Best Fully Funded Art Residencies
10 Art Residency Programs with Financial Support
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This list highlights some of the best residencies that provide free studio space and accommodation for all residents, accept open applications (not invitation-only), and welcome participants from all demographics and nationalities. Many of these fully funded residencies also accept applicants from disciplines beyond visual arts. However, due to the high volume of visual arts submissions, acceptance rates in this field can sometimes be as low as 2%. Before applying, it’s recommended to review this article on application fees.
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#1 Fondation Fiminco (Paris, France)
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Fondation Fiminco is an international artist residency program based in a former industrial site in Romainville, on the outskirts of Paris. It offers contemporary artists from diverse disciplines an 11-month residency focused on research, creation, and production. With professional and technical support, the program enhances artistic development and visibility within the contemporary art scene.​​​
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Residency Fees
There are no participation fees for the residency.
Stipends or Grants
Residents receive up to €5,000 in production grants for the entire residency duration.
Accommodation and Meals
Artists are provided with individual furnished studios (20–25 m²) that include private bathrooms. Shared kitchens and communal living spaces are also available. Meals are not included.
Travel Support
Travel expenses are reimbursed up to €1,000 for a round trip between the artist's country of origin and Paris. Visa costs are also covered.
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Resident Profile
The residency is open to visual artists of all disciplines from around the world, with no age limit. Applicants should demonstrate an emerging or established professional career. Duos and collectives are also welcome to apply under the same conditions as individual artists.
What Residents Say
"The Fondation Fiminco residency is a space where artists can explore their practice without the pressure of producing immediate results. The access to professional workshops, technical support, and networking opportunities with curators and critics was invaluable. It allowed me to push my work further and establish connections on the French art scene." – Ana Navas (2021 Resident)
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#2 MacDowell (Peterborough, New Hampshire, United States)
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MacDowell is one of the most respected artist residencies in the United States. It provides artists from various disciplines with uninterrupted time, private studios, and a supportive environment to focus on their work. Residencies last between two and six weeks, with most artists staying for about 30 days. ​​​
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Residency Fees
There is no cost to attend. However, applicants must pay a nonrefundable $30 application fee. Fee waivers are available for those facing financial hardship.
Stipends or Grants
Artists with financial need can receive financial assistance of up to $1,500 to help cover rent, utilities, childcare, or lost income. Travel grants are also available to reimburse transportation costs.
Accommodation and Meals
Artists receive free housing, three meals a day, and exclusive use of a private studio. Lunch is delivered to studios in picnic baskets, while breakfast and dinner are served communally in Colony Hall.
Travel Support
Artists may receive reimbursement for travel expenses based on financial need. Some grants also cover shipping costs for materials.
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​Resident Profile
MacDowell accepts both emerging and established artists from various disciplines, including architecture, film and video arts, interdisciplinary arts, literature, music composition, performing arts, and visual arts. Around 300 artists are selected each year.​
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What Residents Say
"MacDowell is a place where you can breathe, think, and create without distractions. It’s not just about the time or space—it’s about the deep respect for the creative process that you feel from everyone here. The solitude of the woods, the camaraderie of the dining hall, and the inspiration of being surrounded by other artists made this experience transformative." – Cris Beam (2014 Resident)
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#3 Akademie Schloss Solitude (Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany)
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Akademie Schloss Solitude is a prestigious artists-in-residence program located on the grounds of a historic baroque castle in Stuttgart, Germany. Established in 1990, it supports artists, scientists, and cultural professionals from various disciplines by providing a space for research and creative work. Residencies last between three and twelve months.​​​
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Residency Fees
There are no residency fees, and the application process is free of charge.
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Stipends or Grants
Residents receive a monthly fellowship grant of €1,200 to cover living expenses. Additional financial aid is available for project funding, materials, and transportation of tools or instruments. Health insurance subsidies are also provided for non-EU fellows.
