If you’re looking to explore photography in a new environment, this curated selection of residencies gives you the opportunity to develop your practice in various locations along with a community to support it.
Being accepted into an art residency grants you precious time to create new works, learn new skills, and explore various facilities. Immersing yourself in a community of like-minded individuals, fostering collaborations, exhibitions, and artist discussions is a great opportunity for an artist.
While many residencies cater to fine artists, there are numerous opportunities for photographers too.
These residencies give you the opportunity to find new ways to create art and connect with other artists from around the globe.
Explore our curated list of art residencies and embark a new level on your photography journey.
SIM Residency, Island
The SÍM Residency is an international self-directed artist-in residence programme in Reykjavik, Iceland. The main objective of the residency is to provide a venue for international artists to take part in the Icelandic art scene, thereby creating a broader context within which local and international artists can experience their own work.
Location Reykjavvik, Iceland
Length
1-3 months
Granted residency is from the second to the last day of the relevant month.
Application requirements
The SÍM Residency is a self-directed art project-based residency and requires a project proposal as well as work examples.
Open calls
SÍM Residency open call applications are open twice a year:
From 1st till 31st January for period July – December
From 1st till 31st July for period January – June
Cité des Arts à Paris, France
The “Centre national de la danse x Cité internationale des arts” Residency is open to choreographers of all nationalities, working and living outside of France (overseas territories excluded).
The purpose of this residency is to promote the mobility of professionals and to enlarge their network. For the choreographer, it is an opportunity to make their work known in France and to expand their research.
Program includes
International transportation to and from Paris with a VISA and travel insurance.
• A grant for living expenses: 1 000 euros /month.
• A production grant of 1 500 euros
• Restitution of the work accomplished during the residency, in a format to be determined by the recipient
Location Paris, France
Length
A three-month artistic residency, either from January to March or from April to June
Application requirements
• Reside outside of France (mainland territory only, choreographers living in French overseas territories are welcome to apply)
• Be at least 25 years old on the application deadline (August 29, 2023).
• Be able to provide proof of professional artistic activity for at least three years.
• Have already created one or several choreographical’s projects
Open calls
From July to August
Grassina Ateljé Toscana, Italy
Casa Finlandese was opened for the shared working use of Finnish visual artists in 1968. For over 50 years, the studio house has provided artists with a setting for developing their work in a tranquil environment, as well as the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Italian art world.
The studio house has working and accommodation spaces for four artists and their potential companions. It offers the possibility to interact and get to know the work of other artists; four artists work in the house simultaneously.
Location Grassina, Italy
Length
1-6 months
Application requirements
No requirements
Open calls
You can apply for different part of the residency all year round; check the calendar here
Marbella Residency, Spain
The Studio Foundation rents the Marbella studio house located on the sunny coast of Andalusia in Spain, owned by the Finnish Artists’ Association. The residency is meant for Finnish visual artists or those residing in Finland. The studio house includes two studios and bedrooms with shared spaces.
Both studios, Pablo and Eduardo, are approximately 20 m2 in size. You access Eduardo through Pablo’s studio. The studios are equipped with the basic tools and equipment for artists.
Location Marbella, Spain
Length
1-3 months
Application requirements
For Finnish artists or artists living in Finland
Open calls
Open call in August
Villa Karo, Benin
Artists, professionals in cultural and societal fields, as well as researchers can apply for Villa Karo. The residency is suitable for conducting one’s own research or artistic work, as well as for implementing collaborative and community projects.
The staff at Villa Karo assist in finding contacts and organizing work. Ideally, the selected resident can also contribute something to the local community.
Annually, we also invite West African professional artists, researchers, and cultural professionals to the residency without weekly rent or office fees and provide a small grant for work and material expenses.
Location Benin, The Republic of Benin
Length
1-3 months
Application requirements
For Finnish artists or artists living in Finland
Open calls
Open calls in March and September
HANGAR Residency, Portugal
Hangar develops several International Residency Programs that give non-resident artists in Portugal or Lisbon, the opportunity to live and work in Lisbon for a period between 1 and 3 months. The program aims to facilitate the international exchange and the exchange of ideas through artistic practice in the areas of visual arts, performance, photography and video.
Through strategic partnerships in the international art world and institutions linked to cultural production and artistic research in various countries and through the Triangle Network Hangar program aims to strengthen the existing exchange between Portugal, Europe, Africa and South America.
There are two formats to the Residency Program: Host Residencies (spontaneous application, subject to approval) and Visiting Artists Residency (invitation and open call, subject to a jury selection).
Location Lisbon, Portugal
Length
1-3 months
Application requirements
Artists not living in Portugal who want to experience Portugese locations to create new art. By invitation only or through an open call.
Open calls
Open calls in March and September
Jan van Eyck Academie, Netherlands
The Jan van Eyck Academie Residency in the Netherlands is a prestigious program that provides artists, designers, and researchers with a unique opportunity to pursue their creative and intellectual projects. During their stay, participants are given access to extensive resources, including studio spaces, workshops, and a diverse community of fellow residents from various artistic disciplines.
One of the key features of the Jan van Eyck Academie Residency is its emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and research. Residents are encouraged to engage in cross-disciplinary exchanges, allowing them to explore new ideas and approaches to their work. The institution also hosts regular public events, exhibitions, and lectures, fostering a vibrant and dynamic intellectual environment.
The Jan van Eyck Academie Residency is highly competitive, attracting talented artists and scholars from around the world. It offers a supportive and stimulating environment for creative exploration and experimentation, making it a sought-after destination for those looking to advance their artistic practice.
Location Maastricht, Netherlands
Length
1-2 years
Application requirements
Review the requirements and deadlines for each year’s application cycle as they may evolve.
Open calls
Application is open from 1st of September to 1st of December
Saruya Artist Residency, Japan
Since 2017, SARUYA has received more than 30 artists from all over the world. As such, our goal is to foster cultural and artistic exchanges between Japanese artists and foreign artists.
Saruya accepts any art discipline that can be exercised in their creation spaces. For instance, they’ve had artists in the following fields: Painting, Mixed visual media, Dance, Performance, Video.
SARUYA Artist Residency provides a supportive environment for artists to reflect on their practice and pursue projects in the context of a slow rural Japanese life.
Location Mount Fuji, Japan
Length
2 weeks to 3months
Application requirements
Review the requirements and deadlines for each year’s application cycle as they may change
Open calls
Every July