Reviewed by Artists

Free Artist Residencies

234 fully funded residencieswith both stipend and housing included. These are the programs that ask nothing from you financially — just your time, your presence, and your practice. They are competitive, but they exist because someone believes artists deserve support.

Asian Culture Center (ACC) logo

Asian Culture Center (ACC)

Gwangju, South Korea

The Asia Culture Center (ACC) Residency, located in Gwangju, South Korea, is a premier international residency program fostering the intersection of art and technology. The ACC Residency encompasses various platforms such as ACC CREATORS and ACC Theater, each tailored to support different aspects of artistic development. The residencies are known for their focus on future-oriented themes and often explore the dynamic between art, science, and technology. The ACC CREATORS Residency caters specifically to professionals across diverse fields—artists, researchers, engineers—encouraging them to develop innovative ideas through access to advanced studios and collaborative opportunities. This platform supports experimental projects that integrate AI and various digital interfaces to challenge and expand the boundaries of traditional art forms. Conversely, the ACC Theater Residency focuses on the performing arts, providing resources like Korea’s largest modifiable black box theater to experiment with and finalize performance arts projects. It supports the creation, development, and presentation of new experimental works, offering systematic support through mentoring and showcasing opportunities. Both residencies offer private studios, community spaces, and accommodations to facilitate creative activities. They provide substantial financial support, expert consultations, and opportunities for public presentation. Overall, the ACC Residencies aim to serve as catalysts for pioneering works that merge artistic creativity with technological innovation.

StipendHousingDigitalInstallationInterdisciplinaryMultidisciplinaryPerformance+1
Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts logo

Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts

Omaha, Nebraska, United States

4.8 (4)

The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, since its inception in 1981, has stood as a beacon for artists worldwide, offering an invaluable platform for research, creation, and exploration. Located in Omaha, Nebraska, the Bemis Center provides a rich environment for artists to delve into their creative processes without the constraints of specific outcomes or expectations. The residency offers a unique blend of private live/work studios, extensive installation and production spaces, and specialized facilities such as the Okada Sculpture & Ceramics Facility and a Sound Studio. These spaces are designed to support a wide range of artistic activities, from large-scale sculpture fabrication to sound experimentation and recording. Residents benefit from the Bemis Center’s commitment to fostering a vibrant community among a multidisciplinary mix of artists. This community is not only a source of professional collaboration but also a foundation for lasting personal friendships. Moreover, the Bemis Center provides its artists-in-residence with financial support to cover personal needs, material costs, and travel expenses, easing the financial burden and allowing them to focus on their artistic development. Technical and administrative support further enhances the residency experience, enabling artists to navigate challenges and seize opportunities to advance their work. The Bemis Center also places a strong emphasis on public engagement, inviting residents to share their work through presentations, open studios, and interactions with the broader community and local art organizations. This approach enriches the residency experience, offering artists a platform to showcase their work and engage with diverse audiences.

StipendHousingCeramicsCuratorialDigitalDrawingGraphic Arts+11
Blue Mountain Center (BMC) logo

Blue Mountain Center (BMC)

Blue Mountain Lake, New York, United States

Founded in 1982, Blue Mountain Center (BMC) is located in the Adirondack wilderness on historically Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe lands. Originally a 19th-century golf resort, it now serves as a nurturing refuge dedicated to social justice for artists, activists, writers, and cultural workers. Blue Mountain Center focuses on providing a space that facilitates both the creation of transformative works and the rejuvenation of its residents. The center emphasizes the integration of its residents with the local and global communities, providing a serene environment conducive to creative and restorative practices. BMC operates on the core values of racial, economic, and environmental justice, and gender equality, welcoming a diverse group of applicants particularly those producing work that reflects social and ecological concerns. BMC offers month-long residencies from June to September each year, supporting a range of creative disciplines including writing, filmmaking, and visual arts, among others. Residents are selected by an admissions committee of accomplished authors and artists through a process that prioritizes work aimed at a general audience with a clear social conscience. The residency provides studio space, accommodation, and communal living areas, all set against the backdrop of the scenic Blue Mountain Lake. This setting not only inspires artistic endeavors but also encourages personal well-being and community interaction, free from the distractions of everyday life such as cell phones and constant internet connectivity.

StipendHousing
Bundanon logo

Bundanon

Illaroo, Australia

5.0 (2)

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.

StipendHousing
Camargo Foundation logo

Camargo Foundation

Cassis, France

The Camargo Foundation, nestled in the picturesque coastal town of Cassis, France, has been a beacon for pioneering research, experimentation, and interdisciplinary collaboration in the Arts and Humanities since 1971. With the mission to foster groundbreaking creative and scholarly work, the foundation annually awards the prestigious Camargo Fellowship, along with hosting various other programs aimed at enriching the global arts and humanities discourse. The foundation welcomes applicants from all corners of the globe, embracing diversity and a wide array of creative thought and practice across three main categories: Scholars, Thinkers, and Artists. Scholars engage with French, Francophone, and Mediterranean cultures through arts and humanities research. Thinkers, including curators, journalists, and practitioners in cultural fields, contribute critical thought aligned with the arts and society. Artists across all disciplines are expected to be the primary creators of new work, bringing a mature artistic voice to their projects. The Camargo Foundation facilitates collaborative projects and supports interdisciplinary endeavors, providing a platform for individuals and teams to research, experiment, and create. Residents participate in exchanges and networking, presenting their work within an interdisciplinary setting, and engaging with the local and international community. With its serene setting, the foundation offers a stimulating environment for residents to pursue their projects, underpinned by a commitment to deepening understanding and dialogue across cultures and disciplines.

StipendHousingInterdisciplinaryMultidisciplinary

Frequently asked questions

What makes an artist residency “free”?

A free artist residency provides both housing and a stipend at no cost to the artist. This means you receive accommodation and financial support during your stay, so you can participate without paying fees or covering living expenses out of pocket.

Are free artist residencies competitive?

Yes, fully funded residencies tend to be highly competitive because they remove all financial barriers. Acceptance rates can be as low as 1–5%. A strong portfolio, clear project proposal, and genuine engagement with the program's mission will strengthen your application.

How can I improve my chances of getting into a free residency?

Read reviews from past residents to understand what each program values. Tailor your application to the specific residency rather than sending generic proposals. Apply to multiple programs, and pay close attention to deadlines and requirements.