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Accommodation and Meals
Fellows are given free, furnished living and working studios, which include utilities such as electricity, water, and heating. Meals are not provided.
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Travel Support
Travel expenses for arrival and departure are reimbursed once, covering transportation from the fellow’s place of residence to Stuttgart.
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​Resident Profile
Akademie Schloss Solitude welcomes international contemporary artists, scientists, and cultural professionals under the age of 40 or those who have completed a university degree within the past five years. Group applications are accepted. PhD students may apply, but undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in a degree program are not eligible.​
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What Residents Say
"The Akademie Schloss Solitude residency gave me not only time and space to focus on my work but also an interdisciplinary community that challenged and enriched my practice. It’s rare to find a place where you can work without expectations while also engaging in meaningful exchanges with peers from around the world." – Akademie Fellow (2020)
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#4 Onassis AiR (Athens, Greece)
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Onassis AiR is an international Artists-in-Residence Program founded in 2019 by the Onassis Foundation in Athens, Greece. It provides artists, curators, and cultural practitioners from diverse disciplines the opportunity to focus on their creative processes without the pressure to produce a final work. Residencies last between one and three months and are customized to meet participants' needs, fostering collaboration and peer-to-peer learning. ​​​
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Residency Fees
There are no residency fees, and the application process is free of charge.
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Stipends or Grants
Participants receive a monthly artist fee of €1,300. Additionally, a production budget of up to €500 is provided to cover research and project-related expenses, including materials, equipment, and third-party fees.
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Accommodation and Meals
Free accommodation is provided in shared apartments in Athens. Each resident has a private bedroom while sharing common spaces such as the kitchen and living areas. Meals are not included, but a small vegetable garden on-site offers seasonal herbs and vegetables for communal use.
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Travel Support
Travel expenses are reimbursed up to €400 for participants traveling within Europe and up to €1,000 for those coming from overseas. This includes airfare, ferry, or train costs, as well as local transportation to and from the airport or train station in Athens.
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​Resident Profile
Onassis AiR welcomes emerging and established contemporary artists, curators, designers, performers, writers, educators, activists, architects, filmmakers, and other cultural practitioners from around the world. The program values diversity in practice and background and encourages interdisciplinary collaboration.​
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What Residents Say
"What makes Onassis AiR unique is its emphasis on process rather than outcome. The residency gave me the freedom to explore new ideas, connect with Athens’ cultural landscape, and engage in deep conversations with other residents. It’s a space that values experimentation and collaboration over finished products." – Inés Muñozcano (2020 Resident)
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#5 Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts (Omaha, Nebraska, United States)
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The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts is a well-known international artist residency program in Omaha, Nebraska. Founded in 1981, it provides artists with the time, space, and resources to experiment, research, and create new work. The residency programme is process-based, focusing on exploration and collaboration without requiring residents to complete a final project. Residencies last between 8 and 12 weeks. ​​​
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Residency Fees
There are no residency fees. However, there is a nonrefundable $40 application fee.
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Stipends or Grants
U.S.-based artists receive a $1,250 monthly stipend for personal expenses and a $750 travel stipend. International artists are eligible for reimbursement of qualified expenses such as airfare, ground transportation, and meals.
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Accommodation and Meals
Residents are provided with spacious live/work studios that include private kitchens and bathrooms. Utilities, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and access to an on-site research library are included. Meals are not provided.
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Travel Support
U.S.-based artists receive a $750 travel stipend. International artists are reimbursed for eligible travel expenses, including airfare and ground transportation.
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​Resident Profile
Bemis welcomes national and international artists aged 21 and older from a variety of disciplines, including visual arts, performance art, literature, music composition, film/video, architecture, interdisciplinary arts, and choreography. Collaborative groups of up to two members may also apply.
