Free Craft Residencies

La Nueva Fábrica (La Nueva Fabrica)

Antigua, Guatemala

La Nueva Fábrica Residency, based in Antigua, Guatemala, offers a unique, community-centered environment for artists, curators, and cultural practitioners from around the world. The residency supports diverse creative disciplines, including visual arts, photography, curatorial work, literature, and performance. Participants receive private lodging, studio space, and a stipend, fostering an immersive and productive residency experience. Designed to encourage engagement with local culture, residents participate in community events, open studios, and public talks to foster interaction and dialogue with the local art community. The residency also offers curated excursions to nearby art spaces, museums, and exhibitions, enhancing exposure to Guatemala’s rich artistic and cultural landscape. With dedicated facilities for technical work like carpentry and weaving, artists can experiment across a variety of media. While residents are encouraged to share their projects with the community, there’s no pressure to complete a final work, allowing for process-oriented development. La Nueva Fábrica remains committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive community by welcoming applicants from all backgrounds and artistic stages.

Vermont Studio Center (VSC)

Johnson, Vermont, United States

The Vermont Studio Center (VSC) stands as a vibrant creative sanctuary, offering residencies for artists and writers in the tranquil environment of Johnson, Vermont. Offering private studios and accommodation, VSC is dedicated to providing an immersive creative experience, enhanced by the presence of visiting artists and writers who contribute through talks, presentations, and one-on-one sessions. VSC prides itself on its commitment to inclusivity, with various fellowships targeted at supporting BIPOC artists, women, Native Americans, and writers of color, highlighting its dedication to fostering diversity within its community. The center also encourages community engagement through a Community Contribution Program, allowing residents to actively participate in the local and on-campus community. VSC’s facilities are tailored for a wide range of creative practices, including a print shop, digital lab, sculpture shop, and access to traditional craft media, emphasizing its role as a comprehensive hub for artistic development.

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.

AIR in Tainan

Tainan, Taiwan

The AIR in Tainan program offers various residency opportunities across multiple locations in Tainan City, Taiwan, including Soulangh Cultural Park and Tsung-Yeh Arts and Cultural Center. These residencies provide international artists with a vibrant community and an environment rich in history and culture. The program supports artists from various disciplines, including visual art, installation, craft, design, and performance, by providing free accommodation, studio space, and a monthly living subsidy. Artists are encouraged to engage with the local community and draw inspiration from Tainan’s unique cultural and historical context. The program promotes artistic exchange and offers administrative support, making it a valuable experience for emerging and established artists alike.

Beam

Chesterfield, United Kingdom

Beam, a cultural development organization based in Wakefield, North of England, offers a Socially Engaged Artist Residency in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. This residency aims to engage the community and visitors through creative participatory activities and animation, exploring unique and hidden stories about the town. The program runs for six months and provides an all-inclusive fee of £14,700 plus VAT. Beam supports artists with technical, administrative, and mediation assistance, offering a residency base in an empty shop in Chesterfield town center. The residency includes community engagement sessions, research, and creative outputs displayed in the town center. Beam emphasizes the importance of community involvement, cultural exchange, and the creation of high-quality public art.

Blackhorse Workshop

London, United Kingdom

Blackhorse Workshop, a social enterprise based in London, is committed to opening up access to making for all. The workshop offers a supportive environment for creative practitioners, particularly those early in their careers, who have a strong interest in wood and metal work. The residency provides free desk space in a shared studio, access to professional wood and metal workshops, and regular development support. With a focus on inclusivity, Blackhorse Workshop actively encourages applications from individuals with a strong connection to Waltham Forest, especially from underrepresented backgrounds in the arts. The residency culminates in a public presentation of the resident’s work, offering a valuable platform for emerging makers.

Casa Wabi Fundación (Foundation)

Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Fundación Casa Wabi, a non-profit civil association, promotes contemporary art and local community engagement through its residency program. Located in three locations: Puerto Escondido, Mexico City, and Tokyo, Casa Wabi operates under the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi, finding beauty in simplicity and imperfection. Founded by Mexican artist Bosco Sodi, the headquarters in Puerto Escondido is designed by renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando. The residency program invites national and international artists to engage in multidisciplinary exchanges that foster social development. Residents benefit from comprehensive facilities, including studios, exhibition galleries, and communal spaces, to inspire creativity and community interaction.

Craft AiR at University for the Creative Arts (UCA)

Farnham, United Kingdom

The Craft AiR program at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) Farnham offers artists the opportunity to deepen their practice in Ceramics, Glass, or Jewellery & Silversmithing within a dynamic academic setting. This residency provides free access to state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated workshops, kilns, fabrication tools, and digital labs. In exchange, artists contribute to curriculum support through technical workshops, talks, and community engagement, enriching both their CVs and the UCA craft community. The program encourages early and mid-career artists with either formal qualifications or professional experience to apply. While UCA provides exceptional workspace and resources, artists are expected to arrange their own accommodation, materials, and travel. The residency typically runs from September to August, with flexible start dates and a minimum 3-day weekly commitment. This is an ideal opportunity for practitioners who thrive in collaborative, educational environments. Open to UK and international applicants, the program supports a vibrant exchange of ideas in contemporary craft.

