Artist Residencies in Italy

American Academy in Rome

Rome, Italy

The American Academy in Rome, established in 1894, is a leading international center fostering interdisciplinary exchange among artists, writers, and scholars. Each year, the Academy awards the Rome Prize and Italian Fellowship through a competitive application and jury process to support innovative work in the arts and humanities. Winners are invited to Rome for a period conducive to intellectual and artistic freedom, engagement, and growth. The residency offers a unique opportunity to interact with an evolving international community, enriched by the historical and cultural backdrop of Rome. This tradition enhances the creative output of residents by providing a vibrant atmosphere that encourages the exchange of ideas and experiences within a global context.

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.

Arroscia

Pieve di Teco, Italy

The Arroscia Residency is an artist-run, nonprofit residency program located in the serene Arroscia Valley of Liguria, Italy. Designed for emerging and mid-career artists, it offers 3–8 week residencies twice per year, supporting studio-based practices across a wide range of visual disciplines. Artists receive fully funded support including round-trip airfare, shared housing, studio space, exhibition opportunities, and a weekly stipend for materials and living expenses. The residency is deeply rooted in community engagement, encouraging artist talks, mentoring, or public installations as part of the experience. Studio space is located in a renovated medieval palazzo in the historic town of Pieve di Teco, while housing is provided nearby. Each residency concludes with a gallery exhibition, and one selected piece remains in the residency’s permanent collection. Artists from around the world are welcome to apply via an open call hosted on the Café platform. With its blend of cultural immersion, professional support, and stunning natural surroundings, Arroscia offers artists a chance to focus, reflect, and grow in a quiet yet vibrant artistic environment.

Art Center Padula (Casa Padula)

Padula, Italy

Art Center Padula offers a unique Artist Residency program in the historic Italian village of Padula, aiming to revitalize the area while fostering creative and entrepreneurial potential. The program welcomes artists and writers from various disciplines, providing them with a private room and studio space in one of Padula's most stately residences, Casa Padula. Residency periods last for 18 days, with options for longer stays by combining sessions. The center hosts 3 to 4 artists at a time, promoting a blend of solitude and community. Residents have access to communal spaces and are invited to weekly group dinners, encouraging interaction with fellow artists and the local community. The residency is designed for both emerging and established creatives, judged primarily on the quality of submitted work samples. With its commitment to diversity and inclusion, Art Center Padula seeks applicants from all backgrounds. The program is a testament to the belief in art's power to provoke creativity and innovation, essential for addressing contemporary issues and revitalizing rural communities.

Arte Studio Ginestrelle

Assisi, Italy

Arte Studio Ginestrelle and the Writing Residency are located in Assisi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its historical and artistic significance in Italy. Established in 2018, the residency programs are designed to immerse artists, writers, designers, and architects in the rich cultural tapestry of Assisi. The residencies offer private accommodation in the city center, close to key historical sites and surrounded by the natural beauty of Mt. Subasio. Artists are encouraged to engage deeply with the local environment and historical settings, fostering an eco-friendly lifestyle. Each residency includes a private studio and the opportunity to participate in annual exhibitions and publications, highlighting the collaborative and cultural output of its participants.

Artisti nel Bosco

Genoa, Italy

"Artisti nel Bosco" is an evolving residency program located in Baixi, within the scenic environs of Genoa, Italy. It focuses on connecting artists with nature, urging them to engage with and draw inspiration from the surrounding landscape. The residency is particularly renowned for fostering sculptural and installation projects that interact with the natural elements. Each year, through an open call, one artist is offered a two-week residency, during which they create a piece that becomes a permanent installation in the locale—be it forest, stream, or meadow. The residency provides a fully equipped workspace, technical assistance, and a budget for materials. Additionally, it offers accommodations in a secluded house, communal meals, and engagement opportunities with the local art community through workshops and events. This initiative, supported by the Baixi Association, aims not only to promote art that resonates with environmental themes but also to cultivate a deeper community engagement through the resultant artworks.

Banditto

Montefollonico, Italy

The Banditto Residency, hosted by Banditto Art in the picturesque town of Montefollonico, Tuscany, represents a unique blend of cultural immersion and artistic development. Designed for artists of all disciplines seeking to push the boundaries of their work, the residency provides a 10-day stay in a private Galleria, along with a 500 euro travel allowance, accommodation for two, and transport. The aim is to offer artists not just a space to create but an experience enriched by the Tuscan landscape, local cuisine, and community. Participants enjoy the solitude needed to focus on their work while also having the chance to engage with the local culture and international art community. The program covers administrative costs through a $49 application fee and celebrates creativity by awarding both a Main Art Prize and an Emerging Art Prize. Through its commitment to nurturing talent, the Banditto Residency opens doors for artists to share their work with a wider audience and deepen their artistic practice in an inspiring setting.

