Free Textile Residencies
40 residencies
Fully funded textile residencies that cover both housing and a stipend. These programs remove financial barriers entirely, letting you focus on your art.

Lighthouse Works
Fishers Island, New York, United States
The Lighthouse Works Fellowship Program stands out as a comprehensive support system for artists, curators, and writers working at the forefront of their fields. Located on Fishers Island, New York, the program offers six-week residencies throughout the year, providing participants with housing, meals, studio space, and a $1,750 financial stipend. Fellows are accommodated in a three-story Victorian house, sharing kitchens and living spaces while enjoying private bedrooms. The program's commitment to catering to all dietary needs, combined with communal dinners prepared by the staff, fosters a warm, collaborative atmosphere among residents. Studio spaces, situated 1.5 miles from the housing, overlook the ocean and are equipped with necessary facilities including a wood and metal shop and a kiln. With a primary focus on the advancement of individual projects, Lighthouse Works encourages a culture of productivity and creative exchange. This is facilitated through minimal formal obligations, save for participation in an Artist Talk and an Open Studio event that bookends each fellowship session. These interactions, coupled with the intimate scale of the program, promote rich dialogue, critique, and potential collaboration among fellows. Applications for the fellowship are invited annually through an open call on Slideroom, running from September to October, with a selection process concluding in mid-January. Artistic excellence is the cornerstone of selection criteria, ensuring a diverse and vibrant cohort of fellows each year.

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.

TaDA - Textile and Design Alliance
Arbon, Switzerland
The TaDA – Textile and Design Alliance Residency offers a three-month residency for six creative professionals annually, welcoming both national and international artists to Arbon, Switzerland. This program facilitates collaboration with local textile companies, providing artists with accommodation, travel expenses, and a contribution to living costs. Residents work in the Kreativzentrum ZIK, a former textile and engine factory, gaining access to technology, infrastructure, and expert guidance. The residency aims to foster innovative projects and strengthen regional identity through artistic engagement with Eastern Switzerland’s rich textile and design culture. Residents present their projects at the public event “TaDA Spinnerei,” which includes discussions with international experts. The program encourages the development of new projects in various fields, including art, design, architecture, literature, and performing arts. TaDA is supported by the Cantons of Appenzell Ausserrhoden, St.Gallen, and Thurgau, along with various foundations and sponsors.

Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts
Omaha, Nebraska, United States
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.

The Studios of Key West
Key West, Florida, United States
The Studios of Key West offers the Peyton Evans Artist Residency (PEAR) program, aimed at both emerging and established artists and writers from around the globe. Founded in 2006, The Studios began with a vision to create a space where artists could live and work, enhancing the cultural landscape of Key West. The program supports nearly 40 artists annually, facilitating creative endeavors across visual, literary, media, musical, and performing arts. Residencies typically span one month, offering artists the solitude and community needed to foster artistic exploration. The Studios emphasizes community engagement, encouraging residents to interact with local artists and participate in communal events. This residency program not only cultivates individual creativity but also aims to build lasting community connections through art.

PRAKSIS
Oslo, Norway
PRAKSIS, established in 2015 in Oslo, Norway, is a dynamic platform that fosters collaboration and creativity among artists, thinkers, and researchers from various disciplines. With a commitment to addressing contemporary issues, PRAKSIS offers thematic residencies that operate nomadically, leveraging partnerships with a range of organizations. Open to local, national, and international applicants, these residencies provide a supportive, high-energy environment for creative exploration and dialogue. Offering three to four residencies annually, PRAKSIS supports participants with accommodation, a stipend for international residents, and a rich program of activities. By emphasizing peer-to-peer interaction and public engagement, PRAKSIS aims to demystify the creative process and encourage a broader understanding of artistic practice.

Soaring Gardens Artists Retreat
Laceyville, Pennsylvania, United States
The Ora Lerman Charitable Trust's Soaring Gardens Artists Retreat offers a serene and inspiring environment for visual artists, writers, composers, and instrumentalists to focus on their creative work. Located in Laceyville, PA, the retreat operates from mid-May to the end of September, providing residencies typically for three weeks without any application or attendance fees. The retreat encourages both individual artists and groups from various disciplines to apply, fostering a space for personal projects, collaborative endeavors, or both. With two distinct residency locations, the church and the farmhouse, artists can choose between a more intimate setting or a communal atmosphere. Soaring Gardens is committed to inclusivity, offering a limited number of need-based grants, with a special encouragement for applicants from historically marginalized communities. The retreat's tranquil rural setting, complete with extensive gardens and studio spaces, allows artists the freedom and tranquility to immerse themselves in their work, supported by a community of fellow creatives.

