach, focusing on social creativity. Arquetopia's residency programs, situated in Puebla and Oaxaca in Mexico, Cusco in Peru, and Naples in Italy, are tailored to provide a vast array of learning opportunities. These programs are distinguished for their commitment to sustainability in the arts, fostering research and critical thinking in creative processes. Arquetopia's model challenges preconceived notions of history and place, encouraging artists to engage with local epistemologies and resistance models as sources of knowledge and inspiration for social change. The foundation emphasizes ethical artistic practices, acknowledging the problematic ties of artist residencies to colonization, imperialism, and the extractive practices of tourism. Established in 2009 as an autonomous and registered Mexican nonprofit, Arquetopia is self-sustaining, unaffiliated with any political, religious, or war industrial entities, relying on its self-generated funding model. The foundation was co-founded by Mexican visual artist and curator Francisco Guevara and North American classical musician Chris Davis. Originally started as an educational art center for inner-city youth, it quickly evolved to offer international artist residencies. Arquetopia stands out for its array of unique residency programs with substantial mentoring, focused on professional artists, writers, academics, and researchers. It provides a generous and culturally diverse space, hosting artists and scholars from all over the world, aiming to enrich the global arts community with a multiplicity of perspectives.

R.A.R.O. Buenos Aires (RARO)

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Colectivo R.A.R.O. is an innovative artist residency program that originated in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and has expanded its reach to Madrid, Spain. Founded with the vision of creating spaces for reflection, production, and interdisciplinary encounters, R.A.R.O. distinguishes itself through its itinerant residency model. This unique approach allows artists to traverse and work within multiple ateliers, each directed by local artists from a broad spectrum of disciplines. The program supports a multidisciplinary environment, encouraging residents to delve into various artistic practices and collaborative projects. By facilitating access to a network of 17 ateliers in Buenos Aires alone, R.A.R.O. offers artists the flexibility to tailor their residency experience according to their project needs and artistic aspirations. Participants are given the opportunity to engage with the local art community, including curators, collectors, and other artists, culminating in the possibility of showcasing their work through exhibitions or open studios. Additionally, R.A.R.O. actively supports artists in accessing grants and provides special programs for both Argentine and international participants. This residency is aimed at artists, curators, and cultural managers seeking an immersive, collaborative experience away from traditional urban centers.

Siena Art Institute (SART)

Siena, Italy

The Siena Art Institute (SART), based in the historic city of Siena, Italy, offers a variety of artist residency programs aimed at fostering creative exchange and developing artistic practices across multiple disciplines. These residencies provide artists from around the globe with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture and engage with the community, while having the space and resources to focus on their work. The Institute supports these residencies through fully-equipped studio spaces, private accommodations, and opportunities for public engagement such as exhibitions and workshops. The programs are designed to cater to both emerging and established artists and include specialized options for young artists, such as the "Hidden Garden" project, which focuses on social practice and eco-friendly art. The Siena Art Institute emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and cultural exchange, offering courses and activities that integrate the arts into the broader social and environmental context of Siena.

CASA

Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada

The Artist in Residence (AiR) program at Casa in Lethbridge, Alberta, offers a supportive and community-based atmosphere for artists from various disciplines and experience levels, including recent undergraduates. The program includes workshops, installations, open houses, and artist talks, fostering community engagement and new perspectives. Artists are provided with space free of charge and are encouraged to seek funding for travel, lodging, and per diems from granting agencies. Casa assists with public engagement opportunities and supports successful candidates in their grant applications. The application deadlines are January 15 and June 15 each year, with residencies scheduled between June and December or January and June of the following year. Casa is managed by the Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge, a non-profit arts organization and registered charity.

ChaNorth

Pine Plains, New York, United States

The ChaNorth Artist Residency, operated by Chashama in Pine Plains, New York, offers a unique retreat for artists across multiple disciplines. Since its inception in 2006, ChaNorth has provided a secluded environment conducive to creativity and interdisciplinary dialogue. This rural residency, nestled in the Hudson Valley, supports emerging and mid-career artists with a focus on fostering new work within a rich historical and natural setting. The program includes four-week sessions from April through November, accommodating artists in visual arts, choreography, writing, music composition, and performance. Residents benefit from studio visits by art professionals, exhibition opportunities, and community engagement activities. A fellowship is available for young artists under 30, alongside a solo show award and an annual curated alumni exhibition in New York City. The residency emphasizes community engagement through workshops and presentations, fostering a connection between artists and the local community. ChaNorth's partnership with McEnroe Organic Farm highlights a commitment to sustainability and community support, enriching the residency experience with fresh produce and opportunities for agricultural learning.

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.

KOIK Contemporary

Mexico City, Mexico

KOIK Contemporary is an independent art space, curatorial platform, and artist residency founded in 2021 in downtown Mexico City. Dedicated to fostering experimental practices, artistic research, and transdisciplinary dialogue, KOIK works closely with emerging and mid-career artists from Mexico and internationally. The residency operates as a one-on-one program culminating in a solo exhibition at their gallery space. Their curatorial focus spans environmental, political, and social themes, including migration, identity, memory, and gentrification.