What is an Art Residency? Benefits, Types & How to Apply
Perhaps you may have thought a “residency” program was only for medical or PhD students. It’s exactly what I thought, too, when starting as a professional artist. Art residencies are a thing, and these programs have been around for quite some time now. During my master’s program, I had participated in a developmental class to prepare us “artists” for the real world. While taking the class, I discovered that these programs exist for artists, even after graduation. I was slightly devastated…why didn’t I know about this sooner?
Turns out art residencies are more than just a program; they provide a chance to explore new ideas, networking opportunities with global communities, and help you gain valuable exposure. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced artist, residencies can offer extensive resources and support to help you thrive, so let’s dive in!
🤔 Understanding Art Residencies
Artist residencies are temporary programs that provide artists with space, time, and resources to allow the completion of a body of artwork. They are specifically held outside the everyday environment. For example, some residencies are held in remote locations like farms or renovated warehouses. We all know the difficulties of trying to continue building a body of work outside of our everyday lives, or post-graduation, but art residencies are perfect in these cases, where you need to concentrate.
There are many reasons why artists choose to participate. These programs offer creative freedom, provide opportunity to develop new perspectives, and more. Most importantly, they play a significant role in advancing artists’ careers, which can sometimes be the deciding factor. Whether you’ve recently graduated or found yourself navigating life’s currents, art residencies can help you to continue your body of work.
✅ Benefits of an Art Residency
One of the things that caught my eye when I realised about these programs was the fact that they nurtured artists, away from the real world. But the more I dug into my research, the more I found out how the benefits were truly amazing.
Time and space to create
Art residencies come in various lengths of time. Some last for 2 weeks and others can last up to months, even a year. I found that time is probably what most artists often say when asked, “…why haven’t you started or completed your work?” It’s because most of us haven’t carved out time, or have a full-time job, and in some cases, have to care for a family. Nevertheless, art residences provide the time away from the responsibilities and distractions of everyday life.
Networking and collaboration
For those who are extroverts or love working with others, art residencies present excellent opportunities for collaboration and networking. Even introverts can reap the benefits from this, whether they like to admit it or not (I would know, I’m right on the edge being both 😉). A classic example of collaboration is college or school group projects–something we’ve all experienced. At an art residency, you are in proximity to other artists from different walks of life and backgrounds. Sharing ideas and critiquing each other’s works will add another benefit to the table. Having a different perspective from a fellow artist is crucial in helping shape your concept. Even though these programs give you your space, they also provide an opportunity to expand your network and more.
Professional development opportunities
Art residencies allow artists to develop their bodies of work on a professional level. Some residencies have fellow curators, seasoned artists, and other types of professionals who also participate alongside. Certain residencies offer group critiques to their participants, providing a safe place to give opinions or constructive criticism. Don’t be afraid of this; if it weren’t for different perspectives, how else would this help shape the work? Plus, if you went to college and majored in art, group critiques were part of the curriculum. I like to think this activity seasons us and gets artists ready for the real world. Nevertheless, art residencies are all well-established and are highly respected within the art community. Participating in an art residency improves your professional art reputation.
Exposure and career growth
This benefit stems from the last. When you join an art residency, you are not the only artist there. At the end of your residency, you have the chance to showcase your work to everyone. Usually, there will be a dedicated space for all participants to exhibit their work, speak about the process, and network with fellow curators, critics, and other artists. And depending on where the residency is located, this adds a layer of exposure, whether you are at the domestic level or internationally. In a sense, your body of work gains prestige. 📸
📋 Different Types of Art Residencies
There are residencies for every type of artist. They are categorically designed by structure and environment, artistic discipline, focus and goals, location, or by financial models.
Structure and environment
Studio-based, retreat, and community-integrated residencies all fall under this category. Studio-based residencies provide artists with a designated work space to concentrate solely on developing a new body of work or practice. These can be individual or shared and vary in length of time.