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.

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.

Abstract Mag
Côte d’Azur, France
The Abstract Mag Summer Residency is a fully funded, two-week artist residency held in the South of France, providing 50 selected artists with an immersive creative experience. Open to artists working in painting, drawing, graphics, photography, sculpture, ceramics, and textile art, the program offers a chance to explore their practice in an inspiring setting. Participants will stay in a historic château with all expenses covered, including travel, accommodation, meals, and art supplies. The residency features excursions to major art institutions such as the Picasso Museum and Fondation Maeght, fostering cultural and artistic enrichment. At the end of the program, residents will participate in a group exhibition at a partner gallery, with their works featured in a printed publication. Additionally, 50 partnering galleries will consider the residents’ work for future collaborations. The program is designed to support artists in deepening their practice while engaging with a creative community in the culturally rich Côte d’Azur region.

1 Shanthiroad
Bangalore, India
1Shanthiroad Studio/Gallery in Bengaluru, India, founded in 2002 by Suresh Jayaram, is an artist residency and gallery space that nurtures creativity and cutting-edge art practices through programs hosting artists from diverse countries and backgrounds.[1][2] It offers residencies like the annual NEXT-STEP program for five emerging artists, providing a platform for experimentation, collaboration, and community engagement over four weeks.[2][4] Administered by the Visual Art Collective (VAC) Trust, it includes studio access, mentorship, workshops, and exhibitions.[1][7]

1646 Residency
Hague, Netherlands
The 1646 Residency, in collaboration with ReCNTR, offers a unique opportunity for artists and researchers to immerse themselves in a creative and intellectual environment. Located in the heart of The Hague, this residency is designed as a retreat to foster the development of new ideas and sustainable practices, drawing inspiration from the natural and social landscape. Open to both national and international applicants, the residency emphasizes experimentation and research over final outcomes, encouraging residents to engage with the local community and its rich history. With a focus on "thinking through making," it supports knowledge production through artistic and multimodal practices. The residency provides a studio, living space, access to facilities and a supportive community, aiming to nourish work and connections. It's a chance to unplug and dive deep into creative pursuits, with the support of curatorial and administrative assistance, and the opportunity for public presentation. This residency is a testament to the power of art to bridge cultures and explore new ways of being, making it a pivotal experience for those looking to expand their artistic and intellectual horizons.

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.

Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center
Solomons, Maryland, United States
Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center invites artists to apply for their Community Arts Residency Program, designed to nurture artists interested in community and public art projects. Located on the Western Shore of the Chesapeake Bay in Solomons, Maryland, the residency offers a serene environment for visual, musical, and literary artists to develop and implement collaborative community art projects or public art installations. The program aims to engage the public actively and creatively, with a strong preference for projects using recycled or repurposed materials. Artists are accommodated in a small, rustic house with basic furnishings and have access to various studio spaces, including the artLAB, clay studio, and the sculpture garden. The residency program runs during different seasons with specific goals and guidelines, such as the Spring Residency (March-May), Summer Residency (June-August), and the MLK Winter Residency (January-February). Each residency season has its unique focus and application deadlines.

Arroscia
Pieve di Teco, Italy
The Arroscia Residency is an artist-run, nonprofit residency program located in the serene Arroscia Valley of Liguria, Italy. Designed for emerging and mid-career artists, it offers 3–8 week residencies twice per year, supporting studio-based practices across a wide range of visual disciplines. Artists receive fully funded support including round-trip airfare, shared housing, studio space, exhibition opportunities, and a weekly stipend for materials and living expenses. The residency is deeply rooted in community engagement, encouraging artist talks, mentoring, or public installations as part of the experience. Studio space is located in a renovated medieval palazzo in the historic town of Pieve di Teco, while housing is provided nearby. Each residency concludes with a gallery exhibition, and one selected piece remains in the residency’s permanent collection. Artists from around the world are welcome to apply via an open call hosted on the Café platform. With its blend of cultural immersion, professional support, and stunning natural surroundings, Arroscia offers artists a chance to focus, reflect, and grow in a quiet yet vibrant artistic environment.

