Playbook
How to apply for residencies
Residencies give artists, writers and makers time and space to work, sometimes with a stipend, housing or materials. Panels select on the work sample and a clear project proposal.
How these are won
- Choose work samples that relate to the project you propose; panels look for continuity.
- Explain what you will do during the residency and why it needs this place.
- Check costs and what is provided: some residencies charge fees, others pay stipends.
Materials checklist
- PortfolioUpload yours, or let Onward Scout draft one from your profile for you to edit.
- Artist statementOnward Scout drafts it from your sourced profile; you approve every line.
A preparation timeline
Counted back from the deadline. Each program guide puts real dates on it.
- 28 days before the deadlineChoose the workSelect samples that fit the call's theme and the project you will propose.
- 21 days before the deadlineWrite the statementWrite the artist statement or project proposal for this call specifically.
- 7 days before the deadlinePrepare the filesExport files to the exact specifications and check rights and releases.
- 2 days before the deadlineSubmitSubmit early and keep the confirmation and any receipt for the fee.
Questions you will meet, answered honestly
What will you work on?
A concrete project with a plan that fits the residency's length.
Why this residency?
Something specific about the place, its facilities or its community that your work needs.
How Onward Scout helps
Onward Scout maps the official form field by field, fills it from your sourced profile and drafts the written answers; you review and tap to submit. If the form stops at a CAPTCHA, a login or a payment, you get a handoff with every field ready to paste.
Open now
- Apply by 9 December 2026Spring Writers 2027Banff Centre for Arts and CreativityTwelve-day self-directed writing residency in the Canadian Rockies with mentorship options; a Banff Centre scholarship covers tuition and part of lodging and meals.CA$1,947 grantBanff, CanadaDetails and how to apply
- Apply by 20 December 2026Yaddo Artist ResidencyYaddoResidency at a historic estate in Saratoga Springs, New York, giving artists a room, studio and meals for an uninterrupted working stay.room, board and studio · modest access grants to offset costs for accepted artistsSaratoga Springs, United StatesDetails and how to apply
- Apply by 15 January 2027Hambidge ResidencyThe Hambidge Center for the Creative Arts & SciencesHeavily subsidised residency in the mountains of north Georgia, USA, with private live/work studios for artists, writers, composers and scientists.$1,950 grantRabun Gap, United StatesDetails and how to apply
- Apply by 10 February 2027MacDowell FellowshipMacDowellFully funded residency in Peterborough, New Hampshire, where artists get a private studio, lodging and meals to focus on their own work for several weeks.Need-based stipends and travel reimbursement grants availablePeterborough, United StatesDetails and how to apply
- RollingISCP International Residency ProgramInternational Studio & Curatorial ProgramStudio residency in Brooklyn for artists and curators from anywhere; apply directly year-round or through sponsor and fully funded open calls.Fully funded via sponsors or open calls (self-funding not allowed)New York, United StatesDetails and how to apply
- RollingSwatch Art Peace Hotel ResidencySwatch GroupThree-to-six-month artist residency at the Swatch Art Peace Hotel in central Shanghai, with one of 18 workshop-apartments; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.workshop and apartment at the hotel · international artist communityShanghai, ChinaDetails and how to apply
Let Onward Scout prepare your residencies applications
Drop in the résumé, deck or portfolio you already have. Onward Scout builds a sourced profile, finds opportunities you can win and prepares each application for you to approve with a tap.
Nothing is submitted without your tap. Logins, CAPTCHAs, payments and interviews stay with you.