Reviewed by Artists

Free Researcher / Scholar Residencies

32 residencies

Fully funded researcher / scholar residencies that cover both housing and a stipend. These programs remove financial barriers entirely, letting you focus on your art.

Callie’s logo

Callie’s

Berlin, Germany

5.0 (2)

Callie’s is a non-profit experimental institution in Berlin dedicated to fostering creativity and cultural exchange through its residency program, exhibitions, and public programs. Housed in a former machine factory in the Wedding district, Callie’s offers private studio spaces, a movement studio with a sprung floor, a cooperative sound studio, and a dedicated writing room. The residency is self-guided, allowing artists at any stage of their careers to explore new ideas without production requirements. Artists-in-residence can also request on-site accommodation in micro-apartments, designed with handmade and custom elements. Callie’s fosters an open and interdisciplinary environment, with periodic informal gatherings, networking opportunities, and access to Berlin’s rich cultural landscape. While the residency covers workspace and resources, it does not provide direct funding for travel or materials. The program is open to visual artists, musicians, choreographers, writers, poets, and researchers, supporting a wide range of creative practices. Residencies typically last six months, with some flexibility for shorter stays.

StipendHousingChoreographyDrawingInstallationWriting / LiteratureMultidisciplinary+8
Pocoapoco logo

Pocoapoco

Oaxaca de Juarez, Mexico

5.0 (2)

Pocoapoco is a cultural organization located in Oaxaca de Juarez, Mexico, focusing on contemporary arts, social practices, and transcultural dialogues. The organization hosts five-week residencies from September to April each year, fostering an environment for international and local residents to think, work, discuss, and collaborate. The program emphasizes shared practice and dialogue, aiming to support and connect individuals, ideas, and practices to catalyze social discourse, understanding, and change. Residents at Pocoapoco include a diverse range of participants, from social and cultural workers to fine artists, musicians, and researchers, all engaging in active observation, dialogue, and reflection. The residency facilitates interdisciplinary exchange through meals, conversations, and presentations. Additionally, the program integrates activities that require residents to share their work with the public, enhancing both personal and communal development. The residency program is bilingual (English and Spanish) and includes housing, meals, workspace access, and photo documentation of work. It uniquely operates on a sliding scale fee system to accommodate a wide range of financial capabilities, reflecting Pocoapoco’s commitment to accessibility and community engagement.

StipendHousingDigitalDrawingInstallationInterdisciplinaryWriting / Literature+6
Sharpe-Walentas Studio Program logo

Sharpe-Walentas Studio Program

Brooklyn, New York, United States

5.0 (2)

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.

StipendHousingArchitectureCurationDigitalDrawingGraphic Arts+14
Oak Spring Garden Foundation logo

Oak Spring Garden Foundation

Upperville, Virginia, United States

4.8 (4)

The Oak Spring Garden Foundation (OSGF) offers a unique residency experience located in Upperville, Virginia, nestled between the towns of Middleburg and Marshall. The foundation is dedicated to perpetuating the gifts of Rachel "Bunny" Lambert Mellon, including her extensive gardens, estate, and the Oak Spring Garden Library. The OSGF focuses on interdisciplinary residencies that bring together artists, conservation practitioners, researchers, and scholars who are connected through their creative and investigative practices concerning plants, gardens, landscapes, and related environmental themes. Established in 2021, the residency program supports individuals engaged in a variety of disciplines including the arts, conservation, humanities, and plant and ecological sciences. Residents are provided with fully furnished accommodations and have access to studios, a significant library collection, communal meals, and various natural and cultivated landscapes on the 700-acre property. The program aims to foster a collaborative environment among residents while also providing opportunities for solitude and focused work. Key components of the residency include initial orientations to the resources available at OSGF, involvement in community meals prepared by an on-site chef, and optional involvement in activities that enhance their experiential learning and connection to the site.

