Dance Artist Residencies
Complete guide for dance artists looking for residencies
Finding the Right Program
With 11 dance residencies listed on Reviewed by Artists, finding the right program starts with understanding your needs. Consider whether you need financial support — 5 programs offer a stipend, and 5 are fully funded with both housing and stipend included.
What to Expect
Dance residencies typically provide dedicated studio space, time to focus on your practice, and a community of fellow artists. Many programs also offer exhibition opportunities, critiques, and professional development. The duration varies from a few weeks to several months.
Application Tips
Most dance residencies require a portfolio, artist statement, and project proposal. Be specific about what you want to accomplish during the residency and why that particular program is the right fit. Reading reviews from past residents can give you valuable insight into what each program values.
Top-rated dance residencies
Bundanon
Illaroo, Australia
Bundanon's Artists in Residence program, set within the cultural and natural landscape of Australia, is one of the most extensive of its kind nationally. Established by Arthur and Yvonne Boyd, the program has been operational since 1997, supporting over 250 artists annually across all creative disciplines, including visual arts, writing, music, and performance. Located in a region renowned for its scenic beauty, this program not only offers a retreat for artists but also a vibrant community space for creative exploration and public engagement. The residency facilities at Bundanon include studios, rehearsal spaces, and accommodation in single and shared apartments, as well as self-contained cottages capable of hosting up to 10 people. The program is designed to encourage artistic development without the pressure of specified outcomes, allowing for experimental and exploratory approaches to art-making. This supportive environment is supplemented by various fellowships and awards, aimed at providing financial assistance and facilitating creative growth. Structured through collaborations with various arts organizations and cultural agencies, Bundanon’s residency program serves as an incubator for innovative practices and a forum for cultivating deep connections among artists from around the world. With its commitment to diversity and inclusion, the program particularly encourages applications from First Nations artists, artists with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse artists, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Hayama
Hayama-machi, Japan
Hayama Artist Residency, located in the scenic town of Hayama in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, offers a nurturing environment for artists to immerse in Japanese culture. The residency includes a roundtrip flight to Japan, shared accommodations at hôtel ami hayama for 4 weeks, and a weekly stipend for meals and transportation. Artists enjoy a blend of scheduled events and free time for reflection, without the pressure to create new work. A highlight is the group exhibition hosted by KOKI ARTS in Tokyo's art district, Bakurocho. Selection for the residency is made by an esteemed committee of international curators and arts professionals. The program fosters future opportunities, including a fee waiver for reapplying artists the following year.
Cité internationale des Arts
Paris, France
The Cité internationale des Arts, founded in 1965, is a renowned artist residency program in Paris, France. It facilitates cross-cultural dialogue and offers artists from around the world a platform to engage with the public and professionals. Annually, over 1,200 artists participate in the residency, with more than 300 new residents each month. The Cité collaborates with 135 long-standing partners from over 60 countries, fostering a rich environment for creative exchange. The residency provides 326 studios across two locations: Marais and Montmartre. These studios are designed to support various aspects of contemporary creation, offering spaces for production, experimentation, and research. Each studio, ranging from 20 m² to 60 m², includes a workspace, kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area. Residents can host guests for extended periods, subject to additional charges. Artists can apply for residency through the Cité's selection committees or via its network of long-standing partners. The Cité organizes different commissions by discipline and thematic, and also collaborates with institutions to support emerging international talents through residency programs and grants.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a dance artist residency?
A dance artist residency provides dedicated time, studio space, and resources for artists working in dance. Programs typically include accommodation, a supportive community, and sometimes stipends, allowing you to focus entirely on developing new work.
How many dance residencies are there?
We list 11 dance artist residencies on Reviewed by Artists. 5 offer a stipend and 5 are fully funded.
How do I apply to a dance residency?
Most dance residencies accept applications through their own website. You'll typically need a portfolio, project proposal, and CV. Application deadlines vary — some have rolling admissions while others have annual cycles. Read reviews from past residents to understand what each program is looking for.
What should I look for in a dance residency?
Key factors include studio space suited to dance practice, access to materials and equipment, the community of fellow artists, location, duration, and financial support. Our reviews cover all of these aspects to help you find the right fit.
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