Education >> Browse Articles >> Internships & Apprenticeships

All You Need to Know About Artist Residencies

Banff Centre Ceramic Studio's Kilns.

For many years, artists have used residencies as a way to focus on their work. Many professional artists find it a necessity to periodically do a residency to jump-start or simply continue the direction of their work. Residencies provide a few things necessary for artists:

Seclusion

While many artists love to be in the thick of things in New York City or other metropolitan areas, it can be difficult to focus on your work without distractions. A residency gives an artist the time and space to experiment with new ideas and work uninterrupted by the daily tasks of life.

Professional Networking

Most often, you are at residencies with other artists and sometimes artists of other disciplines, including writers, or composers. Friendships can be made and professional collaborations and networks formed. Often, these connections can be valuable in the future and can last for many years. Many residencies also invite guests, curators, or other artists to come and see the work or lecture. These connections can also be valuable to an artist’s career.

Continue reading on next page.