StipendHousingDrawingMultidisciplinaryPaintingResearcher / Scholar
La Métive (Metive) logo

La Métive (Metive)

Moutier-d’Ahun, France

4.0 (1)

La Métive is an international residency program located in the rural village of Moutier-d’Ahun, France, in the heart of the Creuse region. Founded in 2002, the residency offers artists, authors, and researchers a unique space to engage in process-oriented research without the pressure of producing specific outcomes. The residency takes place in a beautifully renovated historical mill that provides 400 m² of workspaces, including a dance hall, rehearsal room, and exhibition space. Accommodation is provided in a large house with eight bedrooms, along with access to a garden, communal spaces, and various work areas. The residency emphasizes deep connections with the environment, the local community, and fellow residents, offering financial support that includes a per diem and travel allowance.

StipendHousingInterdisciplinaryWriting / LiteratureMultidisciplinaryResearcher / Scholar
A4 Residency Art Center logo

A4 Residency Art Center

Chengdu, China

The A4 Residency Art Center, based in Chengdu’s Luxelakes Eco-City, is an interdisciplinary and community-driven residency dedicated to fostering boundary-crossing creative practices. Since its foundation as part of the A4 Art Museum, it has supported artists, scientists, designers, and other thinkers from over 23 countries through deep, localized engagements. A4 emphasizes sustainability, transdisciplinarity, and co-creation with the public and community. The program offers artists studio and accommodation space, round-trip travel, production support, and access to a unique “Super Agent” system—local residents who help artists integrate culturally and socially. Residents are expected to engage with the community through public events, collaborative workshops, and open studios. The residency fosters experimental, interdisciplinary projects that examine the relationships between people, place, and culture. Each session ends with a major public event such as RE-CREATE Art Season or the RE-SALON Residency Forum. A4 is a hub for international creators seeking to blend artistic innovation with social relevance in China’s rapidly evolving urban and ecological context.

StipendHousingArchitectureCurationInterdisciplinaryWriting / LiteratureMultidisciplinary+1
American Academy in Rome logo

American Academy in Rome

Rome, Italy

The American Academy in Rome, established in 1894, is a leading international center fostering interdisciplinary exchange among artists, writers, and scholars. Each year, the Academy awards the Rome Prize and Italian Fellowship through a competitive application and jury process to support innovative work in the arts and humanities. Winners are invited to Rome for a period conducive to intellectual and artistic freedom, engagement, and growth. The residency offers a unique opportunity to interact with an evolving international community, enriched by the historical and cultural backdrop of Rome. This tradition enhances the creative output of residents by providing a vibrant atmosphere that encourages the exchange of ideas and experiences within a global context.

StipendHousingArchitectureDesignDrawingInstallationWriting / Literature+4
Artists in Residence in Everglades (AIRIE) logo

Artists in Residence in Everglades (AIRIE)

Miami, Florida, United States

The Artists in Residence in Everglades (AIRIE) program offers a unique opportunity for artists across various disciplines to engage deeply with the Everglades National Park's environment and community. Since its inception in 2001, AIRIE has facilitated over 200 artists, writers, musicians, and other creatives, fostering a rich dialogue between these residents and the park’s ecological and cultural fabric. The program, funded by various foundations and donors, provides a monthly stipend and a supportive residency environment that encourages artists to explore and interpret the Everglades' natural and social landscapes without the pressure of immediate production deadlines.

StipendHousingDrawingInstallationInterdisciplinaryWriting / LiteratureMultidisciplinary+6
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
AWARE logo

AWARE

Paris, France

AWARE: Archives of Women Artists, Research and Exhibitions, offers a three-month research residency at Villa Vassilieff in Paris, focusing on women and non-binary photographers and video artists. The residency provides participants with accommodation in a 44m² independent living and working studio, access to AWARE’s extensive resource center, and a monthly stipend of €900. Residents will have the opportunity to engage with AWARE’s institutional, artistic, and academic networks, and are encouraged to host a public event and produce a research article for publication. The residency is designed for scholars, curators, and researchers whose work explores gender representation in photography and video art. Applications are evaluated by an international jury and selected based on artistic merit and the project’s relevance to AWARE’s mission. Travel costs to and from Paris are covered, and residents will benefit from a vibrant academic and cultural environment at Villa Vassilieff.