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What Residents Say
"The Bemis residency was a turning point in my career. Having access to expansive studio space, technical facilities, and a supportive community of artists allowed me to take risks with my work that I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise. The experience was challenging but incredibly rewarding." – Marnie Ellen Hertzler (2023 Resident)
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#6 Roswell Artist-in-Residence Program (Roswell, New Mexico, United States)
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The Roswell Artist-in-Residence Program (RAiR), often called the "Gift of Time," is a year-long residency in Roswell, New Mexico. Established in 1967, it provides studio-based visual artists with the opportunity to focus exclusively on their creative work in a peaceful and supportive environment. The residency is designed for self-motivated artists who prefer solitude and need ample time and space for artistic exploration. ​​​
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Residency Fees
There are no residency fees. However, a nonrefundable $25 application fee is required.
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Stipends or Grants
Residents receive a monthly stipend of $1,100 to cover living expenses. An additional $100 per month is provided for a spouse/partner and each child living with the artist. A $250 monthly materials stipend is also included, funded by the Hammersley Foundation.
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Accommodation and Meals
Each artist is provided with a fully furnished three-bedroom house with paid utilities. The houses include basic furniture, appliances, and utensils. Meals are not provided.
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Travel Support
Travel costs are not explicitly covered. Residents are responsible for their own transportation to and from Roswell.
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​Resident Profile
The program is open to visual artists working in any medium at any stage of their career. Applicants should be self-motivated and capable of working independently in a rural setting with limited external stimulation.​
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What Residents Say
"The RAiR Program is truly a gift of time. The year-long residency provided me with uninterrupted space to focus on my practice while living in a beautiful and quiet environment. The support from the staff and the opportunity to exhibit at the Roswell Museum made it an unforgettable experience." – Masha Sha (2020–2021 Resident)
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#7 MMCA Residency (Changdong & Goyang, South Korea)
The MMCA Residency, operated by the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA), Korea, is an internationally recognized program that supports artistic development and cultural exchange. Located in Changdong and Goyang, near Seoul, it provides artists with the time, space, and resources to focus on their creative practice while engaging with Korea’s contemporary art scene. Residencies typically last between 3 to 6 months. ​​​
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Residency Fees
There are no residency fees. The application process is free of charge.
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Stipends or Grants
Residents receive a monthly stipend of 1,000,000 KRW (approximately $730 USD) to cover living expenses. Additional funding may be available through partner organizations such as the Mondriaan Fund for selected applicants.
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Accommodation and Meals
Free live-in studios are provided, each with a private furnished room. Shared facilities, including kitchens, bathrooms, and communal areas, are available. Meals are not included.
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Travel Support
The program covers round-trip economy airfare for international residents traveling to and from Seoul. Travel allowances may vary based on residency partnerships and individual circumstances.
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​Resident Profile
The program is open to visual artists and researchers working in modern and contemporary art disciplines. Applicants must be fluent in English and must not have previously participated in an MMCA Residency. Collaborative applications are not permitted.​
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What Residents Say
"The MMCA Residency offered me a unique opportunity to immerse myself in Korean contemporary art while focusing on my own practice. The balance between studio time, cultural activities, and professional networking was perfect for fostering both creative growth and meaningful connections." – MMCA Resident (2022)
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#8 Black Rock (Dakar, Senegal)
Black Rock Senegal is a multidisciplinary artist residency programme founded in 2019 by renowned artist Kehinde Wiley. Located in Dakar, Senegal, the program offers artists the opportunity to engage with the vibrant cultural landscape of West Africa. Residencies last between one and three months and emphasize artistic innovation, cultural exchange, and global discussions on Africa’s creative scene.​​​
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Residency Fees
There are no residency fees. The application process is free of charge.
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Stipends or Grants
Residents receive a modest stipend to cover incidentals and additional art supplies during their stay.
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Accommodation and Meals
Residents are provided with private, fully furnished apartments, each with an adjacent studio space. Meals are included, with communal dining fostering interaction among residents. Shared facilities such as a library, gym, sauna, swimming pool, and gardens are also available.
