Artist Residencies in Portugal

AiR 351

Cascais, Portugal

AiR 351 is an innovative international visual arts residency program founded in 2016, nestled in the vibrant cultural landscape of Cascais, in the Lisbon region. This program is designed to support both artists and curators from around the globe, fostering their creative processes in a collaborative and highly supportive environment. AiR 351 partners with various institutions including museums, universities, and art schools, enhancing the residency experience through diverse contextual engagements. Residents at AiR 351 benefit from individual studios located at the Centro de Artes e Criatividade (CAC) in Torres Vedras, along with access to communal spaces that facilitate both solitary and communal forms of creativity. The program is structured to integrate residents into the local artistic community, provide extensive technical and curatorial support, and offer networking opportunities with AiR 351’s wide range of partners. Each residency period spans a minimum of three months for artists and one month for curators, which allows for profound engagement with the local culture and art scene. AiR 351 also organizes regular studio visits, public presentations, and an annual exhibition to showcase the works developed during the residency. In terms of financial support, AiR 351 periodically offers grants, such as the AiR 351 / CAC Grant, which covers living expenses, accommodation, and membership fees for the duration of the residency. This comprehensive support structure not only alleviates financial burdens but also enriches the artistic development of the residents. The program's application process is inclusive and detailed, requiring a motivation letter, CV, and portfolio, ensuring that only candidates with significant potential and readiness are selected. AiR 351 maintains a permanent open call for applications, making it a dynamically evolving cultural hub that continuously attracts and supports international artistic talent.

Aviário Studio (Aviario)

Ferreira do Zêzere, Portugal

Aviário Studio, nestled in Ferreira do Zêzere, Portugal, offers a range of art residencies including Self-Directed, Guided, and Assisted Production residencies. Residency durations vary from 2 weeks to 6 months, accommodating both emerging and established artists. The studio, which operates from Monday to Friday, provides each resident with a workspace, technical assistance, and access to specialized workshops. For additional fees, extended technical support and materials can be procured. Accommodation options are available on-site with alternatives being handled by the resident if preferred. Aviário Studio is well-equipped with facilities for a variety of artistic practices such as printmaking, ceramics, and digital arts, ensuring a productive and creative stay.

Buinho Creative Residency

Messejana, Portugal

Buinho Creative Residency, located in the town of Messejana, Portugal, offers artists the opportunity to live and work for up to two months in a variety of unique residential spaces. Buinho manages five distinct houses, three of which are dedicated to the Creative Residency program, providing a range of accommodations including single and double bedrooms, shared and private studios, and communal living amenities. The residency supports artists with well-equipped working laboratories and facilitates community engagement through access to local exhibition spaces. Applications for the residency can be made through spontaneous application, with fees varying based on accommodation type.

Caldas Cidade Criativa

Caldas da Rainha, Portugal

Caldas Cidade Criativa, in collaboration with the Caldas da Rainha Arts and Design School of the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria (ESAD.CR) and the Chair in Arts and Culture Management, offers annual international ceramic artist residencies. These residencies are designed for international artists from other UNESCO Creative Cities outside Portugal. Participants will receive accommodation, studio access, and opportunities to engage with the local community through open studio sessions and collaborations with local ceramic artists. The program aims to foster artistic exchange, cultural dialogue, and the development of innovative ceramic projects.

Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation

Lisbon, Portugal

The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian), a renowned international foundation, facilitates impactful residencies under its program, "Bauhaus of the Seas Sails." These residencies, including "Radical Waters – Concrete Matters," "Eating Between Tides," and "A Call to the Sea," are designed to foster innovative approaches across various disciplines—integrating art, science, and community engagement. Each residency is fully funded and supports interdisciplinary collaboration to explore and address environmental and societal issues through artistic and scientific lenses.

Córtex Frontal (Cortex Frontal)

Arraiolos, Portugal

Córtex Frontal, an artist-in-residence program based in Arraiolos, Portugal, was established in 2016 by the Córtexcult Cultural Association. It offers multidisciplinary residencies focusing on visual arts, performative arts, literature, and music, fostering interactions between artists from different disciplines, the local community, and the territory. Their facilities include a historical 18th-century manor house with private and shared studios equipped for various art forms, from printmaking to digital media. Artists can stay for periods ranging from 4 weeks to 3 months, with accommodations and technical support provided. The program is open to international artists, including duos or groups, and supports last-minute applications. The residency emphasizes community engagement through workshops, open studios, and artist lectures at local educational institutions. It also assists residents in obtaining funding through programs like Culture Moves Europe. The fees for the residency cover accommodation, studio use, and access to common areas.