StipendHousingPhotographyResearcher / ScholarVideo / Film
Bauhaus Earth logo

Bauhaus Earth

Berlin, Germany

The Experimental Fellowship at Bauhaus Earth is an international program designed for emerging practitioners in architecture, design, engineering, and interdisciplinary fields aiming to explore sustainable, regenerative approaches to the built environment. Hosted by Experimental, a Berlin-based non-profit founded by architect Prof. Regine Leibinger, the program supports fellows through financial assistance, mentorship, and access to a collaborative network. The fellowship emphasizes open-ended, practice-led research that results in tangible prototypes or architectural fragments integrating ecological and social concerns. Bauhaus Earth offers a supportive environment that connects fellows with workshops, expert advisors, and public engagement opportunities in Berlin and Brandenburg. Projects are developed in mutual collaboration with the program team and relevant stakeholders. Fellows gain visibility through exhibitions, publications, and public programming. The initiative bridges research and real-world application to rethink how architecture can contribute to sustainable futures. With a focus on material innovation, local ecosystems, and circular practices, Bauhaus Earth fosters experimental design practices that push boundaries in the architectural field.

StipendHousingArchitectureDesignInstallationInterdisciplinaryResearcher / Scholar+1
Casa Wabi Fundación (Foundation) logo

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.

StipendHousingArchitectureCraftCurationDesignDigital+13
Centre International d’Art et du Paysage (CIAPV) logo

Centre International d’Art et du Paysage (CIAPV)

Beaumont-du-Lac, France

The Centre International d’Art et du Paysage (CIAPV) on Vassivière Island, France, supports research, experimentation, production, and dissemination of contemporary art. The CIAPV is unique within the French artistic landscape, known for its remarkable contemporary architecture and open-air permanent collection. The residency program offers an immersive experience in the landscape, history, and culture of Vassivière Island, fostering artistic experimentation and public engagement. The upcoming thematic residency, “Landscape and the Commons,” invites an artist-scientist duo to explore the relationship between landscape and the commons.

StipendHousingArchitectureDesignDigitalDrawingInstallation+8
DAAD logo

DAAD

Berlin, Germany

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is a prominent organization known for its extensive support of the international exchange of students and scholars. Since its establishment in 1925, DAAD has become one of the world's largest funding organizations for international academic cooperation. It offers a wide range of programs including scholarships for study and research in Germany, funding for German students, graduates, and academics abroad, and support for the internationalization of German universities. DAAD also promotes German studies and the German language abroad, supports developing countries in establishing effective universities, and advises decision makers on matters of cultural, education, and development policy. Its scholarship programs are aimed at fostering knowledge exchange and building bridges between cultures. DAAD's vast alumni network spans over a hundred countries, including several prominent academics, artists, and leaders who have benefited from its programs. Through initiatives like the Artists-in-Berlin Program, DAAD underscores its commitment to enriching artistic dialogues and cultural exchanges worldwide. As an influential advocate for educational and scientific exchange, DAAD plays a crucial role in shaping global academic and cultural landscapes.

StipendHousingDigitalDrawingGraphic ArtsInstallationWriting / Literature+5
Earthwise logo

Earthwise

Mols, Denmark

Earthwise Residency, located in the Mols Bjerge National Park, Denmark, offers interdisciplinary residencies that focus on exploring the relationship between humans and the more-than-human world. The residency invites artist-researcher pairs to collaborate on projects that delve into multispecies relations, ecological interdependencies, and environmental sustainability. Earthwise promotes interdisciplinary approaches, blending arts, humanities, and sciences to address the climate crisis and reimagine how humans coexist with other species. Participants are encouraged to engage deeply with the land, the local community, and each other, fostering a space for both creative and academic exploration. Residents are provided with accommodation, studio space, access to a library, and opportunities to share their work through public events and workshops. Earthwise Residency is committed to sustainable practices and supports slow living, encouraging residents to adopt environmentally conscious behaviors during their stay. The program offers a stipend and is open to artist-researcher pairs who align with its values of environmental care and interdisciplinary collaboration.