Artport Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv, Israel
Artport Tel Aviv is a prominent contemporary art center that hosts a highly regarded residency program for both Israeli and international artists. Established in 2011 by the Ted Arison Family Foundation, Artport aims to support artists at crucial stages of their careers, fostering the creation of new art and facilitating a deeper connection between art and society. The residency offers a year-long program for Israeli artists selected through an open call and an international jury, as well as short-term residencies for international artists through invitations or exchanges. Residents benefit from studio space, a monthly stipend, and curatorial support, participating in workshops, art tours, and meetings that enhance their practice. The center's activities also include exhibitions, professional workshops, and public events, making Artport a dynamic hub for artistic exchange and innovation.

Atelier Mondial
Basel, Switzerland
Atelier Mondial is an international and interdisciplinary artist residency program in Basel, Switzerland, hosting guest artists from partner institutions worldwide in its seven studios for stays typically lasting three to six months. It provides live-in studios, stipends for living expenses, and opportunities for open studios and exhibitions at Salon Mondial. The program also offers grants to regional artists from Basel, South Baden, and Alsace for residencies abroad in fields like visual arts, literature, fashion & textiles, dance & performing arts, and curation.

Breck Create
Breckenridge, Colorado, United States
Breck Create’s Artist-in-Residence program offers regional, national, and international artists across all disciplines an opportunity to focus on process rather than product while engaging meaningfully with the local community. The program provides a live/work studio in the Breckenridge Arts District for 2-4 months, nestled in downtown Breckenridge, Colorado. Artists are expected to facilitate open studios, teach lessons, and collaborate with community partners. The residency includes a biweekly stipend of $600 and access to classes and open studios. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and artists with teaching experience are prioritized.

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.

Cove Park
Helensburgh, United Kingdom
Cove Park is an international artist residency centre on a 50-acre rural site overlooking Loch Long in Argyll, Scotland, near Helensburgh, hosting national and international artists, writers, researchers, and creative practitioners across all art forms and career stages.[1][3] The program supports research, experimentation, development, and production of new work in a supportive environment with communal facilities and events.[1][2] Residencies vary from funded opportunities with stipends and housing to self-funded stays, typically lasting 2-4 weeks.[1][2]

Creative Spark
Dundalk, Ireland
Creative Spark’s Artist-in-Residence Programme supports both emerging and established artists working across disciplines. Residents develop their practice in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment with access to specialist facilities including a Fine Art Print Studio, Darkroom, FabLab, Textile Lab, and a Kiln Room. The programme emphasizes skills development, experimentation and community connection, offering opportunities to share work through talks, demonstrations and public participation. Artists can exhibit locally and engage with Creative Spark’s wider community and studios ecosystem. Technical support is available throughout, and studio spaces include shared areas with water supply. The programme welcomes Irish and international artists, with a strong regional connection to County Louth.

Creekside Arts
Humboldt County, California, United States
Creekside Arts is a nature-immersed artist residency and retreat located in the redwood forests of Humboldt County, Northern California. The residency welcomes artists across diverse disciplines to focus on projects related to land, community, climate, and social justice. Artists receive private living quarters with individual studio spaces, set on a six-acre property surrounded by nature and outdoor performance areas. The residency offers two formats: flexible, self-directed retreats (minimum two weeks) and a curated, collaborative three-week Spring Residency Program. Creekside Arts fosters both solitude and connection, encouraging engagement with local communities through workshops, artist talks, and community projects. Resident artists participate in informal weekly gatherings and a concluding public showing or panel. The program champions diversity and is committed to providing an inclusive space for artists from varied backgrounds and experiences. Creekside Arts is a supportive environment for reflection, experimentation, and cultural exchange in one of Northern California’s most inspiring settings.
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.

Elsewhere Living Museum
Greensboro, North Carolina, United States
Elsewhere Living Museum and Artist Residency, located in Greensboro, North Carolina, is a unique international artist residency that transforms a three-story former thrift store into a living museum and collaborative laboratory. Built around Sylvia Gray's extensive collection of objects, Elsewhere supports site-specific experimentation, social action, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The residency fosters an environment where residents live and work collectively to create projects that activate the museum's space and resources. Each artwork and object within Elsewhere is available for continuous transformation by future creatives, fostering a legacy of ongoing artistic dialogue. Residents benefit from full funding including room, board, travel support, and a stipend. Elsewhere is deeply integrated into the local community, encouraging residents to engage with local cultural histories, social systems, and neighborhood communities. The museum itself is a dynamic space filled with materials and artifacts, offering no traditional studios but an immersive environment ripe for creative exploration.

Fire Island Artist Residency (FIAR)
Cherry Grove, New York, United States
Fire Island Artist Residency (FIAR) stands as a pioneering residency program in the United States, uniquely catering to artists identifying as LGBTQ+, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, intersex, two-spirit, and queer. Established in 2011, FIAR has made its mark in the historic LGBTQ+ settlement of Cherry Grove on Fire Island, New York. The program, now in its 12th year, invites emerging artists to participate in a four-week summer residency. It offers an intimate environment for artists to create, share, and engage with leaders in contemporary art, scholarship, activism, and curation through studio visits and public lectures. The residency fosters a blend of creative development and community engagement, underlining the importance of LGBTQ+ visibility in the arts. FIAR supports its artists with lodging, workspace, stipends for meals and travel, and an honorarium, emphasizing the organization's commitment to nurturing new perspectives in contemporary visual art. The program also engages in projects like the Fire Island Histories Project, exploring the rich, complex histories of Fire Island's communities and landmarks. FIAR's initiative underscores the role of art in preserving and advancing queer cultural narratives, making it a crucial platform for LGBTQ+ artists.

IASPIS
Stockholm, Sweden
The IASPIS residency programme in Stockholm, run by the Swedish Arts Grants Committee, provides nine studios for visual and applied arts artists, focusing on international exchange and exploratory artistic work that can be practical or theoretical. Swedish-based artists apply directly, while international artists are invited based on proposals from professionals in the field. Residencies last three to six months, offering studio access, networking opportunities, public events, and for international artists, accommodation and a subsistence grant.

Indigo Arts Alliance
Portland, Maine, United States
Indigo Arts Alliance in Portland, Maine, offers the Mentorship Residency Program, designed to support professional and emerging artists of African descent. This program pairs a National or International artist with a Local/Regional artist to foster co-mentorship, dialogue, and collaboration. The residency provides a flexible 3,000 square foot community studio, with a private one-bedroom apartment for visiting artists. National artists stay for one month, while international artists stay for two months. The residency encourages artists to engage with the local community and participate in studio visits and public programming. Artists receive a stipend and travel expenses are covered for significant distances. The program aims to create an inclusive environment for Black and Brown artists to advance their practice and build networks.

National Park Arts Foundation (NPAF)
Various, United States
The National Park Arts Foundation (NPAF) offers a unique series of Artist in Residency programs within the National Parks of the United States. Partnering with the National Park Service and its affiliates, NPAF aims to bring artists of the highest caliber into the heart of the country's most stunning natural landscapes. With over 300 programs produced and more than 120 artists supported, the foundation emphasizes the deep connection between the arts and the natural world, allowing artists to draw inspiration from and work within the parks' serene and awe-inspiring settings. The residency programs are designed to be relevant to both the participating artists and the broader art world, ensuring the experiences and works produced during the residencies resonate beyond the parks. Artists from various disciplines, including visual arts, music, literature, and performance, are provided with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to focus on their projects amidst the parks' breathtaking sceneries, free from the distractions of everyday life. Active in parks across the nation, NPAF's current Artist in Residency programs for 2023 and 2024 are accessible through a selection process detailed on their website. These residencies offer artists a supportive environment to explore new ideas, develop their practice, and engage with the parks' unique landscapes and cultural histories.

Penland School of Craft
Penland, North Carolina, United States
Penland School of Craft, situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, is a prestigious national center for craft education. The Resident Artist Program, established in the 1960s, offers professional craft artists a unique opportunity to advance their practice through either a one-year project-based residency or a three-year career transition residency. The program supports artists with free housing, studio space, and utilities, fostering an environment of intense creative focus and community engagement. Residents interact with the larger Penland community, participating in informal and formal studio visits, workshops, and exhibitions. The program emphasizes diversity and innovation, with residents selected through a competitive national and international application process.

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.

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.

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.

