Free Metalwork Residencies

James Castle House

Boise, Idaho, United States

The James Castle House in Boise, Idaho, offers several residency programs for artists, scholars, and creators to immerse themselves in the history and legacy of James Castle. These programs include a 10-week residency, a short-stay residency, and project-based residencies, each designed to foster new work that contributes to understanding the site. Participants receive private living quarters, studio space, and a stipend, enabling them to focus on their projects without financial burden. Residents are expected to engage with the Boise community through public events, such as workshops and open studios. The residencies are open to emerging and mid-career artists and professionals from any field, provided their work is compatible with the site’s limitations. The James Castle House residency programs emphasize daily creativity and experimentation, maintaining the artist’s legacy. Located in the vibrant Collister neighborhood, the house provides easy access to Boise’s downtown and natural surroundings. The program seeks to cultivate a growing local and national community, deepening the public’s understanding of James Castle’s life and work.

Sharpe-Walentas Studio Program

Brooklyn, New York, United States

The Sharpe-Walentas Studio Program awards rent-free, non-living studio space to 17 visual artists for year-long residencies in DUMBO, Brooklyn. Selected annually based on merit from a competitive pool of applicants by a professional jury, the program is open to professional visual artists 21 years or older who live in the US, as well as US citizens or permanent residents living abroad. The studios feature high ceilings, elevator access, and communal spaces including a kitchen, slop sinks, restrooms, and a sitting area with wi-fi. Artists have 24/7 access to their studios and are expected to spend at least 20 hours per week in the studio, participate in the spring open studios event, and maintain all communal spaces. The residency does not provide housing or financial stipends, and applicants must not be enrolled in any degree program or maintain a separate studio during their residency.

Le Wonder

Bobigny, France

Le Wonder is an artist-run collective and residency space located in Bobigny, on the outskirts of Paris, France. Founded in 2013, it occupies large, repurposed industrial complexes and offers both individual and shared studios along with extensive technical resources. The organization emphasizes independence, experimentation, and collective work across a wide range of disciplines including visual arts, performance, and culinary practices. It fosters a collaborative environment where residents can engage deeply with the local and international art scene. Le Wonder runs a research and creation residency for international and French artists and curators outside the Paris region, focusing on experimentation rather than production. Artists receive financial support and access to comprehensive studio facilities and mentorship from members of the collective. The residency is embedded in a strong network of local art institutions and partners, enhancing artists’ professional development. It is supported by public funding and part of the Arts en Résidence network.

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.

Corning Museum of Glass

Corning, New York, United States

The Corning Museum of Glass offers a comprehensive Artist-in-Residence program at The Studio in Corning, New York. This program invites artists from around the world to explore new directions in glassmaking or expand their current work using the museum’s extensive resources. Residents receive housing, a meal stipend, transportation, and access to the Rakow Research Library and expert Museum staff. The residency provides a generous supply budget, studio space equipped for various glassworking techniques, and a newly completed Residency Center with seven studios and a communal lounge. Artists are encouraged to engage with the community through presentations and public events.

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.

Time and Space Residency at Peninsula School of Art (PenArt)

Fish Creek, Wisconsin, United States

The Time and Space Residency at Peninsula School of Art (PenArt) in Fish Creek, Wisconsin, is a fully funded program offering artists six weeks of uninterrupted studio time. Designed for artists of all career stages, this residency supports experimentation and creative risk-taking in a quiet yet connected environment. Each resident receives a spacious semi-private studio, private bedroom in shared housing, and access to ceramics, metals, printmaking, and digital studios. Two artists or collaborative pairs are selected per session, with three sessions held annually. Residents are required to participate in public-facing events including a studio tour and an introductory artist video. The program includes a studio visit with a visiting critic and optional engagement with the broader community through critiques, workshops, or exhibitions. There is no cost to apply or participate, though artists are responsible for their own meals and materials. Located in scenic Door County, the residency provides time, space, and support for developing new directions in visual art practice.