StipendHousingDrawingInstallationInterdisciplinaryMultidisciplinaryPainting+4
Harry Ransom Center logo

Harry Ransom Center

Austin, Texas, United States

The Harry Ransom Center Fellowship at the University of Texas at Austin offers international research opportunities for scholars and independent researchers. The program provides 50 research fellowships for projects that require substantial on-site use of its collections in fields such as literature, photography, film, performing arts, music, and cultural history. Open to graduate students, academics, and independent researchers, including artists and journalists, the fellowship supports a wide variety of projects including scholarly works, dissertations, and creative works. Fellowships range from one week to two months, with stipends for travel and living expenses, plus additional funding for international applicants. The program fosters an inclusive research environment, encouraging applications from scholars across diverse backgrounds. The Ransom Center’s extensive and unique collections offer an invaluable resource for interdisciplinary research in the humanities.

StipendHousingInterdisciplinaryWriting / LiteratureMultidisciplinaryPerformancePhotography+3
Iméra (Imera) logo

Iméra (Imera)

Marseille, France

Iméra, the Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) at Aix-Marseille University, offers interdisciplinary residencies in collaboration with various global institutions. Established to support advanced research, the residency program is available for both academic researchers and artists. The residencies range from 5 to 10 months, and participants have access to a multidisciplinary cohort, fostering collaboration between fields such as arts, sciences, and social sciences. Iméra provides its residents with housing, a living allowance, research budget, and access to the scientific and cultural resources of the Aix-Marseille academic and cultural community. The residency includes mandatory participation in the weekly Community Building Seminar, a central activity designed to promote interdisciplinary dialogue among residents. With partnerships like the Fulbright/Iméra Chair in Migration Studies, Iméra continues to support high-level international scholars and artists, creating a dynamic platform for collaborative research and artistic creation.

StipendHousingArchitectureInterdisciplinaryWriting / LiteratureMultidisciplinaryResearcher / Scholar
Nicholson Project logo

Nicholson Project

Washington, DC, United States

The Nicholson Project, located in Washington, D.C., is an organization deeply committed to the role of art and design in community enhancement. Through its Artist Residency Program, it provides essential support, space, and resources for artists to engage in their studio practice and initiate onsite projects. The program is open to a wide array of creative professionals including visual artists, designers, dancers, poets, writers, chefs, gardeners, architects, engineers, and scientists, prioritizing BIPOC artists and those with ties to Southeast Washington, D.C. Residents receive a 10-week residency, a $5,000 stipend, private studio and living space, professional development opportunities, and up to $2,000 for project development. The Nicholson Project also emphasizes community engagement through open studios, artist talks, and optional Residency Projects focused on community activation. The residency application process is managed via Slideroom with a modest application fee, aiming to support, amplify, and engage artists and the local community through a multifaceted approach to artistic and community development.

StipendHousingArchitectureCulinaryDigitalDrawingGraphic Arts+9
Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture (PMRCAA) logo

Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture (PMRCAA)

Sisters, Oregon, United States

Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture (PMRCAA) in Sisters, Oregon, offers residencies for artists, ecological scientists, and scholars to explore connections between nature, land conservation, historic preservation, agriculture, and community building. Established by the Roundhouse Foundation in 2017, PMRCAA hosts two to four-week residencies from mid-March to mid-November, providing studio space and private rooms. The program fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement, requiring residents to contribute to the ranch or local community through workshops or talks. The residency focuses on sustainable practices and integrates arts and sciences with traditional crafts and skills. PMRCAA emphasizes a retreat experience that balances independent work with social interaction among residents.

StipendHousingCeramicsDrawingInterdisciplinaryWriting / LiteratureMultidisciplinary+6
Platform logo

Platform

Vasa, Finland

Platform is an artist-run initiative in Vasa, Finland, dedicated to promoting and producing international contemporary art. Founded in 2000, it hosts exhibitions and projects primarily resulting from its residency program. The residency emphasizes local interaction through curated projects, artist talks, and seminars. Artists are invited to explore various themes, producing site-specific and community-engaged works. Platform provides accommodation, travel expenses, a working grant, and a production budget. The residency fosters a conducive environment for creative development and intercultural exchange. Artists benefit from private apartments, project spaces, and essential tools and equipment. The program aims to connect artists with the local community and broader artistic discussions.

