Welcome to Part 3 of our continuing exploration of artist residencies for ceramic artists! In today’s post we’ll be looking North of the equator to share 10 opportunities in Europe that we think are worth applying to.

With its rich artistic history and vibrant art scenes, Europe truly has a wealth of residency options, and it’s difficult to narrow the list down to just 10! Some of these programs have international reputations, while others are hidden gems. We’ve made an effort to cover the breadth of the region while also including a variety of residency formats, so you can be sure to find something that’s a perfect fit for you and your practice! 

1. Kristinestad Artists’ Residency

Kristinestad Artists’ Residency is a non-profit and artist/volunteer run organization. The residency programme is offered by the association Yelema in cooperation with the municipal cultural affairs office, the local art association Spectra, and crafts association Hemslöjdsföreningen. This program encourages you to reflect on issues and practices that are central to the local and Finnish context. They particularly welcome practitioners in visual arts, and craft and design.

Where: Kristinestad (a.k.a. Kristiinankaupunki), situated on the west coast of Finland

When: Summer season only

Duration: 1 month

Facilities: The Hemslöjdsgården Craft Centre features pottery tools, and a kiln. No specific details are provided, but if you would like to make use of these facilities you must indicate this on your application form. 

Technical Support: Residency hosts and volunteers­ are available for project assistance and feedback before and throughout the residency stay. This may relate your project research, materials, and tools as well as finding contacts locally.

Accommodation: Kristinestad offers various kinds of accommodation, all within walking or cycling distance from the studios. This can include the Spectra building, a recently renovated wooden house, or in a block of flats where you will have a balcony of your own. Some locals also open their homes to artists. The offer varies from year to year, so if accepted you’ll receive a detailed list after which you can state your preferences. In all options, bed linen and towels are provided, and you will have access to a kitchen and a washing machine. Be prepared to share the bathroom and kitchen with hosts or other artists. 

Cost: €600 (~$665 USD), which covers accommodation and studio space as well as administration costs. More expensive accommodation options may be available. You will be asked to pay a caution of €200 (~$220 USD) (repaid at the end of the residency) to cover any damage or loss. You should also calculate costs for art and craft materials, and costs for firing ceramics, if applicable, as well as travel internationally and within Finland. For food and other necessities, entrance fees etc., €500 (~$550 USD) is an absolute minimum.

Expectations: Projects of an individual nature are welcome, but Kristinestad emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge and experience with fellow artists, hosts and the community.

Open to International Applicants: Yes

Unique Benefits: Exhibitions, events and performances (for showing past or current work) as well as skills sharing workshops are welcome. For exhibitions, you’ll cover costs for materials and, if applicable, contribute to costs for equipment, a gallery assistant, etc. A few possible exhibition spaces are available free of charge. 

2. NEST Art Residency

The NEST Art Residency welcomes artists, writers, curators, cultural managers, and art researchers, providing them with the opportunity to live and work in Yerevan while developing individual projects and immersing themselves in Armenia’s creative sphere. 

Where: Yerevan, Armenia

When: Year round

Duration: A few days to up to one month.

Facilities: Ceramic facilities are available, though a full equipment list is not currently listed.

Technical Support: Yes

Accommodation: The residency provides each resident with full accommodation and working space. ICA Yerevan also houses a library, two auditoriums, a full-equipped kitchen and a garden, all of which are at your disposal.The residency space includes two private bedrooms, two art studios, a shared kitchen, a shared bathroom, and a garden.

Cost:  12.500 AMD (~30€/$33 USD) per day;  75.000 AMD (~175€/$195 USD) per week; 260.000 AMD (~600€/$665 USD) per month.

Expectations: You’re expected to share the outcome of your artistic research. The format (presentation, exhibition, performance, screening, workshop, manifesto, etc) is up to you. Additional events or workshops can be organized with the approval of the organization.

Open to International Applicants: Yes

Unique Benefits: NEST offers a unique introduction to the local art scene and networking with experts in specific cultural and/or research fields that are relevant to your project, as well as a final presentation of your research/project results (the format is open and up to you – from small presentation to exhibition).

3. Cerdeira Home For Creativity

Cerdeira offers a remote environment for artists to immerse themselves in for the development of their practice. They offer studios, equipment, and support to develop projects in a perfect balance with nature.

