Illustration Artist Residencies
Complete guide for illustration artists looking for residencies
Finding the Right Program
With 24 illustration residencies listed on Reviewed by Artists, finding the right program starts with understanding your needs. Consider whether you need financial support — 6 programs offer a stipend, and 5 are fully funded with both housing and stipend included.
What to Expect
Illustration residencies typically provide dedicated studio space, time to focus on your practice, and a community of fellow artists. Many programs also offer exhibition opportunities, critiques, and professional development. The duration varies from a few weeks to several months.
Application Tips
Most illustration residencies require a portfolio, artist statement, and project proposal. Be specific about what you want to accomplish during the residency and why that particular program is the right fit. Reading reviews from past residents can give you valuable insight into what each program values.
Top-rated illustration residencies

Residencia Corazón (Corazon)
La Plata, Argentina
Residencia Corazón, located in La Plata, Argentina, offers a dynamic Artist-in-Residence (AIR) program for international artists, curators, and writers. The program provides a fully personalized experience for each participant, offering support in navigating the local arts scene, research, production, and post-production of works. Artists, writers, and curators from all disciplines are welcome, and residencies are available with or without exhibition opportunities. The residency offers accommodations in private rooms, access to studio spaces, and curated networking with local artists and institutions. While the residency does not offer financial support, it assists artists applying for grants in their home countries by providing necessary documents. Residencia Corazón offers a vibrant space for creative exploration and engagement in Argentina’s cultural scene.

The Ou Gallery
Vancouver Island, Canada
The Ou Gallery is a gorgeous and intimate place to nurture your creative rest and renewal. Artists and writers have 24-hour access to their own designated studio in a 100 year-old boat-building workshop and a thoughtfully appointed private bedroom in a shared suite with a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom. Our Great Room, with its modern fireplace, original fir floors, 12’ ceilings and huge windows overlooking a creek fed by Mount Swuq'us (and frequented by herons and owls) is a perfect spot to unwind and connect with other creatives after a full day in the studio. Located in the Quw'ustun Valley, in the heart of Vancouver Island, a stunning, nature-filled place. Come here to decompress, gather new inspiration alongside like-minded artists and devote space and time to your work. There is no fee to apply. Residencies are two or four weeks long. See website for details: www.theougallery.com.

SIM Residency (SÍM Residency)
Reykjavik, Iceland
The SÍM Residency, an initiative of SÍM - The Association of Icelandic Visual Artists, stands as a beacon of artistic growth and cultural immersion in Reykjavik, Iceland. Founded by SÍM, Iceland's largest organization for professional artists, the residency upholds the association’s commitment to enhancing artists' livelihoods and rights. Evolving from a modest apartment to a hub hosting international artists, it has become Reykjavik's most established and inspirational artist residency. With locations at Seljavegur in the bustling city center and Korpúlfsstaðir on the serene outskirts, the residency offers diverse environments for artistic work, housing around 70 studios including specialized facilities for Textiles, Ceramics, and Printmaking. This setup fosters a dynamic and collaborative community, enabling artists to engage deeply with their practice. SÍM Residency’s commitment to international exchange is evident in its numerous partnerships across Europe, promoting a global artistic dialogue and collaboration. Participating artists benefit from a range of programs, including public events and solo exhibitions, while also enjoying privileged access to Reykjavik’s prominent cultural institutions through the SÍM Guest Artist card.

Helene Wurlitzer Foundation (HWF)
Taos, United States
The Helene Wurlitzer Foundation (HWF) is a private, non-profit organization that has been supporting the arts since 1954. Located on a fifteen-acre campus in Taos, New Mexico, HWF offers one of the oldest artist residency programs in the USA. The Foundation provides three months of rent-free and utility-paid housing to visual artists, literary artists, and music composers from around the world. The campus consists of eleven fully furnished casitas, each tailored to the specific needs of different types of artists. The Foundation’s mission is to support the artist and the creative process, offering a peaceful setting for artists to pursue their work without imposed expectations or quotas. Applications are reviewed by a committee of professionals in various artistic disciplines, ensuring a diverse and enriching residency experience.

Mudhouse Residency
Agios Ioannis, Greece
The Mudhouse Residency, situated in the serene village of Agios Ioannis on Crete, Greece, is a haven for artists seeking inspiration from the stunning natural environment, solitude for creative growth, an artistic community for enriching professional practices, and a deep cultural immersion in a region with a rich historical background. Founded in 2015, the Mudhouse is now in its eighth year and offers three two-week sessions each summer to a diverse, multicultural, and multi-generational group of international contemporary artists. The residency welcomes artists from various disciplines, including visual arts, writing, music, and performance, fostering dialogues across traditional boundaries. Participants are invited to share their work with fellow residents through presentations and to partake in a closing exhibition that integrates the local historical and natural scenery. The Mudhouse is distinct for its commitment to affordability and diversity, achieved through the support of individual donors and foundations, which allows the provision of both full and partial fellowships determined by a competitive, juried process based on merit and financial need. The residency fee covers accommodations, as well as lunch and dinner served daily, with artists encouraged to explore Crete's rich landscape and historical sites.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a illustration artist residency?
A illustration artist residency provides dedicated time, studio space, and resources for artists working in illustration. Programs typically include accommodation, a supportive community, and sometimes stipends, allowing you to focus entirely on developing new work.
How many illustration residencies are there?
We list 24 illustration artist residencies on Reviewed by Artists. 6 offer a stipend and 5 are fully funded.
How do I apply to a illustration residency?
Most illustration residencies accept applications through their own website. You'll typically need a portfolio, project proposal, and CV. Application deadlines vary — some have rolling admissions while others have annual cycles. Read reviews from past residents to understand what each program is looking for.
What should I look for in a illustration residency?
Key factors include studio space suited to illustration practice, access to materials and equipment, the community of fellow artists, location, duration, and financial support. Our reviews cover all of these aspects to help you find the right fit.
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