StipendHousingArchitectureCeramicsChoreographyCulinaryCuration+17
PLAYA logo

PLAYA

Summer Lake, Oregan, United States

Located in the striking landscape of the Great Basin in south-central Oregon, PLAYA offers a unique residency experience dedicated to fostering the intersection of art and science. Established in 2009 by Julie Bryant and Bill Roach, PLAYA has served as a crucible for artists and scientists to explore, create, and collaborate. The residency program is designed to support innovative work that promotes dialogue and positive change in the environment through a deep engagement with the natural and communal resources of the high desert. PLAYA provides a variety of fully equipped living and working spaces including private cabins, studios, and a central Commons area that encourages communal interactions and creative exchange. The isolated setting offers an uninterrupted space for residents to immerse themselves in their projects, with the expansive vistas and the dynamic landscape acting as a catalyst for creative output. The program welcomes a diverse group of international and domestic applicants from all disciplines of the arts and sciences, who are over 18 years of age and interested in projects that align with PLAYA’s mission of environmental and social progress. Throughout its 10-year history, PLAYA has been a bedrock for over hundreds of residents, promoting not only innovation but also the synthesis of artistic and scientific inquiry. Residents at PLAYA enjoy the solitude and the communal spirit equally, accessing workshops, themed weekends, and special events that complement their individual projects. Whether it’s through the stark beauty of the desert landscape or the supportive community, PLAYA continues to be a place where the boundaries of traditional residency programs are expanded, making it a significant site for artists and scientists aiming to explore new frontiers in their work.

StipendHousingDrawingInstallationInterdisciplinaryWriting / LiteratureMultidisciplinary+6
RaumKulturDenkmal logo

RaumKulturDenkmal

Breitenberg, Germany

The RaumKulturDenkmal e.V. aims to promote nature conservation, art, culture, and the protection of cultural landscapes in the tri-border area of Germany, Czech Republic, and Austria. The association is involved in cross-border projects with international participation, focusing on the preservation of endangered cultural and wild plants, the revival and restoration of historical building structures, and artistic research. The Bauhaus Bavaria Artist-in-Residence program celebrates sustainable practices and inclusive spirit, merging the ethos of the Bauhaus Movement and the Black Mountain College. The residency offers a unique opportunity for sustainable creative experimentation in a historically rich and ecologically significant location.

StipendHousingArchitectureCurationDesignDigitalDrawing+13
Schloss Balmoral logo

Schloss Balmoral

Bad Ems, Germany

The Artist Residency Schloss Balmoral, nestled in the scenic town of Bad Ems, Germany, is a prestigious program that has been nurturing the talents of visual artists, curators, and now educators from around the globe since 1995. Annually, the residency awards multiple fellowships across various disciplines, with each fellowship tailored to foster creative exploration within a thematic or genre-specific framework. Since 2013, these fellowships have been thematically aligned, encouraging residents to delve deep into specific artistic inquiries during their stay at the historic Schloss Balmoral. The residency is renowned for its support of artists at all stages of their careers, offering both 4-month and 8-month fellowships. Additionally, the residency provides a critical platform for artists at risk through a dedicated fellowship, affirming its role as a sanctuary for artistic expression.

StipendHousingCurationDrawingInstallationPaintingPhotography+2
Skidmore College logo

Skidmore College

Saratoga Springs, New York, United States

The Work + Space Residency is hosted by the Department of Art at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York, offering an immersive experience for emerging artists. Designed to foster artistic creation, exhibition, and student engagement, the residency provides a dedicated studio, lodging, meals, and a stipend. Artists in residence present their work in a solo exhibition at the Schick Gallery, typically scheduled at the end of their stay. The program emphasizes diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants with recent MFAs, non-traditional backgrounds, or underrepresented identities. Residents are encouraged to contribute to the academic community through workshops, lectures, or student studio visits. Access to specialized tools and facilities is available upon approval and is project-dependent. The residency prioritizes contemporary practices across all visual and interdisciplinary art fields. Through this short-term but intensive format, Skidmore College aims to integrate professional artists into its liberal arts environment for mutual inspiration and growth.