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Travel Support
The residency funds local travel within Senegal, organized through the program. While international travel to and from Senegal is not directly covered, Black Rock assists residents in securing third-party funding opportunities or travel grants.
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​​Resident Profile
Black Rock Senegal welcomes both emerging and established artists from around the world working in various disciplines, including painting, sculpture, photography, film, textiles, mixed media, writing, and performance art. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.​
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What Residents Say
"Black Rock Senegal is more than just a residency—it’s a bridge between cultures. Being in Dakar gave me new perspectives on my work and life as an artist. The stunning facilities, vibrant local culture, and Kehinde Wiley’s vision make this residency one of a kind." – Kehinde Wiley (Founder, 2019)
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#9 Villa Medici (Rome, Italy)
Villa Medici, home to the French Academy in Rome, is one of the most prestigious artist residencies in the world. Located on the Pincio Hill overlooking Rome, this historic Renaissance villa has been a hub for artistic and cultural exchange since 1803. The residency provides artists, writers, researchers, and cultural practitioners with the opportunity to immerse themselves in their work while engaging with the rich artistic heritage of Rome. Residencies typically last between 12 and 18 months. ​​​
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Residency Fees
There are no residency fees. The application process is free of charge.
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Stipends or Grants
Residents receive a monthly stipend of €1,500 gross to cover living expenses during their stay.
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Accommodation and Meals
Residents are provided with private rooms in shared accommodations within the villa. The serene gardens and historic surroundings offer an inspiring environment for creative work. Meals are not included.
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Travel Support
Travel expenses to and from Rome are generally the responsibility of the resident unless otherwise specified by external funding or partnerships.
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​Resident Profile
The residency is open to French-speaking artists and researchers of all nationalities aged between 20 and 45. Disciplines include visual arts, architecture, musical composition, literature, photography, stage/film direction, choreography, art history, and restoration. Collaborative applications are also accepted.
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What Residents Say
"Villa Medici offers an extraordinary experience—time to focus on your work in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable. The interdisciplinary exchange among residents creates a unique atmosphere of collaboration and inspiration." – Camille de Toledo (2019 Resident)
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#10 Yaddo (Saratoga Springs, New York, United States)
Yaddo is one of the most prestigious artist residencies in the United States, located on a 400-acre estate in Saratoga Springs, New York. Established in 1926, it gives professional creative artists uninterrupted time and space to focus on their work. Residencies last from two weeks to two months and are open to artists working in fields such as choreography, film, literature, musical composition, painting, performance art, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and video.​​​
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Residency Fees
There is no fee for the residency. However, there is a nonrefundable $30 application fee, with an additional $5–$10 fee for media uploads depending on the discipline.
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Stipends or Grants
Modest access grants are available to help cover costs like travel or other expenses related to attending the residency. Financial aid is based on demonstrated need and is only available after an artist has been invited.
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Accommodation and Meals
Residents are provided with free housing, meals, and private studios. Breakfast and dinner are served communally in the dining room, while lunch is delivered to individual studios.
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Travel Support
Artists are responsible for their own travel expenses. However, access grants may help cover these costs for those who qualify.
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​Resident Profile
Yaddo welcomes professional creative artists from all nations and backgrounds who work at a high level in their fields. Emerging artists whose work shows great promise are also encouraged to apply. Approximately 200 artists are accepted each year.
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What Residents Say
"Yaddo is one of the oldest and most famous of American artist retreats. John Cheever once wrote that 'the forty or so acres on which the principal buildings of Yaddo stand have seen more distinguished activity in the arts than any other piece of ground in the English-speaking community or perhaps the world.' For me, Yaddo is the experience that brought me to an agent, that introduced me to working artists, and that moved me, in some basic way, from one world to another. In addition to a beautiful and functional place in which to produce whatever sort of work they do, artists at Yaddo are given privacy, wonderful food, lovely living quarters, and clean sheets every other day. For a working mother, without any sort of home artist community, it was bliss." – Laura McBride (2017 Resident)
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