Residencies
Artist Residencies
Time, Space, and Community to Create
An artist residency is one of the best investments you can make in your creative career.
Unlike grants that fund a specific project, residencies provide something many artists rarely have enough of: uninterrupted time to create. Depending on the program, you may receive housing, studio space, meals, mentorship, and the opportunity to connect with artists from around the world.
Many residencies are fully funded, while others offer scholarships or sliding scale fees. Even if you don't think you're "ready," don't let that stop you from applying. Many programs actively welcome emerging artists alongside established professionals.
Quick Navigation
Before You Apply
Most residency applications ask for similar materials. Preparing these in advance will make future applications much easier.
Build Your Residency Portfolio
Keep these items updated:
A residency application is very similar to a grant application. Every time you apply, your materials become stronger and easier to reuse.
National Residencies
These are some of the most respected multidisciplinary residency programs in the United States. Most are open to artists from Arkansas.
MacDowell
Best For
Highlights
https://www.macdowell.org
Ucross Foundation
Best For
Highlights
https://www.ucrossfoundation.org
Ragdale
Best For
Highlights
https://www.ragdale.org
Hambidge Center
Best For
Highlights
https://www.hambidge.org
Music & Interdisciplinary Residencies
Some residencies specifically encourage musicians, composers, and sound artists.
New Music USA
Occasionally partners with residency and commissioning opportunities.
Website:
https://www.newmusicusa.org
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
An internationally recognized creative campus offering programs for musicians, composers, producers, and multidisciplinary artists.
Website:
https://www.banffcentre.ca
Atlantic Center for the Arts
Mentorship based residencies pairing emerging artists with internationally recognized master artists.
Website:
https://atlanticcenterforthearts.org
Arkansas & Regional Opportunities
Arkansas doesn't currently have the same volume of traditional residential artist programs found in some states, but there are still excellent opportunities to build your practice close to home.
Explore:
CACHE
Creative Exchange Fund and artist opportunities in Northwest Arkansas.
Website:
https://cachecreate.org
The Medium
Studios, rehearsal space, exhibitions, and artist programming.
Website:
https://themedium.art
Mid-America Arts Alliance
Professional development, fellowships, and artist programs serving Arkansas and neighboring states.
Website:
https://www.maaa.org
Residency Search Tools
Rather than searching individual websites, these directories list hundreds of residency opportunities around the world.
Alliance of Artists Communities
One of the best searchable residency databases.
Website:
https://artistcommunities.org
Res Artis
International network of artist residencies.
Website:
https://resartis.org
NYFA Opportunities
Search grants, residencies, fellowships, and artist calls.
Website:
https://www.nyfa.org/opportunities
CaFÉ (CallForEntry.org)
Many residency applications are posted here alongside public art opportunities.
Website:
https://www.callforentry.org
Tips for Applying
Apply before you think you're ready.
Many residencies welcome emerging artists.
Read past resident profiles.
This helps you understand whether your work is a good fit.
Tailor your project proposal.
Don't send the same statement to every residency.
Show where you're headed.
Residencies want to support artists with momentum, not just completed work.
Apply every year.
Many artists are accepted after multiple attempts.
What We've Learned
Don't measure success only by acceptance. Every residency application improves your portfolio, artist statement, and project descriptions, making you a stronger candidate for grants, fellowships, and future opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a full time artist?
Usually not. Many residencies welcome artists balancing creative work with other careers.
Do residencies pay artists?
Some provide stipends, some provide housing and meals, and others simply provide space to work. Every program is different.
Can musicians apply?
Absolutely. Many residencies actively seek composers, performers, producers, and interdisciplinary artists.
Are residencies only for established artists?
No. Many programs encourage applications from emerging artists alongside more established professionals.
Do I need to have won grants first?
Not at all. A residency can be one of the first major professional opportunities in your career.
Help Us Grow This Guide
Know of a residency that welcomes Arkansas artists? We'd love to hear about it. Our goal is to build the most comprehensive free residency guide available for Arkansas's creative community.
Time, Space, and Community to Create
An artist residency is one of the best investments you can make in your creative career.
Unlike grants that fund a specific project, residencies provide something many artists rarely have enough of: uninterrupted time to create. Depending on the program, you may receive housing, studio space, meals, mentorship, and the opportunity to connect with artists from around the world.
Many residencies are fully funded, while others offer scholarships or sliding scale fees. Even if you don't think you're "ready," don't let that stop you from applying. Many programs actively welcome emerging artists alongside established professionals.