StipendHousingDesignDigitalDrawingInstallationInterdisciplinary+10
Stochastic Labs logo

Stochastic Labs

Berkeley, California, United States

Stochastic Labs offers fully sponsored residencies for exceptional engineers, artists, scientists, and entrepreneurs from around the world. Residencies vary in length and include a private apartment, co-working or dedicated workspace, and access to a shop with advanced tools like a laser cutter and 3D printer. Residents participate in a vibrant creative community, with weekly dinners and invitation-only events. Applications are open to individuals and teams, and applicants can request funding for travel and other expenses. The residency selection is highly competitive, focusing on applicants who demonstrate a significant potential to contribute to their fields.

StipendHousingDigitalGraphic ArtsInstallationInterdisciplinaryMultidisciplinary+1
The Kyoto Retreat logo

The Kyoto Retreat

Kyoto, Japan

The Kyoto Retreat is an international residency designed for artists, curators, and writers seeking research and inspiration in Kyoto, Japan. The program offers participants a tranquil environment rooted in Japan’s cultural heritage, ideal for creative reflection rather than production. It emphasizes immersion in local traditions such as tea ceremonies, ikebana, and historical architecture. Participants are selected from all career stages and work across a wide range of artistic disciplines. The residency supports solo creative exploration, providing private accommodation in a shared house and a stipend for meals and local travel. Flights and local transportation are arranged for accepted residents, ensuring a smooth transition to the experience. While structured events are included, the residency encourages rest, cultural engagement, and self-directed discovery. The Kyoto Retreat champions inclusivity and maintains a supportive environment free from discrimination.

StipendHousingDigitalDrawingInstallationInterdisciplinaryWriting / Literature+8
Transmediale logo

Transmediale

Berlin, Germany

The Transmediale Residency Program offers opportunities for artists, researchers, theorists, and practitioners working at the intersection of digital art, media studies, and technology. Located in Berlin, the residency supports hybrid participation, allowing residents to engage both remotely and on-site. The program emphasizes long-term, research-based engagement over outcome-driven projects, fostering collaboration across disciplines. Transmediale works with multiple international partners, offering various residency opportunities for artists from Switzerland, Korea, Chile, and Berlin. Residents receive a stipend, housing support, and travel funding, and are encouraged to develop new projects or expand on existing ones in the fields of media art, art criticism, digital practices, and moving image theory. Transmediale’s extensive network helps residents build sustainable relationships within both the local and global art community.

StipendHousingDesignDigitalInstallationInterdisciplinaryResearcher / Scholar+2
UNIDEE logo

UNIDEE

Biella, Italy

The UNIDEE Residency Program, hosted by Cittadellarte - Fondazione Pistoletto, is dedicated to fostering social transformation through artistic practices. Established by Michelangelo Pistoletto in 1999, it offers various residencies that emphasize collaboration, sustainability, and interdisciplinary research. UNIDEE’s programs, which include one-week intensive modules, research residencies, and connective residencies, support artists, curators, and cultural practitioners globally. Participants engage in artistic projects exploring themes like ecological sustainability, social responsibility, and community involvement, working closely with mentors, researchers, and local experts. The residencies are designed to provide inspiration, motivation, and the tools necessary for art-driven social change, emphasizing the role of artists as “artivators” who bridge the gap between artistic expression and real-world social impact. The residency also engages partners like A.M. Qattan Foundation, Yarat Contemporary Art Center, and Inlaks Foundation to support emerging artists worldwide.

