Sculpture 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.