Retreat residencies provide the same dedicated space, but are a bit more isolated. Some retreat residencies provide absolute seclusion from social and professional obligations to encourage deep focus. (This type of residency caught my interest mainly because we all need a break from technology from time to time 😵💫!) For example, the Artist Retreat in the wilds of Celtic Cornwall, located in the UK, is a retreat residency specifically designed for artists seeking a deep connection with nature. This retreat offers a shepherd's hut with a studio, surrounded by ancient rocks, ancient paths, and local wildlife–perfect for the artist who wants this type of solitude.
Last but certainly not least, community-integrated art residencies often require artists to engage with and contribute to a specific social or community project. These are perfect for those who want to contribute or give back to a certain community.
Community/educational residencies
Community residencies also cross over into this category; however, these types of residencies vary. The most common are programs that require artists to engage with specific neighborhoods or communities (often those neighborhoods that do not have the means for government assistance) to create projects that address local needs and build connections through art. For example, here in the Deering Estate Artist-in-Residence (AIR) Program (Miami) invites a range of artists to create work on-site, with residents expected to engage with the public.
Educational residencies are programs that work directly with schools, varying from artist-teacher residencies to university-affiliated residencies, and even youth residencies are available. For example, Oolite Arts (Miami), the "Skills" Teen Artist Residency was a four-week summer residency that offered local high school students virtual workshops with different Miami-based teaching artists. Their goal was to provide a creative, non-academic space for teens to work on their artistic practice. Programs like this help encourage the young generation of artists that art programs weren’t dead in the ground post-COVID–they just adapted to a new kind of environment.
For those who are advanced in their education, university-affiliated residencies are perfect! These programs are connected to colleges and offer artists studio space, a living stipend, and access to university resources. These types of residencies foster a unique atmosphere for artistic growth and development with academic collaboration–it can also be a gateway to becoming an educational adjunct. 🤓
Research or thematic residencies
Artists who want to dive deeper into their concept, research residencies are the best fit. Research residencies come in different types: archival research, curatorial research, or interdisciplinary/cross-sectoral. Each of these residencies emphasizes the investigative process rather than concentrating on producing artwork. An example of an archival residency is the Smithsonian Artist Research Fellowship (SARF) program. This residency provides visual artists with access to the extensive collections, archives, and research sites of the Smithsonian Institution. A fellow can dedicate one to two months conducting self-directed research alongside Smithsonian experts to produce new artwork inspired by the experience–which is pretty cool, if I do say so myself 😎!
Thematic residencies, otherwise known as disciplinary residencies, are programs catered to the specific discipline you’re working in. For instance, if you’re a writer, you would choose a writing residency, and the same goes for visual artists, environmental artists, and performance artists as well. Disciplinary residencies aren’t exclusive; these are available on a global stage, which brings us to our final category, international art residencies.
Location/international residencies
Location-based art residencies are something extraordinary! These can be found locally or internationally, varying in length and funding options. And for those who love to travel, these programs are for you ✈️. You can find that both local and international come in different styles. Each program opportunity is provided by a range of institutions, such as museums, research institutions, businesses and art centers. For example, the DAAD Artists-in-Berlin Program, located in Berlin, Germany, is a prestigious art residency program offering established international artists year-long stays in Berlin. This program provides lodging, a monthly stipend, travel expenses, health coverage, and an opportunity to participate in the local art scene in Europe. These types of residencies are not only outside your usual environment, but they also submerge you into a new culture that expands your network abroad and more!
✍️ How to Apply for an Art Residency
Applying to artist residencies takes time. But the most important aspect is finding the one that fits you. There are so many options out there, it’s about finding that one that best matches your discipline, goals, type of studio space, or access to specific resources. What many fail to do in the beginning is to write down what they are looking for. Carefully think about what you truly want to get out of an artist residency and write it down. I like to think of this as a “manifestation list”. And when you begin your search, have the list accessible so that you can compare each residency that closely matches your list.