This residency suits those seeking refuge to work on their project individually. The artist residency is open to professional artists from all areas and academics from all professions. It’s perfect for people who value nature, authenticity, and silence, or artists looking for a quiet place to prepare their next personal project or installation.

Where: Cerdeira, Portugal

When: Year round

Duration: Minimum 2 weeks

Facilities: A fully equipped ceramic studio with one of the few smokeless wood-fire kilns in Europe

Technical Support: Yes

Accommodation: Cerdeira’s houses are fully-equipped and have everything needed for a comfortable stay during your artist residency, whether Winter or Summer. All houses have a twin room, bathroom, living room/kitchen, workspace, and a balcony. All have central heating and free Wi-Fi. Sheets, towels, and breakfast are included.

Cost: Yes, email reservations@cerdeirahomeforcreativity.com for details

Expectations: None 

Open to International Applicants: Yes

Unique Benefits: The calmness of the surrounding hills, the comfort and unique charm of the houses, and their magnificent views make it the perfect place to be inspired without interruptions. Partners are welcome, and you are also invited to add a ceramics workshop to your experience.

4. A.I.R. Vallauris

Located in the heart of the old town Vallauris, A.I.R. Vallauris (Artists in Residence), a non-profit association, welcomes artists from around the world to its lodgings and studios to meet with local artists and to research and create new works in a unique setting. A.I.R. Vallauris has welcomed over 400 international artists since its creation in 2001.

Where: Vallauris, France

When: Year Round

Duration: 1-2 months

Facilities: Full ceramic facilities available.

Technical Support: Not stated

Accommodation: Yes, you are provided with a furnished private room.

Cost: 2500€/month (~$2763 USD)

Expectations: Public presentation of work

Open to International Applicants: Yes

Unique Benefits: At the end of their residency, A.I.R. Vallauris ensures each artist an opportunity to present their work or project to the public. Well publicized, these exhibitions and sales are showcased within the association’s Gallery Aqui Siam Ben and The Cabanon. Over the course of a year, several exhibitions are also sponsored in the Gallery Aqui Siam Ben that brings together works created by resident artists relating to a specific theme. International exhibitions with prestigious partners are organized at eminent venues. 

A.I.R. Vallauris also encourages and facilitates interaction between local and international artists. Workshops, conferences, demonstrations, and exhibitions are organized with participation of resident artists and with public involvement. Partnerships with the local School of Fine Arts, local government, the region, and international organizations foster a positive artistic environment, furthering the involvement of and exchanges with resident and local artists.

5. C.R.E.T.A Rome

C.R.E.T.A Rome offers self-funded residencies to international ceramicists, visual artists, and writers, giving them the opportunity to focus on their art, whether it be creating a new body of work, expanding a well-established oeuvre, or drawing inspiration from the surroundings and the centuries of culture that define the eternal city. In addition, artists have access to the wealth of galleries and exhibitions in Rome and beyond. Each resident will have an opportunity to exhibit th​e work produced during the residency period in a final group show.

​​A selection committee composed of artists, art critics, and historians carefully evaluates applicants based on their artistic experience, merit, and project proposal. ​​

Where: Rome, Italy

When: Spring, Summer, and Fall

Duration: 1-3 months

Facilities: Fully equipped ceramic studio with wheels, extruder, and access to electric and gas kilns, with options for reduction firing.  

Technical Support: Yes 

Accommodation: Depending on the time of year. If you are attending the Summer program you’ll be provided housing in the historical center of Rome.

Cost: Email cretarome@gmail.com for details. A security deposit of €500 (~$552 USD) is required to confirm the residency. Firing/materials and other costs will be deducted before reimbursement within 30 days of the end of the residency period.

Expectations: Artists are encouraged to donate one piece to the collection of works of past residents (optional).

Open to International Applicants: Yes

Unique Benefits: A final group exhibition at the end of each residency session allows you to showcase the work produced during the residency. Promotion of the event on social media and e-blasts. And of course, you’ll be based in the heart of Rome, with all of its artistic culture to explore.

6. Strata Ceramics

Strata Ceramics Residency offers studio space for professional ceramic artists, craftspeople, and designers to create and explore new ideas and work. This ceramics focused space gives makers the opportunity to take time to develop new work in a beautiful rural setting. The large open plan, well equipped studio space is surrounded by a large garden which is available to residents for relaxation, writing, drawing, and developing ideas.