StipendHousingDigitalInstallationInterdisciplinaryMultidisciplinaryPerformance+3
WilderHaven logo

WilderHaven

Chengdu, China

WilderHaven is an artist-founded initiative based in Southwest China that fosters cross-cultural dialogue and interdisciplinary creation in deeply immersive rural settings. Founded in 2024, it offers artist and writer residencies in the provinces of Sichuan, Yunnan, and Guizhou, engaging directly with the region’s diverse landscapes and minority cultures. The residency supports visual artists, writers, musicians, performers, and designers through flexible programs designed to bridge global practices with local traditions. With small cohorts and a balance of solitude and community, WilderHaven emphasizes experimentation, collaboration, and critical inquiry. Participants have access to studios, cultural excursions, and local engagement opportunities with ethnic Yi and Lisú communities. Group and pop-up exhibitions offer residents ways to showcase work locally and in major Chinese cities. Family-friendly accommodations, bilingual support, and curated events make it accessible to a broad range of creatives. The program is primarily self-funded but offers merit-based stipends to reduce participation costs for selected artists.

StipendHousingArchitectureDesignDrawingInstallationInterdisciplinary+10
Willapa Bay AiR logo

Willapa Bay AiR

Oysterville, Washington, United States

Willapa Bay AiR, located on the lush, coastal region of southwest Washington state, offers a sanctuary for artists across various disciplines. Established in March 2014, the residency is set on a sprawling 20-acre land, designed specifically to provide both solitude and a sense of community among its residents. This nurturing environment is crafted through architecturally thoughtful buildings that reflect the residency’s ethos of fostering creative endeavors. The residency program is open to emerging and established artists, including filmmakers, writers, playwrights, scholars, singer/songwriters, and musical composers. It offers month-long, self-directed residencies that run annually from April 1 through October 28. During their stay, residents are provided with lodging, meals, and designated workspaces at no cost, enabling them to fully immerse in their creative projects without the burden of financial stress. Applications are carefully reviewed by selection committees, which are composed of working artists and professionals within the applicants’ respective artistic fields. This thorough review process ensures that invitations to the residency are extended based on the merit of past work and the potential for future creative evolution, which the unique environment of Willapa Bay AiR is poised to stimulate. Willapa Bay AiR not only prides itself on its supportive creative community but also its commitment to accessibility for artists from around the globe, reinforcing its status as a coveted destination for artistic development.

StipendHousingDigitalDrawingInstallationWriting / LiteratureMultidisciplinary+5
Willowtail Springs Nature Preserve and Education Center logo

Willowtail Springs Nature Preserve and Education Center

Mancos, Colorado, United States

Willowtail Springs Nature Preserve and Education Center offers a unique residency experience that integrates the arts and nature within the serene environment of the Four Corners region. The residency program provides full, partial, and self-funded opportunities for artists, writers, musicians, filmmakers, and natural scientists from around the world. Willowtail’s creatively designed cabins and expansive natural surroundings provide a tranquil setting for residents to focus on their work, free from distractions. The program includes one- and two-week residencies throughout the year, requiring residents to contribute to the local community through a “give-back” initiative, such as workshops, presentations, or exhibitions. With facilities that support a wide range of creative disciplines, Willowtail encourages both individual and collaborative projects, making it an ideal retreat for creative exploration and environmental study.

StipendHousingDrawingInstallationWriting / LiteraturePaintingPerformance+3
Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) logo

Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA)

Cape Town, South Africa

The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) in collaboration with the University of the Western Cape (UWC) offers a year-long museum fellowship programme aimed at educating a new generation of art and museum professionals in Africa. This programme provides fellows with a comprehensive experience that includes academic coursework, practical work experience, and professional development. Participants engage in contemporary art discourse, curatorial practice, art education, conservation, heritage, and museology. The fellowship covers tuition, accommodation, basic health insurance, and a monthly stipend, while also providing opportunities for exhibitions, artist talks, and networking. The programme seeks applicants with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, excellent writing skills, and a demonstrated interest in contemporary art and heritage from Africa.

StipendHousingCurationDrawingInstallationPaintingResearcher / Scholar

Frequently asked questions

Are there really free researcher / scholar residencies?

Yes. Fully funded residencies provide both accommodation and a stipend at no cost to the artist. These programs are typically supported by government arts funding, private foundations, or institutional endowments.

How do I find free researcher / scholar residencies?

Browse our curated list above, each with real reviews from artists who attended. You can also filter by country or check each program's website for current application details and deadlines.

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