For artists at all stages of their career, residencies are a significant step in gaining professional experience, and most importantly, taking the time and space to reflect and unleash one’s creative potential. Whether developing a project in complete solitude or finding a new community of likeminded people, residencies are an incubator for new ideas and an opportunity for self-fulfillment. Singulart did some research into artist residencies in stunning locations, some among improbable circumstances, and narrowed down our top 10 favorites. From a tiny treehouse in the Scottish Highlands to an 18th-century château in France, discover the world’s coolest and most beautiful artist residencies.
Djerassi | USA
The Djerassi residency program gives artists the chance to live and work in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains in California, just 40 miles south of San Francisco. These 583 acres of natural beauty used to be a cattle ranch and is home to miles of hiking trails, streams and dense forests. Artists live in a house with basic amenities and have access to separate studios, all within the context of a rural haven, providing space for reflection and uninterrupted creativity.
Open to: all disciplines.
Duration: One month | Travel expenses and working material covered by artist | Application fee: $45
Mesa Verde | USA
Run by the National Park Service, this unique residency gives artists the opportunity to live and work in a cabin around the ancient architecture of the Pueblo people at Mesa Verde National Park. The purpose of the residency is to have artists continually document the landscapes of the national park using various mediums, establishing an artistic archive of the natural wonders of the American west. To emphasize historic preservation, artists live in a Pueblo Revival style structure made of native stone and wood, creating artwork relevant to the indigenous history and national park.
Open to: all disciplines, interested in proposals about the Pueblo people, environment, national park, heritage, and archaeology.
Duration: Two weeks | Living costs covered by host | Application fee: $30
Rabbit Island | USA
Located in Lake Superior four miles east of Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula, Rabbit Island is 91 acres of untouched beauty. The island has never been developed, and as such, has an unspoiled ecosystem with tall white pine trees, bald eagles, and blue herons. Around four to six artists live together in this inspiring environment in basic structures, creating their work in open air studio spaces and a minimal workspace. The island becomes the artist’s studio!
Open to: all disciplines, interested in work that engages directly with the landscape and investigates themes of conservation, ecology, sustainability, and resilience.
Duration: 2-4 weeks | Average of $2,000 awarded to each artist | Application fee: $25
Fogo Island Arts | Canada
Off the coast of Newfoundland is an artist residency located on a tiny fishing island, usually blanketed in snow and surrounded by crashing ocean waves and floating icebergs. Not only are artists immersed in stunning scenery, but the artist studios and accommodation are equally striking with their minimalist and modern architecture. Some of the core values of the residency are the importance of creating community and improving the social, economic, and cultural conditions of the island itself.
Open to: all disciplines.
Duration: 1-3 months | All travel, living, and studio costs covered by host and a weekly stipend provided.
Château D’Orquevaux | France
What could be more inspiring than doing a residency in an 18th century chateau in France? Just three hours east of Paris overlooking the village of Orquevaux is an artist residency fit for royalty and full of history. A small group of around 15 artists are selected to live at the chateau on a hilltop surrounded by 40 acres of land, free to create and reflect among the beauty of their environment. The natural inspiration and immersion in the cultural setting of the French countryside is key in this residency.
Open to: all disciplines.
Duration: 2-4 weeks | 2 week cost: $1,950, 4 week cost: $3,900
Outlandia | Scotland
Ever dreamed of doing an artist residency in a treehouse? Outlandia has got you covered. Located in the Scottish Highlands at the foot of the highest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis, this artist residency is for nature lovers who really want to disconnect with the outside world. The closest town, Fort William, is three miles away, and artists find local accommodation there and spend their days working in the studio or in the surrounding forests.
Open to: All disciplines, interested in proposals surrounding themes of nature, industry, tourism, and heritage.
Duration: one week | All costs covered by artist | Application fee: £40
Villa Lena | Italy
An hour away from Florence and Pisa in the stunning countryside of Tuscany is an artist residency in a 19th century estate surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, and rolling hillsides. Artists can work on their projects at Villa Lena while attending workshops and events to facilitate collaboration within the community. All artists are asked to donate a work to the foundation upon completion of their residency, giving the villa a visual souvenir of the artists that have passed through their halls.
Open to: All disciplines.
Duration: six weeks | Daily cost of €20
LABVERDE | Brazil
Are you an artist who wants to immerse themselves in a tropical rainforest? Then the LABVERDE residency in the Amazon is for you! Located in different spots throughout the rainforest near the city of Manaus, this residency combines art, science, and nature to provide adventurous individuals with a once in a lifetime experience. A small group of artists are selected to spend an intensive 10 days learning about the biodiversity of the Amazon and reflect on the environment through their artistic work.
Open to: all disciplines, interested in proposals surrounding themes of environmental issues, ecology, biology, and natural science.
Duration: 10 days| Cost: $2,900
Fordypningsrommet |Norway
Fordypningsrommet, otherwise known as “The Arctic Hideaway,” is the world’s most northern artist residency, in a Norwegian archipelago surrounded by breathtaking views of the Northern lights. In addition to the remote beauty and the natural aesthetic between the water and the rocky coastline, the accommodation and artist studios are impressive works of Scandinavian architecture, built out of environmentally friendly materials. The perks of being an artist may just land you in the Arctic Circle!
Open to: all disciplines, interested in proposals surrounding themes of environmental issues.
Duration: one week | Living costs covered by host
Dora Maar House | France
Located in the picturesque town of Ménerbes in southern France, the artist residency at the Dora Maar House is one with a storied past. Originally dating back to the 18th century, this home was bought by Pablo Picasso in 1944 for his companion and muse Dora Maar who was also an artist and surrealist photographer. This residency gives artists the opportunity to create in the footsteps of past greats, living in the charming house in the heart of one of the most beautiful villages in France.
Open to: all disciplines.
Duration: 1-3 months | Living and travel costs covered by host plus a $50 daily stipend | Application fee: $10