Where: Bennettsbridge, Kilkenny County, Ireland

When: Year round

Duration: Minimum 1 week

Facilities: The light-filled studio space accommodates 6 makers and has been designed for a flexible experience to facilitate makers needs, with movable work benches, a variety of wheels, extruder, slab roller, and a range of other studio equipment. There is a space for mold making and the kiln room is equipped with several electric kilns. The studio has a variety of boards, basins, buckets, rolling pins and guides, whirlers/ banding wheels, spritz bottles, cloths, and plaster slabs. Strata recommends bringing your own personal tools with you. They have several clays available and specialist materials can be pre-ordered. Independent working is expected.

Technical Support: Not stated

Accommodation: The house beside the studio was built in the early 1800’s and had a modern light filled extension added in the 1980’s. There are several bedrooms available in the house and you’ll have full access to the kitchen. 

Cost: €260 (~$285 USD) per week studio fee, plus €350 (~$385 USD) per week accommodation fee

Expectations: None stated

Open to International Applicants: Yes

Unique Benefits: Strata is run by established Irish ceramicist Tina Bryne, and is located in a picturesque and peaceful town outside of Kilkenny. The county was recently designated as a World Crafts Council Craft City and Region, so there are endless opportunities to encounter other makers and craft traditions.

7. SkopArt

The Skopelos Foundation for the Arts offers residencies for ceramists, mixed media artists, painters, printmakers, and sculptors. The mission of the Foundation is to promote the visual arts and education in the arts through cultural exchanges. The studio space is a sanctuary for artists to explore, reflect, and dialogue within the unique community created by each cohort of resident artists – informed and inspired by the flora, fauna, and citizens of Skopelos. 

Where: Skopelos, Greece

When: April-December

Duration: 3 weeks

Facilities: A well equipped ceramics studio including 4 Shimpo wheels, medium and small sized Skutt kiln, engobes in various colors, clear and matt glazes, some powdered glazes, terracotta clay with little grog, and a white clay with and without grog. They also provide most tools a ceramist or sculptor would need. SkopArt does not support high fire processes.

Technical Support: Yes

Accommodation: Not provided, though there are local options available.

Cost: $1000 USD

Expectations: You will be asked to share a 5-10 minute presentation about your work during the residency. Each cohort will decide collectively with the Foundation director on the timing of this sharing exchange.The Foundation also asks artists to leave one work in the permanent collection for the edification of future residents and the local community. This is optional for painters. 

Open to International Applicants: Yes

Unique Benefits: With excellent ceramic facilities and a view of the Aegean sea, SkopArt offers an inspiring creative setting with plenty of opportunities to connect with other artists. The foundation also offers two annual scholarships to support exceptional artists.

8. AqTushetii

AqTushetii is an artist colony and festival that fosters the arts, culture, history, and traditions of Tusheti while bringing together creatives from around the world to collaborate, work, and share knowledge. Individuals working in all disciplines are encouraged to apply. Each year, AqTushetii hosts residents from various backgrounds: visual and sound artists, musicians, dancers, philosophers, writers, anthropologists, scientists, and more. 

Where: Omalo, Tusheti, Georgia

When: June – November

Duration: Minimum 21 days

Facilities: ceramic studio with pottery wheel, raku kiln, wood-fired kiln, and electric kiln

Technical Support: Not stated

Accommodation: Capsule dormitories with shared bathroom and toilet are provided. Private rooms are also available in nearby hostels and guesthouses. A light breakfast and two large meals per day are also provided.

Cost: €50/day ($55 USD)

Expectations: Each person who steps into AqTushetii is encouraged to contribute back to the building somehow – the form and shape this takes is entirely up to the resident. This is made possible by the material and human resources available on site. If you want to see something happen: make it happen, and make it possible for others to do so too. The residents of the building are there to help you just as you are there to help them. It is through this ethos that the building functions and produces interesting scenarios and content.

During their stay, each resident should make a presentation/exhibition/workshop on what they are researching/working on.

Open to International Applicants: Yes

Unique Benefits: AqTushetii is a DIY ‘self-organized’ exchange platform. This flexible system tries to resist hierarchy and incite experimentation, in a hospitable environment that fosters autonomy towards each person that takes part. While some events are pre-organised by the co-founders of the residence, most of the happenings of the space/s are decided upon and produced by the residents themselves. 