BASE

Milan, Italy

BASE Milano is a dynamic cultural hub located in Milan, Italy, dedicated to fostering innovative artistic and cultural practices. As an independent, non-profit organization, BASE Milano serves as a creative platform where artists, designers, curators, and researchers from diverse disciplines can collaborate and explore new ideas. The organization is particularly focused on projects that engage with social, political, and environmental issues, promoting experimentation and alternative ways of thinking. BASE Milano offers a variety of programs, including residencies, workshops, and public events, all designed to encourage dialogue and exchange among creative professionals. The organization is committed to inclusivity and sustainability, providing resources such as studio space, accommodation, and technical support to artists in residence. Through its residencies and other initiatives, BASE Milano aims to create a vibrant community where innovative cultural projects can thrive and contribute to broader societal conversations.

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.

Civitella Ranieri

Umbertide, Italy

Civitella Ranieri is an esteemed international residency program located in the heart of Umbria, Italy. Founded in 1995, the program operates within the historical Civitella Ranieri Castle—a 15th-century fortress offering a unique blend of solitude and community. Over the years, Civitella has welcomed more than 1,000 Fellows and Director’s Guests, comprising writers, composers, and visual artists from around the globe. The foundation provides a nurturing environment that promotes concentrated work and honest exchange among culturally diverse participants. Civitella Ranieri is dedicated to fostering deep connections, facilitating a peaceful retreat where creativity can flourish without interruption. The residency includes tailored sessions between May and October, providing travel, lodging, and meals, ensuring that artists receive the support and freedom needed to produce their best work.

Essere

Cetona, Italy

The Essere Residency is a self-directed program designed to support the creative and personal growth of writers, artists, and creatives of all disciplines. Located in Tuscany, Italy, this residency offers an inspiring environment with a focus on inner wellbeing and artistic exploration. Participants have the opportunity to engage with a vibrant international community, participate in craft talks, guided meditations, and receive individual mentorship. The residency emphasizes being over doing, encouraging a balanced approach to creative practice and personal growth.

falía* (falia)

Lozio, Italy

falía* Artists in Residence program is located in the Lozio Valley, part of the picturesque Camonica Valley in Northern Italy. This residency aims to fuse contemporary art with local traditions and cultural heritage, providing artists the opportunity to create site-specific artworks that resonate with the region's identity. Established by the cultural organization, Associazione falía*, the residency invites individual artists and collectives from around the globe to immerse themselves in the local community and landscape. The program offers free accommodation and workspace, fostering a creative environment where artists can produce work inspired by and integrated with the locality's natural and historical contexts. The residency encourages interaction with local cultural institutions like the Casa-Museo della Gente di Lozio, an ethnographic museum, enhancing the artists' engagement with the area's mountain and peasant culture. By requiring the final artworks to be donated to the Municipality of Lozio, falía* ensures that these contributions enrich the community and complement its cultural legacy.

Frenkiel and Ponti (Frenkiel & Ponti)

Montenero Val Cocchiara, Italy

The Frenkiel & Ponti Foundation, located in Montenero Val Cocchiara, offers a self-led artist residency program in a serene mountain setting. The foundation, continuing the legacy of Frenkiel and Ponti, who were deeply involved in the music and art scene in post-war U.S. and Italy, provides a space for artists to create without financial or time pressure. Residencies range from two to four weeks throughout the year, with specific deadlines for each session. Applications for the residency are open two months in advance and close one month prior to the start date. The program covers accommodation, work/project area, local transportation, food, and drink, but participants must arrange their flights and transfers from Naples. The residency hosts up to four creatives at a time, including artists, writers, sculptors, photographers, and musicians. Montenero Val Cocchiara, a small town with less than 300 residents, offers a tranquil environment for artists to explore new or existing practices. The residency includes a mix of traditional local cuisine and opportunities for cultural exploration in the surrounding areas. The foundation emphasizes a relaxed and supportive atmosphere, encouraging creative exchange among residents.

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.

La Casa Etruria

Latera, Italy

La Casa Etruria is an international artist residency offering immersive cultural and creative experiences in two unique locations within the beautiful Tuscia Viterbese region of Italy. Nestled between the Tyrrhenian Sea, Umbria, and Tuscany, the residency provides a serene and inspiring environment for artists, writers, photographers, and researchers. The program emphasizes independent work and exploration, allowing artists to immerse themselves in the historical and natural surroundings, while enjoying private accommodations either in a medieval village house in Latera or in a casale within the Monte Rufeno Nature Reserve. Both locations offer comfortable living spaces, access to outdoor working areas, and opportunities for exhibitions at local museums. La Casa Etruria fosters creativity through cross-cultural exchanges and a peaceful setting where residents can pursue their projects free from distractions.

Lost Artists

Capri, Italy

The Lost Artists photography residency in Capri, Italy, offers a week-long retreat for photographers seeking to reconnect with their artistic vision. Led by award-winning fine art photographer Davide Esposito, the residency combines tailored one-on-one mentorship sessions, photography workshops, and immersive exploration of Capri’s hidden landscapes. Participants will gain guidance on refining their artist statements, deepening their creative process, and mastering techniques like light, landscape photography, and storytelling. The program is rooted in helping artists create work that reflects their personal truth. Accommodation is provided in a serene three-bedroom apartment overlooking the sea, fostering an inspiring atmosphere. This residency also highlights Capri’s rich artistic history, which has inspired legends like Pablo Neruda and Oscar Wilde. Through a mix of introspection, technical skill-building, and creative exploration, Lost Artists offers a transformative experience for photographers.

Nocefresca

Milis, Italy

Nocefresca offers a unique international artist residency located in Milis, Sardinia, providing a rural Mediterranean setting far from tourist hubs. This residency program welcomes artists from various disciplines including visual arts, design, photography, writing, and more, promoting a community-engaged, intergenerational environment for creative exploration. The program supports artists with fully equipped studios, housing, and communal spaces, ensuring a conducive atmosphere for both individual and collaborative projects. With an emphasis on cultural exchange and integration with the local community, Nocefresca extends opportunities for artists to engage in workshops, local collaborations, and community activities, enriching their creative process. The residency facilitates a deep connection with nature, local history, and sustainable living practices, reflecting the ecological and cultural richness of the region. Nocefresca’s self-directed and flexible program structure encourages artists to explore new creative paths without the pressure of a required final product, making it a sanctuary for artistic growth and introspection.

Primo Piano Special Projects

Lecce, Italy

Primo Piano Special Projects operates as a multifaceted arts organization based in Lecce, Italy, providing a unique blend of artistic and cultural services including art residencies. Their residencies are designed to cater to artists, architects, scholars, musicians, and performers from around the world, offering a chance to engage in a culturally rich environment. These residencies serve as crucial stages for creative individuals seeking new inspirations and a chance to collaborate within diverse, often idyllic settings, whether in urban spaces or in connection with nature. Programs are structured around specific themes and encourage deep, meaningful exchanges among participants. The residencies offer not only a space for artistic creation but also opportunities for cultural immersion, workshops, and public exhibitions. Each residency session is meticulously planned to ensure a holistic experience, emphasizing both personal growth and artistic development.

Rural Residency for Contemporary Art (RUC)

Near Valcamonica valley, Italy

Rural Residency for Contemporary Art (RUC) is located in the stunning Valcamonica valley of the Italian Alps, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its rich history and prehistoric rock engravings. The residency provides artists, musicians, and writers from around the world with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the tranquil and inspiring rural landscape. RUC encourages deep connections with the natural environment and local cultural heritage through workshops, excursions, and community interactions. The facilities include restored country houses and villas, offering comfortable accommodations and dedicated studio spaces. Artists can engage in both solitary creative activities and collaborative projects, culminating in a pop-up art exhibition. The program emphasizes minimal environmental impact and sustainable living, aligning with the residency's ethos of simplicity and freedom.

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.

Studio Panicale

Panicale, Italy

Studio Panicale is a serene artist residency located in the medieval village of Panicale, nestled in the foothills of The Apennine Mountains in Italy. The residency spans across two beautifully refurbished traditional houses, offering accommodation for up to 14 residents at a time. Residents can enjoy the large gardens, olive groves, and a modern studio space equipped with necessary tools like easels and a pottery wheel. The program is self-directed and open to a variety of creative disciplines including visual arts, writing, photography, and ceramics. Artists set their own agenda during stays ranging from one week to two months, providing ample time for reflection and creation. Studio Panicale offers a peaceful environment for artists to focus on their work while surrounded by nature. The residency is entirely self-funded, with weekly fees varying by season. Additionally, a bursary is available for student creatives, offering free accommodation for up to two weeks.

Tagete

Messina, Italy

The Tagete Artistic Residency is held in the San Jachiddu Ecological Park in Messina, Italy. This program offers a unique opportunity for artists to explore the intersection between urban and natural environments through Environmental and Site-Specific Art. Selected artists will stay for 21 days, creating works inspired by the park’s rich history and biodiversity. The residency aims to foster connections, encourage creativity, and contribute to the cultural heritage of Messina. Participants will receive accommodation, meals, materials, and travel expenses. The call is open to artists from Creative Europe countries, excluding Italy, and emphasizes critical engagement with nature and sustainability.