Once you know what you want, more steps are needed to apply for an artist residency. Carefully consider the following:
👉🏻 Research and finding residencies
Finding the right residency can be overwhelming. Don’t panic. There are plenty of websites that categorically list residency programs on their site. For example, we have a dedicated page for art residencies, which can be found in the Library. If you’ve explored our website, then you know we provide a list (both in the U.S. and internationally) of available artist residencies–and we update this list every year. When you begin your search, always check if the residencies are still active. Some websites will have art residencies listed, but fail to update these links or check if the residency is still active. Once you’ve chosen the art residency, look at their deadline for applying. If you plan on participating in multiple art residencies, I recommend creating an excel sheet to organize all the information for the following:
Application requirements – Each residency will have a list of materials to submit, so read carefully.
Application fees – Each residency has an amount you have to pay for the submission. (If you’re strapped financially, some residencies will waive this fee, but you will have to contact them directly and ask if they can work with you.)
Deadlines – Every program will have a period of time for all applicants to submit, but make sure you have plenty of time.
👉🏻 Typical application requirements (portfolio, CV, proposal)
Each art residency has certain requirements. Keep in mind, each program asks for something different, so make sure you read very carefully what they ask for. However, the typical documents each residency requires you to submit are:
Artist biography – This is a statement, preferably written in third-person, of your history and achievements.
Artist CV – This is a list of previous art shows, exhibitions, or events that you have participated in. Basically, this is an artist's resume.
Artist Statement – This is a statement that explains your artistic vision and what you want to create/achieve during the residency.
Portfolio – This is a collection of all of your works, showcasing your skillset. (Most likely this will need to be in a PowerPoint, PDF, or a Word document with title of work, medium, date of completion.)
Project Proposal – This will be a detailed statement, or plans of how you will conduct the residency to further your body of work.
Even if you’re not applying for an artist residency, it is highly recommended that every artist have these documents ready. For example, in my art development course in college, we were assigned to make these for ourselves. At the time, I thought this was a nuisance, but when I started to apply to art residencies and certain gallery exhibitions, I immediately DID NOT regret doing this assignment. I was ready 👏!
👉🏻 Tips for a strong application
Each residency will have multiple applicants applying at the same time as you. Whatever you do, don’t give it much thought; focus on yourself and what you can control within your means. But to stand out from the crowd, there are tips you can follow to make your application strong:
Tailor your application – Always pay close attention to what the residency is asking for, such as word limits, file formatting, and submission methods. This will ensure your submission will not be automatically rejected, at least from a techincal standpoint.
Show authenticity – By adapting your application to each residency, explaining why you would be a good fit, you will increase your chances. Be genuine with your artist statement; if it reads ‘robotic,’ then your heart really isn’t in it, and you’re applying for the sake of applying. So, don’t waste your time or the residency’s.
Update your online presence – Before you submit anything, always double-check that all platforms that you are on, whether this is your own website or social media platform, are all up to date. If your documents do not reflect the same as your online presence, then it might come across as inconsistent or unpolished.
Submit ahead of time – Know the deadline of the art residency that you’re applying for, and aim to submit early. Part of being a professional artist is punctuality, and if you’re a procrastinator, then challenge yourself to get everything completed ahead of time.
Proofreading – Once you have completed all documents, updated all online presence across the board, proofread everything. It is easy to overlook or skip something–especially when you’ve been staring at these for days or weeks on end.
😣 Common challenges and how to overcome them
Applying to an art residency is not a walk in the park; you will be faced with some hurdles. Every artist is different, but the challenges are the same. This can be either preprational, financial, or emotional challenges, and most likely you will fall under one of these categories. But what is life without challenges?
‼️ Application process
Applying alone can be a challenge. This process takes time, sometimes weeks to prepare. Each artist will have to tailor their application to the residency they are applying for. If your application is generic, most likely it will be rejected. Plan ahead of time. If you organize yourself, then you will have a clear path on what you need to do and what to produce.
‼️ Highly Competitive field
Many residencies are highly sought after and often receive hundreds of applications for only a few selective spots. Even if you get accepted to one residency, it does not guarantee that you’ll make it to a second round. Don’t let rejection bog you down. There is always going to be competition, but focus on what you can control. Try and find residencies that are more aligned with your discipline and goals.