Rhodes Trust
Oxford, United Kingdom
The Rhodes Art for Global Impact Residency is an international program hosted by the prestigious Rhodes Trust. The residency seeks to support artists whose practices are rooted in social justice and addressing some of the most pressing global challenges. Through collaboration with the Rhodes Scholar community, artists are provided an opportunity for intellectual exchange and creative development. The program culminates in a public exhibition at Rhodes House in Oxford, fostering dialogue around contemporary issues through art. The residency runs annually, alternating between open applications from the public and selections from within the Rhodes Scholar network. Artists working in diverse media, including painting, sculpture, mixed media, and photography, are encouraged to apply, with an emphasis on themes of social impact. Financial support and logistical resources are provided to help artists engage fully with the community and produce impactful works.

Sacatar Foundation
Itaparica, Brazil
Instituto Sacatar is the longest continuously-operating artist residency in Brazil, founded in 2001 on the island of Itaparica across the bay from Salvador, Bahia. The residency provides fully-funded fellowships to artists of all disciplines from around the world, hosting up to eight artists at a time across five annual sessions. Since its inception, Sacatar has awarded residencies to over 550 artists from more than 75 countries.

Sixi Museum
Nanjing, China
The Sixi Museum in Nanjing, China, offers the Sixi International Artist-in-Residence Project, a program designed to support emerging artists from diverse disciplines. The residency fosters cross-cultural exchange, creative breakthroughs, and personal growth by providing living accommodations, a dedicated studio space, and financial and logistical assistance. Participants stay in a city-center apartment and work in a loft studio on the outskirts of Nanjing, benefiting from technical resources and connections with the local art scene. The residency concludes with an exhibition showcasing the artists’ outcomes. Nanjing, a city known for its fusion of traditional and contemporary culture, provides a rich backdrop for creative exploration. The residency aims to contribute to Nanjing’s vibrant art ecology and international cultural exchanges, supporting the development of contemporary art in China.
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.

Stoneleaf Retreat
Eddyville (Hudson Valley), New York, United States
Stoneleaf Retreat is an artist residency and connective space in the Hudson Valley, dedicated to supporting womxn and families. Founded in 2017 by Helen Toomer and Eric Romano, it fosters community and creativity within a tranquil, natural setting. The residency provides a sanctuary for artists to deepen their connection to their practice and themselves, emphasizing support for womxn artists of color. Stoneleaf Retreat offers various residencies, including family and group residencies, supported by partnerships with organizations such as Baxter St at CCNY, River Valley Arts Collective, Al Held Foundation, and Art Mamas Alliance. Artists benefit from stipends, private accommodations, studio space, and opportunities for exhibitions and public programs.

Thoor Ballylee
Galway, Ireland
The Thoor Ballylee Artist-in-Residence program, hosted by the Yeats Thoor Ballylee Society in Galway, Ireland, offers a unique residency opportunity in the historic home of poet W.B. Yeats. Opened in 2019, The Studio at Thoor Ballylee serves as a cultural hub, providing artists with a space for workshops, exhibitions, and educational sessions. Each year, the residency supports two artists for two-week periods in July and September, focusing on literature, creative writing, visual arts, textiles, and more. The program includes accommodation, local travel costs, and a modest daily stipend, encouraging engagement with local artists and the community through exhibitions, performances, and workshops.

Tomelilla Konsthall
Tomelilla, Sweden
Tomelilla Konsthall, nestled in the charming Swedish countryside, offers the Sten Malmquist Grant for international artists to engage in a 4-6 week residency. Established in 2017, this grant honors the memory of Sten Malmquist, a local benefactor passionate about the arts. Artists from disciplines such as visual arts, sculpture, textile, film, video, installation, or performance are invited to apply, provided they hold a nationality other than Swedish and work primarily outside Sweden. The residency includes a single room accommodation, a work studio, travel costs, and a stipend for production. A requirement for the residency is the artist’s active engagement with the local community through workshops and public presentations of their work. This residency fosters an intimate connection with the rural landscape of southeast Skåne and promotes cultural exchange with the local inhabitants.

Villa Kujoyama
Kyoto, Japan
Villa Kujoyama is a pluridisciplinary research residency located in Kyoto, Japan that has welcomed established and emerging artists, artisans, and creators since 1992. The residency provides time and space for residents to dedicate themselves fully to their practice and research while engaging with artistic, cultural, academic, and economic communities across Japan. It is operated by Institut français du Japon and supported by the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation.
More textile residencies
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Frequently asked questions
Are there really free textile 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 textile 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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