As my virtual artist residency year with WAABEL draws to a close, and my pilot Feminist Activist Artist Residency takes shape (deadline Nov. 30, apply!), I’ve been reflecting on the profound value of these programs. For a busy mom and full-time worker like me, dedicated time for creative work feels like a gift—and a necessity.
The Power of Dedicated Space and Time
Artist residencies provide an essential reprieve from everyday distractions, allowing artists to fully immerse themselves in their craft. During my residency with Stay Home residency in Tennessee a few years ago (now Kinhouse in Indiana), the opportunity to focus solely on creating amidst life’s busyness was transformative. These programs go beyond offering time and space; they create a structure where creativity flourishes.
Building Communities and Connections
Residencies aren’t just about the individual artist—they’re about
connection. My residency experience last year with Proyecto ‘Ace in Buenos Aires introduced me to a global network of inspiring artists, and through collaboration and dialogue, I discovered new perspectives that enriched my work. This sense of community fuels artistic growth in ways that solitary studio time cannot.
Residencies as Catalysts for Change
When I developed the Feminist Activist Artist in Residency, my goal was to ensure that artists—especially those juggling multiple roles—have a platform to dedicate time to their practice while highlighting the Feminist Collections at West Virginia & Regional History Center. Supporting artists in this way has a ripple effect, enriching their communities and bringing fresh perspectives to the cultural landscape.
Why Residencies Matter
Residencies foster creativity, collaboration, and cultural exchange, benefiting artists and the communities they engage with. They allow artists to experiment and grow, while also serving as hubs of innovation and inspiration.
As I continue my journey, I’m excited to advocate for residencies that prioritize accessibility and inclusivity—ensuring that all artists, regardless of their circumstances, have the chance to dedicate time to their craft and experience the transformative power of these programs.
Do it!
A Guide to Historic and Unique Artist Residencies
Below is a curated list of some of the oldest, most unique, and notable residencies worldwide, each with its own rich history and distinctive offerings.
Oldest Artist Residencies in North America
Yaddo
– Founded: 1900, Saratoga Springs, NY
– Overview: One of America’s oldest artist residency programs, Yaddo has hosted luminaries across disciplines, including artists, composers, and writers. Residencies last 2 weeks to 2 months.
– Notable Alumni: Philip Guston, James Baldwin, Jordan Casteel. Yaddo has hosted 82 Pulitzer Prize winners and 34 MacArthur Fellows.
MacDowell
– Founded: 1907, Peterborough, NH
– Overview: This multidisciplinary residency supports writers, visual artists, composers, and architects in serene woodland settings. Residencies emphasize solitude and creative focus.
– Notable Alumni: Mark Rothko, Benny Andrews, Milton Avery.
– Next Deadline: September.
The Helene Wurlitzer Foundation (left)
– Founded: 1954, Taos, NM
– Overview: This residency offers artists the chance to work in adobe casitas amid the inspiring landscapes of New Mexico for 10-12 weeks.
– Notable Alumni: Agnes Martin, Ansel Adams.
Oldest Artist Residency in the World
Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia (Venice, Italy) (left)
– Founded: 1750
– Overview: Offers 2-6 weeks for various disciplines.
– Notable Alumni: Jasper Johns, Cy Twombly.
Unique Artist Residencies
The Arctic Circle Residency (Arctic Ocean) (left)
– Overview: A three-week expedition aboard a vessel in the Arctic, offering an immersive experience exploring climate change and the natural environment.
Caribic Residency
– Overview: A two-day walking journey with the host and artist, fostering deep conversations and creative reflection in cities like Berlin, Lisbon, and New York.
Dora Maar House (Ménerbes, France)
– Overview: Artists, writers, and academics can work in the 19th-century townhouse once owned by surrealist Dora Maar.
The Instituto Sacatar (Itaparica Island, Brazil) (left)
– Overview: Located on a tropical island, Sacatar emphasizes cultural exchange and community engagement.
The Ucross Foundation (Ucross, WY)
– Overview: Situated on a 20,000-acre working ranch, Ucross offers residencies from 2-6 weeks, encouraging creativity inspired by nature.
Notable Artist Residencies
Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture (Maine, USA)
– Overview: A rigorous nine-week summer program for emerging visual artists with a focus on community and experimentation.
– Notable Alumni: Ai Weiwei, Eva Hesse.
The Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity (Banff, Canada) (left)
– Overview: Set in the Rockies, this multidisciplinary residency features state-of-the-art facilities and breathtaking landscapes.
– Notable Alumni: Barbara Kruger, Marina Abramovic.
The Watermill Center (New York, USA)
– Overview: Founded by Robert Wilson, this interdisciplinary program combines residencies with public events and workshops.
– Notable Alumni: Björk, Anselm Kiefer.
The Bellagio Center (Lake Como, Italy)
– Overview: Run by the Rockefeller Foundation, this residency emphasizes social impact, offering tranquil settings for interdisciplinary exchange.
– Notable Alumni: Yayoi Kusama, Jenny Holzer.
Explore more through residency-specific websites and opportunities platforms like [Alliance of Artists Communities](https://artistcommunities.org) or [ResArtis](https://resartis.org). Whether you’re seeking solitude in nature or vibrant urban engagement, these residencies offer transformative experiences for artists worldwide.
Do it!!