Did you know that visual artists can make over $63,000 a year? But they’ll need strong connections and a stellar portfolio to score the top creative jobs. Sometimes getting away from the daily grind and into an artist residency can be the most helpful step.

Read on to learn the answer to the question, “What is an artist residency?”

An Artist Residency Can Be Communal or Solo

Artist residencies provide creative individuals time to build a portfolio of work. And some residencies require engaging with the community through workshops and exhibitions. Others, however, just provide the artist with space and alone time.

When it comes to artist residency tips, a big one is to decide whether you need community or solitude. Maybe you feed off feedback, shared dinners, and impromptu conversations. Then find an artist residency that offers that!

But maybe you need focused time alone. Look for a residency without many participants.

The Length of a Residency Can Vary

No artist residency guide is complete without mentioning that the duration of a residency can vary. If you’re looking for a two-week growth experience, you can find it. But if you want to dive into a year or more of development, you can do that, too.

Consider how much time you can afford. For instance, a college professor may want to apply for a summer residency that lasts a month or two. An artist with other work or family obligations may need to pursue a shorter opportunity.

Some school districts or colleges provide residency opportunities that last a semester. Similarly, some county or state parks offer summer residencies of a week or two.

Look at the Costs

An artist will need to spend time understanding artist residency requirements — and their budget. For instance, an artist may need to pay to ship supplies and work to the residency location. If you’re an artist based in Arizona hoping to complete a residency in Maine, that could be cost-prohibitive.

Some prestigious residencies will offer stipends through a competitive application process. You’ll need to submit high-resolution digital images of your best work and an artist statement. But for fledgling artist residencies, you may have to pay your own way.

Residency Location Can Impact Output

Do you do better in a pastoral country setting or in a bustling city? Think hard about the location before committing to a week or a year at a residency.

A city offers strong networking opportunities if you are able to showcase work via a gallery. And you may be able to pursue artistic projects that require more technical know-how. Check out superrare.com to find good opportunities!

On the other hand, if you already live in a city, a small residency in a natural setting might provide the solitude you crave. Plus you’ll have access to unique geographical features that can inspire your output.

What Is an Artist Residency?

Are you still wondering, “What is an artist residency?” Think of artist residencies as an opportunity to develop a new body of work in a new environment. You can go urban or rural, and you may be able to finance the experience through stipends. For more unique info to get your creative juices going, check back for new articles!