Free Artist Residency in the United States for Artists and Writers from Around the World
Applicant criteria
- No specific age required
- Both
Opportunity criteria
Opportunity description
Elf School of the Arts in North Carolina, United States, has opened applications for its January–March 2027 Residency, offering artists, writers, and creatives from around the world the opportunity to dedicate time to their artistic projects in a peaceful setting near the Appalachian Mountains and Lake Chatuge.
The residency lasts from one week to 12 weeks and typically hosts four artists at a time. Each participant is provided with a private bedroom and a private studio with no residency fee.
The program is open to artists at all career stages, from emerging creatives to experienced practitioners. It is designed to provide the time, space, and facilities needed to develop new work, experiment creatively, and collaborate with other artists.
Eligible Fields
The residency welcomes a wide range of artistic and creative disciplines, including:
- Writing and literature.
- Fiction and short stories.
- Non-fiction writing.
- Poetry.
- Playwriting and screenwriting.
- Painting.
- Photography.
- Printmaking.
- Visual arts.
- Graphic design.
- Multimedia.
- Music.
- Mixed media.
- Bookmaking.
- Textiles and fiber arts.
- Jewelry and metals.
- Woodworking.
- Film and video.
- Performing arts.
- And other artistic disciplines.
Benefits
Selected artists receive:
- A fully fee-free residency.
- A private bedroom.
- A private work studio.
- A residency period ranging from one week to 12 weeks.
- Wi-Fi access in the accommodation.
- Access to specialized artistic facilities and equipment, depending on the discipline.
- The opportunity to work within a small community of artists and creatives.
- Dedicated time to focus fully on developing a project or a new body of work.
- Opportunities to collaborate and connect with other artists.
- Potential opportunities to exhibit or present work created during the residency.
Eligibility criteria
Applicants may apply if they:
- Work in one of the eligible artistic or creative fields.
- Are at any stage of their artistic career.
- Reside in any country worldwide.
- Are able to work independently on their project during the residency.
- Apply as an individual, as each artist must be accepted separately even when participating in a collaborative project.
- Are able to work and communicate in English during the residency.
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