EE Exclusives

Heeze, Netherlands

EE Exclusives is a family-owned textile mill celebrating its 125th anniversary with the launch of the Textile Pioneer Program, a unique artist residency designed for emerging textile professionals eager to deepen their expertise and create at the intersection of craftsmanship and innovation. Located at Industrieweg 64, Heeze, Netherlands, this fully funded 9-week creative residency provides access to weaving facilities, a 125-year-old textile archive, and the opportunity to create professional woven prototypes on high-tech jacquard machines. The program includes 6 working days at the factory and 5 weeks of guided remote design development by expert team members including creative director, creative project manager, and jacquard designer. For 2025, applications are due June 15th with the program starting July-September. EE Exclusives has worked with renowned fashion houses including Viktor & Rolf and artists like Hella Jongerius, with collaborations featured in Museum Boijmans van Beuningen. The program emphasizes textile innovation beyond generations, combining traditional Dutch weaving heritage with cutting-edge techniques.

Haystack Mountain School of Crafts

Deer Isle, Maine, United States

Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, located on Deer Isle, Maine, offers a two-week Open Studio Residency that encourages a dynamic exchange of ideas among peers and provides extensive studio time without the distractions of daily life. Established to foster deep engagement with craft and creativity, the residency is designed to support artists in a variety of disciplines including ceramics, blacksmithing, fiber, graphics, metals, and wood. Participants benefit from the unique collaborative environment and are encouraged to explore and interact with different media. The residency includes full access to the Haystack's facilities, including the Fab Lab for digital fabrication, which enhances creative practices with cutting-edge technology.

Peters Valley School of Craft

Layton, New Jersey, United States

Peters Valley School of Craft, nestled in the stunning Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, offers a sanctuary for artists seeking tranquility and inspiration amidst a supportive artistic community. This unique residency program, fueled by the generosity of the Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation, extends fully funded opportunities for artists to immerse themselves in their creative pursuits within well-equipped studios across various disciplines including Blacksmithing, Ceramics, Fibers, Jewelry/Fine Metals, Wood, Painting/Collage, or Printmaking. Designed to cater to artists at all career stages, from emerging to professional, Peters Valley emphasizes the need for artists to have prior experience with the tools and equipment of their craft, ensuring that each resident can work independently. Given the rural setting of the campus, artists are advised to have access to personal transportation to navigate the area freely. Each selected artist is provided with a private room in a fully furnished shared house, offering a communal yet independent living experience. Unlimited access to a studio equipped with all the necessary tools and utilities fosters an environment where artists can focus solely on their craft. In addition to the provision of living and working spaces, artists receive a stipend to help offset the costs associated with materials and travel, underscoring Peters Valley's commitment to supporting the creative process. This residency stands as a testament to Peters Valley School of Craft's mission to support artists' growth and creativity. By removing financial barriers and providing the space and resources needed for artistic exploration, Peters Valley enriches both the individuals it hosts and the broader artistic community.

Pyramid Atlantic Art Center

Hyattsville, Maryland, United States

Pyramid Atlantic Art Center, founded in 1981 by the artist Helen C. Frederick, is a non-profit arts center dedicated to the innovation and appreciation of papermaking, printmaking, and book arts. Located in the historic Arcade building in Hyattsville's Gateway Arts District, Maryland, the center serves as a vibrant hub for artists and the community to explore creative processes and collaborative projects. The facility boasts a comprehensive suite of equipment in its papermaking studio, print shop, letterpress studio, bindery, and a darkroom, supported by private studios and a gallery space. Pyramid Atlantic offers a variety of residencies tailored to different stages of artistic careers and focuses within the paper arts disciplines. The Vita Paper Arts Residency, named after Gregory Vita, provides emerging and established artists three months to explore and innovate in paper arts. The Keyholder Residency extends up to six months of studio access for artists to deepen their practice in printmaking, papermaking, or book arts while contributing to Pyramid's community through collaborative work. The Denbo Fellowship, running from two to four weeks, is designed for intensive project completion, offering artists a stipend and access to extensive technical resources and studio space. These programs are crafted to support artists' growth and exposure while encouraging them to engage with the broader community through public presentations, demonstrations, and exhibitions. Each residency is an opportunity to work within Pyramid Atlantic's well-equipped facilities and to benefit from the professional and creative support of its artistic staff and associates. Artists at Pyramid Atlantic are encouraged to explore interdisciplinary practices and develop new techniques that push the boundaries of traditional paper and print arts. This unique collaborative environment fosters not only artistic excellence but also a shared spirit of innovation and discovery among its residents.

Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM)

Washington, D.C., United States

The Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) offers the oldest and largest fellowship program dedicated to the study of American art. This prestigious fellowship supports full-time research in the Smithsonian collections, encouraging scholars from diverse disciplines to explore American art, craft, and visual culture. Open to graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and senior scholars, the fellowship emphasizes inclusivity and welcomes applications from underrepresented groups. The program provides financial support for research residencies ranging from three to twelve months. While housing is not provided, additional stipends may be available for relocation and health insurance. International candidates are welcome, and assistance with J-1 visas is offered. Fellows have access to extensive resources, including SAAM’s library, archives, and research facilities in Washington, D.C.

Women’s Studio Workshop (WSW)

Rosendale, New York, United States

Women’s Studio Workshop (WSW) in Rosendale, NY, is a distinguished platform offering the Studio Residency Grant, a remarkable opportunity for artists from around the globe to engage deeply with their creative projects. This six- to eight-week residency welcomes artists at any stage of their career to work within WSW’s diverse studio disciplines: intaglio, letterpress, papermaking, screenprinting, photography, and ceramics (with facilities reopening in 2025). Artists receive a generous stipend, materials budget, travel allowance, complimentary housing, and unlimited studio access, underpinned by the possibility of technical guidance and production assistance. WSW conducts a rigorous selection process involving a rotating jury and potential NEA funding, ensuring a wide range of innovative projects are realized. The residency embodies WSW’s commitment to fostering artistic exploration and production, offering a global community of artists a nurturing environment for development and innovation.