If you’re a current student, a recent graduate, or just a curious soul, an art residency offers many benefits, resources, and opportunities that can help expand and shape your artistic practice. On this page, you will find links for residency information as well as application recommendations. Be sure to check out the fantastic residency lists and resources at the bottom of the page.
But first, why a residency?
- Time:
With the increasing distractions of everyday life, it can be extremely hard to find the time to actually sit down and make the work. Every working artist struggles with this — just ask your professors. Time is the greatest resource that any residency has to offer. It’s important to consider the residency’s length, and where applicable tailor your proposal and application. Ask yourself: how would your project progress given a week versus a month? Are there any short-term or long-term goals that you have in mind? If you’re not able to see a project through to its completion, consider focusing time for research rather than production. - Space:
Have you felt limited making your work in a limited space? Many residencies provide temporary studios and exhibition spaces to their artists. Also, be it a sound or video lab, a wood shop or metal foundry, or even just a kiln, residencies typically offer many production facilities that may not be accessible to you otherwise. How can your practice benefit from this? Research what resources are provided by the residency, and what type of work has been produced there in the past. Is it a good fit for you and your work? - Community & Feedback:
Believe it or not, you’ll reach a time in your artistic career where you’ll start to miss formal critiques. When producing work alone, it’s important to consider what a piece is actually communicating to its viewer and a public. Without generous and productive feedback, it can sometimes feel like you’re working in a void. While some residencies offer focused work without social exchange or programming, many residencies offer faculty and staff, visiting critics, and a community of working artists who are available for studio visits and ongoing project-specific dialogue. More than likely, you won’t be the only artist attending, and your peers will also be available for invaluable dialogue and inspiration. Be sure to research past residents and artists associated with your considered residency to get an idea of who you might be working with.
Regardless of how you’re looking to develop your practice, with the ever-expanding pool of art majors and artists, you’ll be up against a large number competing for a residency spot. Please don’t be discouraged by this, and take it as an opportunity to concisely speak about yourself and your work. Here are some suggested best-practices for generating and submitting your application materials:
- Do your research! Make sure you understand the mission and focus of the residency and know dates, duration, costs, (including travel expenses if it is somewhere else) and available resources.
- Write clearly, have proof readers, and directly address the mission of the residency and how your practice or project makes sense within it.
- Remember to describe not just what you will gain from the residency, but what you will offer as a resident or fellow in that community.
- Great documentation of your work. Follow the guides and technical stipulations of image/portfolio submissions.
- Be organized: Submit your application on time. If letters of recommendation are requested, get confirmation from your writers well ahead of time (letters should be requested a minimum of three weeks in advance of deadline).
- Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get a residency. Keep applying!
Here is a fantastic link to residency programs “which are free, well-funded, or seemingly worth the money” compiled by Shobun Baile.
Also, check out Everest Pipkin’s immensely comprehensive “Big Artist Opportunities List.”
Villa Albertine – Reinventing artists’ residencies, Villa Albertine is creating a network for arts and ideas spanning France and the United States. It offers tailor-made residencies for global creators, thinkers and cultural professionals. Explore our magazine, events, and programs for professionals.
Continued education: