How to apply for an artist residency

cyanotype dandelion layered photographic print

So many people have told me that they wish they could do an artist residency. And yet they don't know how to get started, and are afraid to apply.
I used to think that I was not a good enough artist to apply for a residency. I was also afraid of rejection. But nothing ventured, nothing gained......

As artists we have to learn to live with rejection. This is just another area where perseverance pays off. Only today I received two emails. One saying that I hadn't been accepted for a book exhibition in Scotland, and the other saying that I had had an image accepted for the Artcan christmas card collection. The roller coaster of emotions that comes with being an artist continues!

I was frightened of the application process, and the need to say what you plan to do whilst away from home. (Away somewhere that you really would love to be with no distractions from everyday life). I am not good at planning projects; they tend to emerge gradually when I have time to play and experiment. So in my applications I have been honest, and have described  how I work in a responsive way to my environment. That doesn't seem to have been a problem.

I would like to encourage you to be brave, and to go for it. I can honestly say that the residencies I have done (three now) have been incredibly productive and happy experiences.

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artists sharing stories at Vashon Island residency

Getting started
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So how to start?

I applied for my first residency because it was unusual in that it didn't require me to say what I would do while I was there. Since then I have learned that not having an idea isn't necessarily a problem. You know how you work, what your work is about, and how you go about it. With a little bit of effort you can come up with a plan that fits the place where you would like to spend some time.

This year I went to Vashon Island residency. It is on Puget Sound, near Seattle. I chose it because it is near Vancouver, where my family live, and because it was by the coast, where I create much of my art. I spent a few hours learning about the area, the local culture, and the native American history relating to the island. I then put  forward a project that said I would 'respond to the rhythms of the coast, with the native American word 'Whulge' in mind. 'Whulge' means sea, salt water, ocean or sound. I had no idea how I would spend my time there, aside from saying that I would experiment with cyanotypes and seaweed. I was basically saying that I would create something relating to the coast and the rhythms of the sea, which is what most of my work is about. It was sufficiently open a brief to allow me to go in any direction that I chose. What I hadn't expected was that I ended up making prints on paper bags from the local supermarket!

paper bag cyanotypes

Finding a residency
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So how to find a residency? And how much does it cost.?

Some residencies are subsidised, and others require you to pay a fee or apply for a grant to support your time there. Some are vastly oversubscribed, and others are less well known and easier to get accepted for. There are hundreds of opportunities out there, but not all will be suitable for YOU. Some residencies are only open to locals; you need to check carefully before spending time preparing an application. I spent two whole days applying to go to Banff Arts Centre, only to be rejected for reasons that I will never know. It can be a very time consuming process! So suggest picking just one or two to start with, and going for ones where you know your style of work is appropriate to the location. 

You need to be clear where you would like to go, what living arrangements you will be happy with,  whether the facilities are right for your needs, and whether the opportunity is open to you. You also need to know what your budget is, and how long you have to spare. Three weeks is long enough to find your feet and settle into your work; anything less will feel very pressured in my experience.

Finding a residency can be by word of mouth, talking to artists that you know, or by searching platforms that list opportunities. 

I have used Resartis and TransArtists websites, and also follow the hashtags #artistresidency and #residency on Instagram.

a portfolio page created using Artwork Archive

How to apply

The key to success is in making the best application that you are capable of.

Having a portfolio of work ready, with good photos or videos is one element. I use Artwork Archive for my inventory, and can easily create a portfolio at short notice that is specifically chosen for the application in mind. 

You will usually require a statement about your work, and a proposal for how you will spend your time. If you are uncertain about any aspect of the residency, don't be afraid to contact them and ask. Finding good friends to write references for you is also important. Choose people who know you well, and you can do them a favour by writing one for them in return when they need your help.

​There is a very helpful article on Artsy with lots of tips for making an application. I am not going to reinvent the wheel by listing them all here. But you will need time to prepare before the deadline, so do plan ahead. It always takes longer than you think to put an application together.

finding time for yoga at Trelex residency

Resources for applying

Here are some resources to help you get started........

ArtQuest guide to artist residencies

Artsy ; how to apply for artist residencies

Artwork Archive guide to finding, attending and applying for artist residencies


and finally, you will be so busy on your residency that you may forget to eat......

I will leave you with a shopping list, to remind you to look after yourself while away. Ice cream cravings became very strong for us all at Vashon! I made a small book about that very topic.

artist residency shopping list

ice cream coloured ink patterns

'who spilt the ice cream?' artist book © Caroline Fraser 2023