Artist Residencies in Norway

AiR Green

Noresund, Norway

AiR Green offers a specialized residency program tailored for artists working with textile media at Søndre Green farm, beautifully situated at the foot of the Norefjell mountain range in Krødsherad Municipality, Norway. The program aims to provide space for focused work, support the development and dissemination of textile art, and foster connections between artists from around the world who explore textile expressions. AiR Green offers two residency formats: the regular program for four artists over one month sharing kitchen and bathroom facilities in the main farmhouse, and Studio AiR Green for a single artist during a two-month stay with private facilities. The historic 18th-century main farmhouse (350m²) was fully renovated in 2013/14 and includes 3 double bedrooms, 3 single bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, multiple living rooms, and spacious kitchen/dining areas. Artists have access to multiple work spaces including a 40m² workroom in the main house, a 40m² wet room in the brewing house, and the 'Høytørka' gallery space (3m×16m×4.8m high). The farm features traditional textile equipment including vertical looms, flat looms, and Spælsau sheep providing wool for spinning and dyeing, plus natural herbs and plants for textile dyeing.

Artica Svalbard

Longyearbyen, Norway

Artica Svalbard, one of Norway’s leading not-for-profit residency foundations, offers artists, writers, and researchers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the stunning Arctic environment of Longyearbyen, Svalbard. This residency emphasizes deep thinking and creative exploration, focusing on addressing some of the most pressing issues of our time through artistic practice. Artica Svalbard integrates the natural cycles of Svalbard, from the midnight sun to the polar night, to challenge perspectives and inspire change. Residents benefit from accommodation, travel support, a per diem, and access to studio and print workshop facilities. The program encourages community engagement through workshops, talks, and other events, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas. With a minimum stay of six weeks, the residency allows for deep immersion and meaningful impact. Artica Svalbard values fewer residents with longer stays, promoting profound and lasting experiences. The residency supports a diverse range of disciplines, including multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary practices.

Kunstnarhuset Messen (KH Messen)

Ålvik, Norway

Kunstnarhuset Messen (Arthouse Messen) in Norway offers a unique artist-in-residence program in the scenic Hardangerfjord area. Aimed at artists, musicians, writers, and thinkers, the residency fosters free expression and collaboration in a community setting. Housed in a historic 1918 building, the center provides space for both Norwegian and international artists across various disciplines. The program, accommodating up to six artists simultaneously for 1-3 months, includes shared living and working spaces, free material access, and exhibition opportunities. Emphasizing cultural exchange and nature-inspired creativity, Messen enriches the artistic journey with its stunning natural surroundings and vibrant local heritage.

Kvitbrakka Artist in Residence

Berlevåg, Norway

Kvitbrakka Artist in Residence (AiR), located in Berlevåg, Norway, offers a unique opportunity for artists to create site-specific work inspired by the region’s dramatic Arctic landscape and rich fishing heritage. Since 2012, Kvitbrakka has hosted over 50 international artists, writers, and musicians, evolving into a significant cultural center for the Nordic region. The residency program spans four to six weeks, with sessions running from February to May and September to November, and is open to artists from various disciplines, including visual arts, writing, and music. Residents are encouraged to immerse themselves in the community, hosting workshops, exhibitions, and public presentations. The program provides accommodation, studio space, and a travel grant of 7,000 NOK to support the artists’ stay. The small coastal village of Berlevåg, known for its natural beauty and cultural traditions, offers a vibrant community setting, with additional support available from local residents and nearby resources.

La Wayaka Current

Atacama, Chile

La Wayaka Current is an artist-led organization offering unique residency programs in some of the most remote and ecologically significant environments on Earth. Their residencies, based in the Desert (Atacama, Chile), Tropic (Guna Yala, Panama), and Arctic (Sápmi, Norway), provide creative professionals the opportunity to explore pressing socio-political and environmental issues through site-responsive, research-driven, and collaborative practices. These programs allow artists, cultural practitioners, writers, scientists, and others from multidisciplinary fields to immerse themselves in remote, nature-immersive environments while engaging with local indigenous cultures and ecologies. Through a combination of curated and self-directed activities, participants explore themes such as climate change, colonization, indigenous knowledge, and ecological conservation. La Wayaka Current’s goal is to foster a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of art, nature, and social change by supporting projects that encourage environmental awareness and cultural exchange.

PRAKSIS

Oslo, Norway

PRAKSIS, established in 2015 in Oslo, Norway, is a dynamic platform that fosters collaboration and creativity among artists, thinkers, and researchers from various disciplines. With a commitment to addressing contemporary issues, PRAKSIS offers thematic residencies that operate nomadically, leveraging partnerships with a range of organizations. Open to local, national, and international applicants, these residencies provide a supportive, high-energy environment for creative exploration and dialogue. Offering three to four residencies annually, PRAKSIS supports participants with accommodation, a stipend for international residents, and a rich program of activities. By emphasizing peer-to-peer interaction and public engagement, PRAKSIS aims to demystify the creative process and encourage a broader understanding of artistic practice.

Spitsbergen Artists Residency

Longyearbyen (Svalbard), Norway

The Spitsbergen Artists Center, located in Longyearbyen, Norway, offers a unique artist residency program in the Arctic environment. It's situated in Nybyen, part of Longyearbyen, named after American John Munro Longyear, who founded the town in 1906 as a coal mining hub. The center, housed in a historical building constructed in 1947 as a store for miners, now focuses on fostering connections among artists from various countries and disciplines, emphasizing projects related to the Arctic and climate change. The residency operates year-round, inviting artists to engage in creative projects or research that involve the Arctic. Artists are encouraged to contribute to the community through exhibitions, workshops, or lectures during their stay. The facility includes private rooms, a common area with a fully equipped kitchen, shared bathrooms, and internet access. The residency costs 15,000 NOK per month, with an additional charge for double occupancy. The center also features a craft center, open for specific hours and events, showcasing and selling local artists' and craftspeople's work. Additionally, it provides an exhibition space for local and international artists to display works related to polar regions and climate change. Located at 78°12.2' N 015°35.3' E, the center is accessible by plane from Oslo and Tromsø. Visitors should be prepared for extreme weather conditions and aware of local safety guidelines, including precautions against polar bears. The residency does not accommodate children and may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges. There are no art or camera supply stores in Svalbard, so artists are advised to bring necessary materials.

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.

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.