Court of Cavalum

Porto, Portugal

"The Court of Cavalum" is a dynamic artist residency located in the scenic hills around Porto, Portugal. Set in a historical estate that has been a hub of creativity for centuries, it offers artists, writers, and digital nomads a unique co-living and co-working environment. The Court provides a variety of creatively inspiring spaces such as studios for writing, sound recording, and visual arts, alongside rooms designed for relaxation and ideation. The residency promotes a sense of community among residents through shared living areas, collaborative spaces, and communal activities. Residents are encouraged to engage with both their projects and each other, fostering an environment of mutual creativity and discovery. The Court of Cavalum integrates modern digital facilities with rustic charm, making it an ideal retreat for artists seeking to combine productive work with a rejuvenating rural lifestyle.

Hangar

Lisbon, Portugal

Hangar is part of Hangar - Centro de Investigação Artística, located in Lisbon, Portugal. Founded as a Triangle Network participant, Hangar offers international artist residency programs ranging from 1 to 3 months for visual artists, performers, photographers, video artists, and multimedia creators. The program provides 7 room-studios (4 private and 3 shared) in a collaborative environment that encourages artistic experimentation and cultural exchange. Artists work alongside local Portuguese artists and international residents, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and artistic development. The residency is designed to support contemporary art practices and provides artists with the space, time, and community needed to develop new work. Hangar's location in Lisbon offers residents access to the city's vibrant cultural scene while providing a focused creative environment for artistic research and production.

Obras Portugal

Alentejo region, Portugal

Located in the picturesque Alentejo region of Portugal, OBRAS Portugal is set in a 200-year-old stone building, embodying the quintessential Portuguese Monte. Overlooking a savanna-like landscape with a medieval fortress on the horizon, this artist residency offers a tranquil and inspiring setting. The residency consists of a main house with several apartments and workspaces, two cottages, four artists' studios, various open-air working places, and a swimming pool. The main house, Casa Principal, features seven apartments, a music room, and a meeting room, each designed to provide comfort and facilitate creativity. Casa Miradouro and Casa Vicente, the cottages, offer additional living and working space, boasting stunning views and terraces. Artists also have access to multiple studios, including a big hall for larger projects and performances. OBRAS Portugal provides a unique environment for artistic exploration, offering spaces for both solitude and interaction. From land art creations in the surrounding nature to shared dinners and open atelier events, the residency nurtures both the individual artistic process and community engagement. Its proximity to natural landscapes and historical sites, coupled with a range of artistic facilities, makes it an ideal destination for artists seeking a blend of cultural richness and creative freedom.

Pada Studios

Barreiro, Portugal

PADA studios, nestled in a historic industrial park from 1885, offers artists a dynamic space to enhance their practice over 1-2 month residencies. The program, welcoming various media, focuses on the exploration of techniques and processes, and encourages the development of new ideas and concepts. Artists have access to individual 35sqm open-plan studios within a 1000 sqm warehouse, complemented by communal areas, a reading room, a library, and well-equipped wood and metal workshops. PADA, an artist-led non-profit, also features a gallery space and diverse locations throughout the industrial park for artistic projects. The residency is self-led, promoting self-sufficiency in artistic practice while providing opportunities to engage with the Lisbon art scene and other residents. Participants are encouraged to propose talks and workshops, enhancing engagement with the local community. The residency concludes with the opportunity for artists to present their work in PADA's gallery. PADA's commitment to sustainability is reflected in its encouragement of eco-conscious artistic practices.

Prisma Estúdio Lisboa (Prisma Estudio)

Lisbon, Portugal

Prisma Estúdio Lisboa is a volunteer-led cultural association located in the vibrant Martim Moniz quarter of central Lisbon. The organization supports emerging artists by providing opportunities for creative development and collaboration. The residency program hosts up to five artists at a time, offering accommodation, a shared atelier space, and curatorial support. Residents are immersed in Lisbon’s dynamic underground artistic community, engaging in exhibitions, events, and collaborative projects. The residency welcomes artists from diverse practices and backgrounds for stays of one to three months. Participants are encouraged to explore new techniques, concepts, and ideas, culminating in a final project showcased in an exhibition or performance. Prisma Estúdio Lisboa emphasizes community involvement and provides a supportive environment for artists to grow and connect. The program aims to foster creativity and cultural exchange within a multidisciplinary framework.

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.

Zaratan

Lisbon, Portugal

Zaratan AIR offers a multidisciplinary residency in Lisbon for emerging and professional artists, curators, and writers, targeting both international and Portuguese artists living abroad. The program, lasting 4 to 12 weeks, accommodates two artists at a time, fostering an experimental and collaborative environment. Residents are provided with private accommodation, a personal studio, and receive technical and promotional support, though specific technical facilities are not available. Regular interaction with Zaratan's curatorial team is encouraged, along with public presentations of their work. The application process is ongoing, with a selection committee evaluating submissions. The residency, operated on a not-for-profit basis by Zaratan gallery, requires a fee that covers accommodation, studio, and support, with artists often securing funding from their home countries.