Artist Residencies—the art of staying still
A slower, more creative way to experience a place.
Residencies give the freedom to experience a place as an artist or writer. They give permission to stay still; to watch light shift across a single hillside for days; to enjoy a more intimate exploration of a place.
Residencies exist across every continent and take many forms. At their simplest, they are temporary periods of time set aside for artists, writers or musicians to develop work or explore new directions—often alongside a community of inspiring people.
I've had some of my most transformative—and fun—experiences during residencies at farmhouses in Almeria, remote cabins in Nevada, and with indigenous communities in the Atacama Desert.
I try to do one residency every year.
Applying for an Artist Residency
Residencies require you to have some form of creative practice, but you don’t always need to have received major recognition of your work. Residencies look for a portfolio and a proposal explaining how you intend to use your time. While many welcome a mix of disciplines—visual artists, musicians, and writers—the common thread is a desire to engage with the surroundings.
It comes down to applying to the residency that is right for you.
Production vs. Reflection: Many residencies offer you a space as much for reflection and thinking as it is for production of work. Others require you to show the work produced at the end of your stay.
The Fit: Some residencies are fiercely competitive and attract artists with a strong track record. Others, particularly self-funded programs, welcome anyone serious about their work. You often don't need to be an ‘established’ artist. I secured my first residency at JOYA in Spain with no gallery exhibitions to my name.
The Costs: These range from fully funded (transport and food covered) and free (space provided at no cost) to self-funded (where you pay a fee or raise funds through grants).
Studio Space and Facilities: Most residencies provide a private or shared studio alongside your living accommodation, allowing you to roll out of bed and straight into your practice. Many residencies offer dedicated spaces for painting, ceramics, woodturning, or textile weaving. Some have traditional photographic darkrooms.
The beauty of these facilities is the chance to experiment with a new medium. I’ve seen writers try their hand at clay and photographers move into site-specific installation simply because the equipment was there, inviting them to play.
Three Perspectives: My Experiences
JOYA: arte + ecología, Spain
After graduating with an MA in Photography in 2022, I joined the UAL Art for the Environment Residency in Almeria, Spain, to continue a project on arid lands for two weeks.
Travelling through Europe by train, I arrived at a farmhouse transformed into a climate-positive residency. Days were spent walking and photographing the surrounding land; evenings were for sunsets, conversation, and long meals shared over wine provided by the hosts. I remain in touch with many people I met there.
Montello Foundation, Nevada
A two-week solo residency in the Nevada desert offered solitude and wilderness. Only twelve participants are accepted each year, and I was fortunate to take part.
The time allowed me to immerse myself in the desert landscape, read from the well-stocked library, and reflect deeply on my work. Afterwards, my youngest daughter, Mia, joined me to hike the Colorado Trail — an unexpected and welcome addition to the experience.
I wrote about my time at Montello in The Revelry Collection magazine, out this year.
La Wayaka Current, Chile
A three-week residency in Chile’s Atacama Desert, living and working alongside artists, writers, musicians, and indigenous healers.
The programme included excursions to lesser-known areas of the Atacama, talks, workshops, and introductions to indigenous knowledge and Andean cosmology. It was a transformative experience in the driest place on earth—one I’ll be drawing on for a long time. I travelled onward with several of the other resident artists afterwards.
A Few Residencies to Explore
Residencies exist on every continent, and they are as diverse as the landscapes they inhabit:
Joshua Tree - USA - High-desert clarity and iconic light.
Arctic Hideaway Residency - space for both artists and "non-artists" to think in the remote North.
Villa Medici - Rome - Renaissance grandeur and a deep connection to European history.
Labverde - Brazil - Artistic immersion in the heart of the Amazon.
Albers Foundation - Senegal - Rural craftsmanship and cultural exchange in a purpose-built West African oasis.
Saruya Air - Japan - Creative life and traditional architecture in the foothills of Mount Fuji.
The Arctic Circle Residency - Norway - An expeditionary residency aboard a tall ship in the high Arctic.
Cove Park - Scotland - Contemporary design and creative focus on a hillside overlooking Loch Long.
Finding your Artist Residency
If you’re curious to explore residencies beyond the examples above, these sites are some of the best places to begin. They’re worth bookmarking and returning to over time.
Global directories
TransArtists
One of the most comprehensive artist-in-residence databases worldwide. Searchable by country, discipline, and residency type.
→ transartists.org
Artist Communities Alliance (ArtistResidencies.org)
A well-maintained directory of residencies across the US and internationally, with clear information on funding, facilities, and duration.
→ artistcommunities.org
ARTRabbit — Artist Opportunities
A broader opportunities platform that includes residencies alongside open calls and grants. Useful for keeping an eye on current listings.
→ artrabbit.com
Not every application is a success—I’ve faced my share of rejections and logistical hurdles. But ultimately, these experiences are about the luxury of paying attention. I hope this guide inspires you to take the leap; if you do, I’d love to hear about your experience.