If you’re a writer or another type of professional creative, you can find residency opportunities all over the world. Most have requirements that you must meet, but as long as you do, you can get inexpensive or free room and board. Residencies are meant to provide artistic types with the opportunity to work away from the bustle of the every day and, typically, you’re expected to have a specific project that you’re working on.
Not every residency is the same, of course; many have an application process, while some accept only internal nominations. Many have a specific type of creative project they hope to nurture, although others are more generalized. Some are connected with schools, others with foundations. Some have specific programming, while others are entirely self-directed. It’s a matter of finding a residency that is not only in a location that you want to visit, but offers an opportunity to actually get work done on your project.
A residency may not be a good fit for every one. But if you need a little structure to your traveling and maybe just a little help with the expenses, a residency may be a useful way to go.
There are thousands of residencies out there, as well as plenty of directories. The directory maintained by the Alliance of Artists Communities is a good starting point.