Quick Navigation
- Before You Apply
- National Residencies
- Music & Interdisciplinary Residencies
- Arkansas & Regional Opportunities
- Residency Search Tools
- Application Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
Before You Apply
Most residency applications ask for similar materials. Preparing these in advance will make future applications much easier.
Build Your Residency Portfolio
Keep these items updated:
- Artist bio
- Artist statement
- Résumé or CV
- Work samples
- Website
- High resolution photos
- Project proposal
- References (if requested)
A residency application is very similar to a grant application. Every time you apply, your materials become stronger and easier to reuse.
National Residencies
These are some of the most respected multidisciplinary residency programs in the United States. Most are open to artists from Arkansas.
MacDowell
Best For
- Established and emerging artists
- Writers
- Composers
- Visual artists
- Interdisciplinary artists
Highlights
- Fully funded residency
- Private studios
- Cross disciplinary community
- International reputation
https://www.macdowell.org
Ucross Foundation
Best For
- Composers
- Writers
- Visual artists
- Performance artists
Highlights
- No residency fee
- Housing provided
- Meals included
- Professional creative environment
https://www.ucrossfoundation.org
Ragdale
Best For
- Musicians
- Writers
- Visual artists
- Interdisciplinary artists
Highlights
- Music residencies
- 18 day sessions
- Fellowships available
- Collaborative creative community
https://www.ragdale.org
Hambidge Center
Best For
- Writers
- Musicians
- Visual artists
- Interdisciplinary artists
Highlights
- Individual studios
- Beautiful natural setting
- Multidisciplinary community
- Workshops throughout the year
https://www.hambidge.org
Music & Interdisciplinary Residencies
Some residencies specifically encourage musicians, composers, and sound artists.
New Music USA
Occasionally partners with residency and commissioning opportunities.
Website:
https://www.newmusicusa.org
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
An internationally recognized creative campus offering programs for musicians, composers, producers, and multidisciplinary artists.
Website:
https://www.banffcentre.ca
Atlantic Center for the Arts
Mentorship based residencies pairing emerging artists with internationally recognized master artists.
Website:
https://atlanticcenterforthearts.org
Arkansas & Regional Opportunities
Arkansas doesn't currently have the same volume of traditional residential artist programs found in some states, but there are still excellent opportunities to build your practice close to home.
Explore:
CACHE
Creative Exchange Fund and artist opportunities in Northwest Arkansas.
Website:
https://cachecreate.org
The Medium
Studios, rehearsal space, exhibitions, and artist programming.
Website:
https://themedium.art
Mid-America Arts Alliance
Professional development, fellowships, and artist programs serving Arkansas and neighboring states.
Website:
https://www.maaa.org
Residency Search Tools
Rather than searching individual websites, these directories list hundreds of residency opportunities around the world.
Alliance of Artists Communities
One of the best searchable residency databases.
Website:
https://artistcommunities.org
Res Artis
International network of artist residencies.
Website:
https://resartis.org
NYFA Opportunities
Search grants, residencies, fellowships, and artist calls.
Website:
https://www.nyfa.org/opportunities
CaFÉ (CallForEntry.org)
Many residency applications are posted here alongside public art opportunities.
Website:
https://www.callforentry.org
Tips for Applying
Apply before you think you're ready.
Many residencies welcome emerging artists.
Read past resident profiles.
This helps you understand whether your work is a good fit.
Tailor your project proposal.
Don't send the same statement to every residency.
Show where you're headed.
Residencies want to support artists with momentum, not just completed work.
Apply every year.
Many artists are accepted after multiple attempts.
What We've Learned
Don't measure success only by acceptance. Every residency application improves your portfolio, artist statement, and project descriptions, making you a stronger candidate for grants, fellowships, and future opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a full time artist?
Usually not. Many residencies welcome artists balancing creative work with other careers.
Do residencies pay artists?
Some provide stipends, some provide housing and meals, and others simply provide space to work. Every program is different.
Can musicians apply?
Absolutely. Many residencies actively seek composers, performers, producers, and interdisciplinary artists.
Are residencies only for established artists?
No. Many programs encourage applications from emerging artists alongside more established professionals.
Do I need to have won grants first?
Not at all. A residency can be one of the first major professional opportunities in your career.
Help Us Grow This Guide
Know of a residency that welcomes Arkansas artists? We'd love to hear about it. Our goal is to build the most comprehensive free residency guide available for Arkansas's creative community.
