Look, we get it. As an emerging artist, you're probably juggling a day job, squeezing creativity into whatever time you have left, and constantly wondering if you're good enough to make it. That's exactly why artist residencies exist – and why they're absolute game-changers.

We've spent months researching these programs, and honestly? They're not just about getting free studio space (though that's pretty amazing too). They're about giving yourself permission to be a full-time artist, even if it's just for a few weeks or months. You'll meet people who get it, push your work in directions you never imagined, and come back home with a completely different perspective on what's possible.

So here's our honest take on the European residencies that are actually worth your time.

1. Palazzo Monti (Brescia, Italy)

The real deal: Picture this – you're working in a 13th-century palace covered in frescoes, surrounded by artists from literally everywhere. Since 2017, over 250 artists from more than 50 countries have called this place home for a while. That's not just a statistic; that's a family.

Why we're obsessed: Edoardo Monti, who runs the place, isn't just some rich guy with a palace (okay, he is, but hear us out). He genuinely cares about creating something special. The studios are carved out of these incredible historic rooms, and in 2025, they've added this massive 300sqm space called Fertile. It's like the residency is growing with the artists.

What you need to know: This isn't just about making art in a pretty place. You're learning from Italian craftspeople who've been perfecting their techniques for generations. Bronze work, marble carving, traditional printmaking – it's all there. Plus, the collection is open by appointment if you want to visit first and get a feel for the place..

"In a residency, you’re given the freedom to experiment, fail, and try again—without the constraints of deadlines or expectations." – Anish Kapoor

Photography by ***Irina Boersma*** & ***César Mølsgaard***

2. Villa Clea (Milan, Italy)

The real deal: This one's wild. Architect Matteo Corbellini basically threw out the rulebook on how spaces should work. There are no fixed rooms – your bed might be next to a sculpture, which might be next to someone's dinner table. It sounds chaotic, but it's actually brilliant.

Why we're obsessed: The whole place is designed to keep you slightly off-balance (in the best way). Heavy materials softened by flowing curtains, furniture that moves around, natural light that changes everything throughout the day. It forces you to think differently about how you work and live.

What you need to know: This isn't for everyone. If you need rigid structure and privacy, this might drive you crazy. But if you're ready to have your assumptions challenged and want to be part of something genuinely experimental, it's perfect. Keep an eye on their Instagram for open calls.

3. Numeroventi (Florence, Italy)

The real deal: Florence has this reputation for being all about the past, but Numeroventi is proving that wrong. It's housed in a 16th-century palace that used to be a syrup factory (how cool is that?), and now it's where contemporary artists come to figure out what tradition means in 2025.

Why we're obsessed: They're not trying to turn you into a Renaissance painter. Instead, they're connecting you with local artisans who can teach you techniques that go back centuries, then letting you run wild with modern applications. It's like having access to a secret knowledge base.

What you need to know: This is as much about the city as it is about the residency. Florence will change how you think about craftsmanship, beauty, and what art can be. Come ready to be humbled and inspired in equal measure.

4. Frans Masereel Centrum (Kasterlee, Belgium)

The real deal: Even if you've never touched a printing press in your life, this place will have you creating like you've been doing it for years. They've built their entire program around the idea that printmaking should be accessible to everyone.

Why we're obsessed: The master printers here are legends. They've worked with artists you've definitely heard of, and they're genuinely excited to share what they know. Plus, the other residents come from all over the world, so you're getting this incredible mix of perspectives and techniques.

What you need to know: Don't let the focus on printmaking scare you off if you're a painter or sculptor. The skills you'll learn here will influence your work in ways you can't predict. And accommodation is included, so you can dive in completely from day one.

5. Summer Residency – South of France (August 2025)

The real deal: Two weeks in August 2025 with 50 other artists, all expenses covered, in one of the most beautiful places on earth. It sounds too good to be true, but it's real.

Why we're obsessed: This isn't just a vacation with art supplies. They've partnered with over 50 galleries and curators, so there are real opportunities coming out of this. Plus, you get featured in a professional publication and have a group exhibition at the end.

What you need to know: With only 50 spots available, competition is fierce. But if you get in, you're not just getting a residency – you're getting access to a network that could change your career trajectory.

5. Studio Faire – Nerac, France

The real deal: Sometimes you need to get away from everything to remember why you became an artist in the first place. This 19th-century house in the French countryside is perfect for that kind of reset.

Why we're obsessed: There's something magical about working in a place where creativity feels effortless. The gardens, the light, the pace – it all conspires to help you dig deeper into your practice without the usual distractions.

What you need to know: This is ideal if you're feeling burned out or stuck. The combination of solitude and community (with other residents and locals) creates this perfect environment for rediscovering what excites you about making art.

Here's what we wish someone had told us earlier: these residencies aren't just about getting better at your craft (though that happens). They're about remembering that being an artist isn't a luxury or a hobby – it's a legitimate way to spend your life.

Each of these places offers something different, but they all share one thing: they take your work seriously. They provide the time, space, and community you need to push your practice forward. Most importantly, they connect you with people who believe in what you're doing.

The hardest part is choosing which one to apply to first. Our advice? Follow your instincts. Whichever one made you think "I could see myself there," that's probably where you should start. Your future self will thank you for taking the leap.