How To Find and Apply For Artist Residencies
I bet you didn't know that there are over 2,000 artist residencies in the United States alone. Artists have a lot of opportunities to explore their skills and creativity, but sometimes it can be hard to find the right ones for you. But no need to worry - you’re not in this alone. We’re here help you learn all the tips to finding and applying for artist residency programs that offer you a chance to thrive in a new location. Are you ready? Let’s get into it!
“Dr Ndely” //Encaustic wax// by 4th Edition Submitter, JuliAnne Jonker
Finding residencies
Tip #1: Search for websites that promote artist residencies
A lot of the times it’s easier to visit websites that actively promote artist residencies rather than searching for individual programmes because you will save time and effort with their extensive lists on the available programmes and residency centres because they’re in one easy to view place.
Some sites we’d recommend are Res Artis, Call For Entries (C4E) and TransArtis for this particular search. They are international organizations and powerful tools designed for artists.
Res Artis supports, promotes and connects artist residencies around the world. The great thing about this site is that they vet the residency centres before promoting them, so this can help provide you with peace of mind that the centres and programmes are reliable, safe and legitimate.
Call For Entries (C4E) offers an up to date, abundant list that showcases national and international art residency programs. On their website, you can filter the location to find your ideal location. You can also search for programmes according to their listing date. They have a section for new listings which have been posted in the last week or month. This site also showcases juried exhibitions, art fairs and festivals, workshops, competitions and publications so in a sense it’s like your one-stop shop to stay up to date with the happenings and opportunities in the art world.
TransArtist is an organization dedicated to publishing the latest open calls, conferences, residencies and more for artists to stay abreast and well-informed. What I love is that they have a AIR (Artists in Residence) database that helps you navigate and explore an wide range of programmes in every continent.
Tip #2: Decide why you want to do a residency
What is the purpose of an artist residency for you? How do you think it will benefit you? What are you hoping to achieve from your experience? How will different environments shape your creative process? These are some questions you should consider when deciding why you want to do a residency. Is it for inspirational purposes, or to network with a new community etc. because these questions will act as you guide to narrowing your search and finding the ideal programmes for you. Artist Amy Clay in her interview with Artwork Archive shows the importance of this step through the following example:
“If you want to paint landscapes in the US, you might apply to the National Parks system. If you are an installation artist inspired by street culture, maybe only apply to cities that have a contemporary urban edge.”
Tip #3: Have an idea of your budget
This will also help you narrow your search because the last thing you’d want is to go into debt during or after your residency experience. Programs outline their average fees on their call for artists announcement so definitely make use of this when coming up with a budget of how much you’re willing and able to spend on this opportunity. Try to stay within your typical monthly means while accounting for potential costs such as application and/or residency fees, food, accommodation, transport, materials etc.
The good news is that depending on the program some of these costs are covered by the host. For example, art residencies hosted by foundations can generally be free and the bonus is that they will sometimes provide you with a stipend but it’s also important to note that these programs would be very competitive as they are highly attractive to numerous artists. Dont worry though, later on in this article we’ll help you create a stunning application that will help you stand out.
Still on the topic of finances, Artwork Archive has some great advice - “Many residency applications require a fee. If this is a financial burden for you, you can ask for a fee waiver. Granting institutions and residencies understand that artists are working hard to support themselves and many provide this service—you just have to ask! If you are in a situation where a fee waiver would help you, reach out. This is why these opportunities are created in the first place. You have nothing to lose and might even benefit from having more direct contact with the people running the residency you’re applying to.”
“Sujee’s brother” //Acrylic on canvas// by 1st Place Winner in the 3rd Edition
When applying
Tip #1: Respect the criteria of each programmes
It’s important to keep in mind that each residency has different application criteria so don’t forget to pay close attention to that section in the announcement and follow them when applying because the last thing you’d want is for the jurors to disregard your application for not following the instructions and provide them with what they ask for. To add to this, don’t be adored to reach out to them if you have any queries or questions because this will show your genuine interest and it’s always better to ask questions before submission!
Tip #2: Include high quality images of your work
To create a strong application, it’s essential to include high quality images of your work because the team that selects your work will often primarily focus on that. So, ensure that you select your strongest pieces that authentically represent you and your style. The images you select should also be coherent. According to Artist Communities Alliance, “too little variety seems like you are stuck; too much variety seems like you are scattered… [the jurors] just want to know what is most compelling and that you have enough depth in your creative practice to explore ideas.”
Tip #3: Demonstrate your interest in each residency you apply for
What’s the best way to do this you might ask? Do your research on each residency you are applying for and have a clear idea of why each one interests you (whether it be the location, the facilities, the organization’s values, networking with other artists in that residency, the interactions with the community etc.) because you want to articulate this in your application.
Tip #4: Mention your project proposal
The purpose of a project proposal is to “help the residency staff and jury better understand your thought process, your ability to imagine the possibilities of a residency, and your recognition of what is appropriate for this particular residency.” This means that the residency can see if your work best suits their environment, facilities and other things that they have to offer.
Therefore, in your project proposal, it would be beneficial for you to speak about your ideas in relation to particularities of the residency ex. location, facilities, duration of the program, materials they may offer, etc. It also is a way of showing that you’ve seriously considered how the residency can aid your creative process. This will also give the residency a better understanding of how they can assist you in your process whether it be by providing specific materials or accommodating to your needs in another way.
Tip #5: Select your references with care
It’s not uncommon for residency applications to ask for references because they’re a means of determining how well you interact and function in a community as well as a “self-directed environment”. With this in mind, your references should highlight these aspects. A great tip from Artist Communities Alliance is “if you have attended other residencies, consider the residency director as a reference.”
”Eva”//Oil on Belgian linen// by 1st Place Winner in the 1st Edition, Tanya Atanasova
CONCLUSION
I hope that these tips were helpful. We’ve compiled a list of Artist Residencies in 2021 that you can check out to see some of the awesome opportunities currently in each continent. So, feel free, go ahead - make some space in your schedule (or create some if necessary) and start planning your next adventure as an artist with these artist residencies!
MORE RESOURCES
These are some articles I would have consulted in my research (not mentioned in this article) that may also be of assistance to you for finding and applying for artist residencies:
Artsy - How to Apply for Artist Residencies, Grants, and More Creative Opportunities
ArtBusinessinfo.com - All about Artists' Residencies
https://www.artbusinessinfo.com/artists-residencies.html
Speak Art - Find Funded Artist Residencies Today
ArtConnect - Endless opportunities for artists by top art organizations worldwide.