Theatre in Palm

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Theatre in Palm Residencies offers a unique opportunity for emerging theatre artists to develop professionally and expand their networks across Europe. Hosted in 12 partner countries, these two-week residencies focus on collaboration, inspiration, and the creation of shareable works. Each residency will produce a co-production in various forms, emphasizing themes like social impact, equality, and environmental sustainability. Participants will receive travel, accommodation, and compensation. The program aims to foster cross-cultural exchanges and enhance the visibility of emerging artists in the European theatre scene.

UNIDEE

Biella, Italy

The UNIDEE Residency Program, hosted by Cittadellarte - Fondazione Pistoletto, is dedicated to fostering social transformation through artistic practices. Established by Michelangelo Pistoletto in 1999, it offers various residencies that emphasize collaboration, sustainability, and interdisciplinary research. UNIDEE’s programs, which include one-week intensive modules, research residencies, and connective residencies, support artists, curators, and cultural practitioners globally. Participants engage in artistic projects exploring themes like ecological sustainability, social responsibility, and community involvement, working closely with mentors, researchers, and local experts. The residencies are designed to provide inspiration, motivation, and the tools necessary for art-driven social change, emphasizing the role of artists as “artivators” who bridge the gap between artistic expression and real-world social impact. The residency also engages partners like A.M. Qattan Foundation, Yarat Contemporary Art Center, and Inlaks Foundation to support emerging artists worldwide.

Villa Filanda Antonini (VFA)

Villorba, Italy

Villa Filanda Antonini (VFA) is an artist residency located in Villorba, near Treviso, Italy, established in 2021 by Giulio Feltrin and his family, founders of the design brand Arper. It is the first initiative supported by the Arper Feltrin Foundation, aiming to foster the dialogue between contemporary art, design, and architecture. Set in the historical Villa Antonini, which once served as the headquarters for a local silk factory, VFA is committed to preserving the architectural integrity while repurposing the space for cultural and artistic production. The residency is designed to be a collaborative, experimental space where artists from various disciplines can explore and engage with the local cultural and natural landscapes of Treviso. Offering a program that includes resident exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events open to the community, VFA encourages artists to create projects that have social repercussions and are responsive to the site. The program is open to European artists non-residing in Italy and is fully funded, including a grant from Culture Moves Europe and support from the European Union. VFA not only acts as a creative space but also participates in local regeneration processes, transforming industrial spaces into generative sites for cultural content and new knowledge. Through its emphasis on sustainable practices and community engagement, VFA aims to foster a network of creative processes that interpret the material and immaterial specifics of the region.

Villa Lena

Tuscany, Italy

The Villa Lena Foundation, nestled in the Tuscan countryside of Italy, offers a distinctive artist residency that promotes multidisciplinary collaboration and creativity. This non-profit organization supports international artists across various fields, including art, music, literature, and fashion, to foster a rich dialogue and exchange of ideas. Set within a picturesque estate, the residency provides artists with accommodation, studio space, and half-board meals, facilitating a conducive environment for self-led projects from April to October annually. Artists contribute to the Villa Lena Collection by donating an artwork, creating a lasting legacy of their time spent at the residency. The program not only encourages artistic development but also integrates residents into community life, involving them in local agricultural practices and communal events. Special initiatives, such as family residencies and curatorial programs, highlight the foundation's commitment to accommodating diverse artistic endeavors and life situations. With a selection process that includes interviews and advisory board evaluations, Villa Lena seeks to assemble a vibrant, international community of creatives each year. The residency stands as a testament to the power of nature and community in fueling artistic innovation and collaboration in the heart of Tuscany.

Zuecca Projects

Venice, Italy

Zuecca Projects is a non-profit cultural organization dedicated to the creation and development of interdisciplinary projects in contemporary art, architecture, and film. Founded in 2011 by Alessandro Possati, Zuecca Projects has established itself as a collaborative platform that connects artists, curators, institutions, galleries, and private companies to produce high-quality cultural projects. The organization is renowned for its involvement in the Venice Biennale and for hosting a range of international projects across various art forms. Zuecca Projects’ mission is to promote innovative and advanced contemporary art contexts through a diverse array of cultural initiatives. With a strong focus on international collaboration, Zuecca Projects ensures that its events and projects maintain high cultural standards and attract a prestigious audience. Their primary venue, Squero Castello in Venice, offers a unique environment for artists to create and develop new works. The organization supports artists by providing them with the space and resources to engage deeply with their artistic practice and explore new creative avenues.