The environment in which artists, architects, and other creative professionals work in, can profoundly shape their creative process and output. Imagine working in spaces designed by world famous architects such as Tadao Ando, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Alvar Aalto, where every detail, from the proportions to the light and the choice of materials, has been masterfully designed. Some organisation actually offer this rare opportunity.
Here are 12 of the most unique artist residencies in iconic architecture around the world:
Exterior view of Casa Wabi in Oaxaca, Mexico, designed by Tadao Ando. Photo by Edmund Sumner
Casa Wabi by Tadao Ando in Oaxaca, Mexico
The Casa Wabi designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Tadao Ando, is a sanctuarywhich combines art, nature and architecture. This residency provides artists from all disciplines with the opportunity to create in a space defined by Tadao Ando's signature concrete structures, natural light and open layouts. With its minimalistic architectural style, Casa Wabi has been designed to encourage both reflection and interaction with the surrounding landscape providing a perfect atmosphere for artists to immerse themselves in creative exploration.
Woning Van Wassenhove by Juliaan Lampens in Sint-Martens-Latem, Belgium
The Woning Van Wassenhove, designed by Belgian architect Juliaan Lampens and built between 1972 and 1974, is a true masterpiece. It beautifully combines the boldness of concrete with the warmth of wood and the precise use of light. The artist-in-residence program offers artists the chance to experience this iconic spaces for periods of one month. In consideration of the historic architectural context, the artistic focus of the art residency is on reflection and research rather than the production of new works of art.
Exterior view of the Muche/Schlemmer House in Dessau, Germany, designed by Walter Gropius. Photo by Uwe Weigel
Bauhaus Residency at Muche/Schlemmer House by Walter Gropius in Dessau, Germany
The Muche/Schlemmer House that was designed by Walter Gropius is part of the Masterhouses built for professors at the Bauhaus School in Dessau, Germany. In this case, it is the double house of the artists Georg Muche and Oskar Schlemmer. The residency program allows artists the opportunity to live and work in the Bauhaus ideas, combining functionalism, simplicity, and craftsmanship with art, architecture, and industry.
Exterior view of the Darwin D. Martin House in Buffalo, New York, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Photo by John Cameron
Martin House Creative Residency Program by Frank Lloyd Wright in Buffalo, New York, USA
The Martin House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright is a prime example of Prairie Houses, featuring low horizontal lines, and flat roofs. The residency program offers artists and researchers the opportunity to live and work on the Martin House campus for two to four weeks. In addition to the unique opportunity to experiencing this iconic American architecture, residents receive a $5,000 stipend.
View of Villa Medici and its historic gardens in Rome, Italy. Photo by Frédéric Reglain
Villa Medici, the French Academy in Rome, Italy
The Villa Medici is a Renaissance villa and architectural complex from the late 16th-century with a 7-hectare Italien garden. It is situated on the Pincian Hill near the Spanish Steps, in the historic center of Rome. It today houses the French Academy in Rome, one of the world's oldest artist residencies. Following the legacy of the Prix de Rome, which was established in 1666, the academy invites artists every year to live and work in Rome for art residencies of up to twelve months.
MAK Artists- and Architects-in-Residence Program in the Mackey Apartment by Rudolph Schindler in Los Angeles, California, USA
Located in Los Angeles’s Mid-Wilshire district, the Mackey Apartments are one of the city’s prime examples of modernist architecture. They were designed by the renowned Austrian architect R.M. Schindler. Since 1998, the apartments have hosted the MAK Artists- and Architects-in-Residence Program, which is run by the Museum of Applied Arts in Vienna. The program invites international artists and architects to live and work in the apartments for six months.
Maison Bernard by Antti Lovag in Théoule-sur-Mer, France
Designed by the Hungarian architect Antti Lovag, the Maison Bernard is an organically shaped architectural icon overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Its bubble-like forms and playful design challenge the architectural conventions, and though encourage artists-in-residence to think differently and break free from tradition. Residents are housed in the independent living quarters that Antti Lovag built for himself.
Exterior view of Paimio Sanatorium in Paimio, Finland, designed by Alvar and Aino Aalto. Photo by Taina Sohlman
Paimio Sanatorium by Alvar and Aino Aalto in Paimio, Finland
The Paimio Sanatorium, originally created as a tuberculosis sanatorium in 1933, is considered a landmark of human-centered modernist architecture and a key work ofthe Finnish architects Alvar and Aino Aalto. The residency program offers artists, architects, designers, writers, and curators an individual workspace and bedroom for stays of three weeks between late May and late August.
The staircases of the Villa Kujoyama in Kyoto. Photo by Kenryou Gu
Villa Kujoyama by Kunio Kato in Kyoto, Japan
Since 1992, the Villa Kujoyama has welcomed French artists and creators to Kyoto as part of research-based projects. Designed by Kunio Kato, the building represents a dialogue between Western and traditional Japanese architecture. Located on a hill on the outskirts of Japan's former imperial capital, the Villa's architecture creates a monastic atmosphere that encourages artists-in-residence to contemplate, focus, and reflect.
Interior view of the open-plan living space at Can Lis, designed by Jørn Utzon, located in Mallorca, Spain. Photo by Anthony Coleman
Can Lis by Jørn Utzon in Mallorca, Spain
Designed by Jørn Utzon, the Danish architect behind the Sydney Opera House, Can Lis is a stunning example of modernist architecture located on a cliff in Mallorca overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The residency program invites artists and architects to live and work in harmony with the coastal environment for periods of 13 days.
Breuer House by Marcel Breuer in New Canaan, Connecticut, USA
Marcel Breuer's 1949 summer house is a rustic modernist cabin located in the Cape Cod wilderness where Bauhaus artists like Walter Gropius and György Kepes once gathered. Today, artists are invited to live and work in the house and experience the its minimalist aesthetic and connection to nature, which provide a serene and inspiring setting.
Exterior view of the Van Doesburg House in Meudon-Val-Fleury, France. Photo: Guillaume Blanc
Van Doesburg House by Theo van Doesburg in Meudon-Val-Fleury, France
The Van Doesburg House, located in Meudon-Val-Fleury just outside of Paris, is an icon of De Stijl architecture. It was designed by Theo van Doesburg for himself and his wife. Today, as an artist residency program, it offers new generations of artists the opportunity to live and work in a space that reflects Van Doesburg's vision of geometric abstraction.
Learn How to Apply for Artist Residencies
Check out our guides to help you build your art residency applications:
- Prepare a strong portfolio of 20 pages that reflect your artistic practice.
- Write an impactful artist statement that articulates your vision, influences, and goals.
- Formulate a specific project proposal that aligns with the residency.
- Provide a professional CV highlighting your education, and artistic achievements.
Note: Always carefully research the deadlines, the eligibility criteria, and the requirements before starting preparing your application.