‼️Quality of Application Materials
Writing can be a challenge; not all of us were destined to be the next Jane Austen. Generic artist statements and poorly written proposals will only make your application seem weak. If you’re not used to conveying your practice into clear and concise language, then your artist statements will end up vague. And when writing your proposal to a panel, they are on the lookout for ambitious, yet realistically achievable projects, within their given timeframe. Make sure, when you are preparing these documents, that they showcase how your body work aligns with the residency’s ethos or missions.
‼️ Developing a strong portfolio
Portfolios are the main attraction, and these showcase your entire body of work. Most artists fall short on this due to low-quality imagery, inconsistent styling/branding, or not having enough works to display. Before you even begin to apply to an art residency, make sure you have at least 20-25 works in your portfolio and have them all properly photographed. There are resources out there to instruct you on how to professionally shoot your artwork.
‼️ Application Fees
Most residencies require an application fee. Some of these are non-negotiable and others can be flexible. If you plan on applying to multiple residencies, then this can become a financial burden. There are ways to work around this. If you know which residency you are going to apply for, then budget correctly for it ahead of time. That way, you’re not struggling to find the funds. If you are strapped financially, but still want to participate, you can always contact the residency and see if they can be flexible with you–keep in mind, some will accommodate.
‼️ Emotional Challenges
Rejection doesn’t feel good, and most of us can not handle it. Because art residencies are often flooded with hundreds, if not thousands, of applicants, sometimes your application will be rejected. This doesn’t mean that you weren’t a good fit or that your work didn’t meet their expectations. It really means that there were too many applications and few spots. Do not take these rejections to heart. I’ve always lived by the motto, “…NO, means Next Opportunity.” Once you shift your perspective on rejection, you can accomplish anything!
💰 Funding and Accessibility
Once you get accepted to the residency, funding it is the next step. Not all of us can afford some of these programs due to varying reasons and depending on what type of residency you applied can be expensive. This does not have to be a burden, and know that there are resources out there that can help in these types of situations.
Grants are one way to help you fund the residency. External grants, which can be project-based, are available to artists. Just like residency programs, there are plenty of sites that have links to grants. For example, we have a dedicated page for funding, which can be found in the Library. If you’ve explored our website, then you know we provide a list of funding opportunities. Before you begin to apply to artist residencies, you might want to think about how you’re going to fund them (if the residency doesn’t cover the cost). It’s wise to apply for a grant ahead of time, before you start applying to an art residency.
Scholarships are another way to help fund your residency program. Fellowships are the most common type. These scholarships are comprehensive in that they cover the entire residency program, which includes a living stipend, free accommodation/studio space, travel coverage, and material coverage. Oh yeah! That is why these scholarships are highly competitive. If you land one of these, then the rest is cake. Other types of scholarships include: merit-based scholarships, which are given to the artists with the strongest portfolio and their potential for development, and demographic-based scholarships, which are given to specific groups of artists, helping to promote diversity and support creative voices.
Fully-funded residencies are also available. Some residencies offer their own full or partial scholarships. When starting to look for residences, try to find their funding policies at the same time. If you’re organized, putting all funnding criteria into the same spreadsheet (mentioned above), should map out how you want to approach each residency.
Last, but certainly not least, there are other affordable options and resources for artists. Look out for residency programs that offer subsidies through a work-exchange arrangement. These types of programs can offer free housing or other perks in exchange for working a certain number of hours per week. This is perfect for artists who love to help out!
💬 Final Thoughts
Not all artists need to apply to a residency to be taken seriously. I know plenty of artists who do not participate in these types of programs, and I know few who have. It really boils down to the artist. If you know you want to apply to an art residency, ask yourself these questions: Is the timing right? What do I want to achieve in my art? Do I want solitude or community? Do I have the funds for this? How many do I want to apply to? How can I manage this outside my responsibilities at present? These questions will help guide you in making the right decision.
If you do choose to participate in an art residency, you will reap its benefits. It will give you the time and space to concentrate on your body of work, network with fellow artists, improve your professional development, and provide external exposure. And if this is your first time starting, don’t be afraid of rejection. The more you apply to, the better you get.
Ready to explore some residency options? Head on over to our Library! We have a list of art residency programs available for artists based in the U.S. and those who are abroad. But make sure you read through each source carefully. Happy hunting!