Best Art Residencies
in North America for 2025
Looking for the best art residency in North America? This curated list covers top visual art residencies in USA, Canada, and Mexico, highlighting each program’s unique setting, facilities, and opportunities. Whether you’re seeking a short-term retreat or the best art residency program in America for long-term creative development, these options offer unparalleled support, mentorship, and a strong artistic community.
1. Skowhegan School of Painting & Sculpture (Skowhegan, Maine, United States)
Skowhegan ranks among the top fine art residencies in America for its rigorous summer program focusing on peer learning, critical dialogue, and intense studio work.
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Peer Mentorship: Connect with rotating faculty, fostering supportive critique.
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Studio Immersion: 24/7 access to studio spaces in a serene natural setting.
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Historic Program: Founded in 1946, nurturing groundbreaking contemporary art voices.
Ideal For: Emerging artists craving intense collaboration and growth in an art school-like environment.
Application Deadline: October
2. Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity (Banff, Canada)
Located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the Banff Centre is famous for its art and leadership programs. It offers thematic and self-directed residencies with access to studio space, mentorship, and an international artist community.
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Inspiring Nature: Surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes.
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Advanced Facilities: Well-equipped studio spaces and technical support.
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Global Network: Opportunities to meet creatives from all over the world.
Ideal For: Artists wanting an immersive retreat with strong institutional support.
Application Deadline: February
3. Vermont Studio Center (Johnson, Vermont, United States)
As one of the largest artist residencies in the U.S., this center brings together writers and visual artists in a tight-knit, creative community.
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Collaborative Environment: Group meals and studio visits encourage connection.
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Funding Options: Fellowship programs and grants are available.
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Interdisciplinary Exchange: Writers and artists share insights and ideas.
Ideal For: Artists seeking a supportive community and collaboration.
Application Deadline: March and September
4. MacDowell (Peterborough, New Hampshire, United States)
Founded in 1907, MacDowell is celebrated as a top art residency in America, providing uninterrupted time and private studios in a tranquil woodland setting.
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Rich History: A legacy of supporting renowned artists.
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Solitude: Quiet, individual workspaces for reflection and focus on artistic practice.
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Community Meals: Evening dinners foster informal networking.
Ideal For: Artists needing solitude and a serene environment.
Application Deadline: February and September
5. Yaddo (Saratoga Springs, New York, United States)
Established in 1900, Yaddo’s estate provides a tranquil setting where contemporary artists, writers, and composers can concentrate on their craft.
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Historic Legacy: A long-standing tradition of supporting creativity.
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Private Studios: Dedicated spaces tailored to artists' needs.
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Shared Meals: Informal gatherings encourage camaraderie.
Ideal For: Artists seeking balance between solitude and creative exchange.
Application Deadline: February and September
6. Casa Lü (Mexico City, Mexico)
For those looking beyond the USA, Casa Lü offers a unique artist residency in Mexico City, providing a balance of creative freedom, cultural exchange, and community. The residency supports artists with private studios and opportunities to engage with local fine art scenes and curators.
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Cultural Immersion: Opportunities to explore Mexico City's rich contemporary art and culture.
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Supportive Community: A welcoming environment with regular team meetings and feedback.
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Final Exhibition: During the residency, artists work toward a final exhibition of their work.
Ideal For: Artists seeking a residency that combines personal creative space with vibrant cultural experiences.
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
7. Anderson Ranch Arts Center (Snowmass Village, Colorado, United States)
Anderson Ranch offers a range of residency programs that support artists in developing new work and exploring ideas. The campus is located in the stunning Rocky Mountains, with a focus on fostering creative community and collaboration.
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Comprehensive Facilities: Studios for ceramics, printmaking, sculpture, and more.
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Workshops and Mentorship: Regularly scheduled programming and visiting artists.
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Mountain Inspiration: Beautiful surroundings and a peaceful atmosphere.
Ideal For: Artists seeking a vibrant community with diverse facilities and resources.
Application Deadline: February
8. OxBow (Saugatuck, Michigan, United States)
OxBow offers seasonal residencies on a 115-acre campus near Lake Michigan. The program emphasizes artistic experimentation, collaboration, and immersion in nature.
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Scenic Environment: A serene, natural setting for focused creative work.
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Interdisciplinary Approach: Opportunities for collaboration across mediums.
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Supportive Community: A welcoming atmosphere with shared meals and workshops.
Ideal For: Artists seeking inspiration from nature and an interdisciplinary community.
Application Deadline: March and June
9. Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts (Omaha, Nebraska, United States)
This art residency supports both emerging and established artists, offering large studios and opportunities for community engagement.
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Expansive Workspaces: Flexible studios for ambitious projects.
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Professional Growth: Regular critiques, exhibitions, and presentations.
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Public Engagement: Programs that connect resident artists with the local community.
Ideal For: Artists focusing on experimental projects and public interaction.
Application Deadline: February
10. Headlands Center for the Arts (Sausalito, California, United States)
Set in historic buildings in a national park, this Artist-in-Residence Program supports artistic experimentation and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
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Coastal Beauty: Spectacular views and rugged landscapes.
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Creative Exchange: Dialogue between artists, writers, and performers.
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Public Events: Residents share their works through open studios and talks.
Ideal For: Those wanting nature, community, and proximity to San Francisco.
Application Deadline: May
11. The Studios at MASS MoCA (North Adams, Massachusetts, United States)
Located within a major museum of contemporary art, this residency program connects artists with one of the largest art spaces in the U.S.
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Museum Access: Residents can explore cutting-edge exhibitions.
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Collaborative Opportunities: Networking with curators and performers.
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Flexible Durations: Short-term residencies for diverse career stages.
Ideal For: Artists seeking a highly stimulating, art-centered environment.
Application Deadline: February
12. ACRE Residency (Steuben, Wisconsin, United States)
Situated in scenic southwestern Wisconsin, ACRE (Artists’ Cooperative Residency & Exhibitions) is an artist-run program fostering community and experimentation.
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Collaborative Environment: Group critiques, communal living, peer networking.
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Diverse Facilities: Woodworking, printmaking, ceramics, and more.
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Exhibition Opportunities: Showcase work in ACRE-run shows beyond summer.
Ideal For: Artists seeking a resource-rich, community-driven experience.
Application Deadline: October
13. Atlantic Center for the Arts (New Smyrna Beach, Florida, United States)
A creative community that offers the Mentor Artist-in-Residence Program, where mid-career artists work with well-known figures in music, writing, performing, and visual arts.
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Mentorship: Learn directly from experienced artists.
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Interdisciplinary Focus: Collaborate with artists from different fields in shared studios.
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Fully Funded: Free room, meals, and 24/7 studio access for accepted artists (travel not included).
Ideal For: Mid-career artists looking for mentorship and creative exchange.
Application Deadline: Varies
Whether you’re searching for the best art residency program in America, a retreat for solitude, or a vibrant creative community, each of these programs offers unique benefits to help you refine your craft and expand your network. From the scenic landscapes of Vermont to the bustling energy of Mexico City, these top art residencies in America and beyond can elevate your practice and accelerate your career. Consider each best art residency program in America based on your artistic goals and preferences, and apply by the listed deadlines for the opportunity to immerse yourself in a transformative creative experience.