9. The European Ceramics Work Centre (EKWC)

A residency at EKWC offers creative professionals an opportunity to explore the possibilities of ceramics and to expand their technical and material knowledge. EKWC looks for imaginative work plans, an experimental attitude, and/or a strong concept — something that you would like to achieve in twelve weeks’ time which would not be possible without the facilities or advice of the EKWC.

Where: Oisterwijk, The Netherlands

When: Year round

Duration: 3 months

Facilities: Exceptional ceramic facilities including electric and gas-fired kilns, the largest of which has a volume of 6000 liters. There is also a plaster room, fab lab, extruders, slab rollers, pugmills, and more. Each artist is provided with a large private studio.

Technical Support: Yes, EKWC employs a highly skilled technical team, and you will meet with them weekly to support your project.

Accommodation: Yes, you’re provided a private room with ensuite, and a communal kitchen, all of which are in the studio complex.

Cost: The basic costs for a twelve-week working period (including living and working space, technical instructions, and service costs) are € 23,778 (~$26,287 USD) including 21% VAT. Residents can qualify for an EKWC grant up to € 19,131.60 including 21% VAT (~$21.250 USD) and can indicate on their application form whether they want to make use of this grant. When making use of this grant, the remaining basic costs equal €4646.40 (including 21% VAT) ($5136 USD). In addition to the basic costs, EKWC requires an advance payment of €2000 (~$2211 USD) from each resident for variable costs such as materials, 3D printing and milling, firing costs, and for other services such as transport.

Expectations: None

Open to International Applicants: Yes

Unique Benefits: Offering some of the best ceramic facilities in Europe, EKWC is an excellent place to push the boundaries of your practice. 

10. Guldagergaard

The Artist-in-Residence program at Guldagergaard is an opportunity to work without distractions in a professional environment, to exchange knowledge within the ceramic field, and to start inspirational collaborations in an international atmosphere, while Guldagergaard offers professional support and dialogue with the staff.

Where: Heilmannsvej, Denmark

When: Year round

Duration: 1-6 months

Facilities: Artists at Guldagergaard work in newly renovated studios with access to modern ceramic facilities and to Scandinavia’s largest kiln yard. For inspiration and research, Guldagergaard has the largest studio collection of ceramics in Northern Europe.

Technical Support: Yes

Accommodation: All artists are accommodated in the beautiful manor house from 1910, which has been the beating heart of the center for a century. It houses up to 12 artists at a time. This is an intense experience that all our resident artists say they wouldn’t live without. There is an on-going ceramic dialogue and networking among artists.

Cost: 8,200 DKK (~$1213 USD) /month for a shared double bedroom with shared bathroom; 9,200 DKK (~$1360 USD) /month for a single bedroom with shared bathroom (only if available); 10,200 DKK (~$1510 USD) /month for a single room with private bathroom (only if available). 

Food, firings, and materials are not included in the AIR-price. As an Artist-in-Resident, you get a 75% discount on workshops.

Expectations: Nothing is expected of you except for you to be your artistic self. Your only job, while you are at Guldagergard, is to be creative.

Open to International Applicants: Yes

Unique Benefits: At Guldagergaard the Artist-in-Residence program is the most important aspect of the center. To be an Artist-in-Resident at Guldagergaard means to become part of a wonderful international work environment that stimulates innovation, originality, and the desire to experiment. They focus on creating an educational environment that promotes development and collaboration, and you will always have the assistance and support of their skilled staff.

Our exploration of ceramic artist residencies in Europe has uncovered a spectrum of compelling opportunities, reflecting the continent’s rich artistic history and vibrant creative scenes. This curated list showcases only a portion of the diversity of options available, ranging from internationally renowned programs to hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

From bustling cityscapes to serene landscapes, these residencies not only provide spaces for artistic growth but also opportunities to engage in cross-cultural dialogues and expand the boundaries of ceramic art. If you are ready for some concentrated making time, or are looking to infuse your creative practice with some new energy, apply to one of these residencies today! 

If you missed them, be sure to read Part 1 and Part 2 of this series, where we looked at residency opportunities in North America and Australia & New Zealand. And be sure to come back for Part 4 of this series, where we’ll be taking a look at some exciting artist residencies in Asia!

If you’ve been fortunate enough to participate in the residencies mentioned above, let us know your experience in the comments below! And be sure to read all about The Ceramic School’s very own artist residency in Austria!