Top Artist Residencies in North Carolina
For many artists, quiet, natural settings can provide the perfect environment conducive to art making. That’s why we decided to put together a list of seven artist residencies in beautiful locations all across North Carolina, USA. The state of North Carolina is known for its breathtaking mountains and lush forests, which prove to be inspiring locations for artists.
Whether you're looking to deepen your artistic practice or seeking new collaboration opportunities, you’ll find the top artist residencies in North Carolina here.
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Currently Accepting Applications
Ready to apply? These artist residencies in North Carolina are accepting applications right now. Be sure to check the deadlines, as many programmes only open once or twice a year.
Wildacres Retreat | Wildacres Artist-in-Residence
Wildacres Retreat hosts hundreds of writers, artisans, and musicians. Participants in the program stay in one of three self-catering cabins located just a quarter-mile beyond the retreat entrance. Each year for one-week residencies from April through October. Residents are able to work in such a secluded, natural setting provides them with an unparalleled opportunity to step away from outside distractions and completely focus on their work.
Location: Little Switzerland, NC
Rewards: Fully funded, accommodation, production, and more
Image: Wildacres Retreat
Artspace | North Carolina Emerging Artists in Residence
Since 2000, Artspace has provided emerging visual artists with time and space to explore their work in a supportive and thriving open studio environment in our historic building at the heart of downtown Raleigh. Every year, Artspace selects up to two artists in an emerging stage of their professional careers to participate in this year-long residency.
Location: Raleigh, NC
Rewards: Accommodation, studio, stipend, and more
Image: Artspace
PLAN AHEAD
Coming Back Soon
These open calls return annually and are well worth bookmarking.
Trillium Arts | Residencies & Fellowships
Trillium Arts envisions an artist residency center where artists of many disciplines can find a creative home away from home, offering secluded space for rejuvenation in a beautiful, remote setting in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Their current facilities are best suited to the disciplines of literary arts, photography, visual arts, and arts administration, a range of paid residencies and funded fellowships are available.
Applications will likely reopen in April, stay updated via their ArtConnect profile.
Location: Mars Hill, NC
Facilities: Accommodation, production, and more
Image: Trillium Arts
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McColl Center for Art + Innovation is a nationally acclaimed artist residency and contemporary art space in Charlotte, North Carolina. McColl Center houses individual artist studios, more than 5,000 square feet of exhibition space, and multiple common-use spaces, including wood, sculpture, ceramic, printmaking, media, and 3D labs. They invite artists to take risks in their processes and explore their ideas within the context of Charlotte and the visiting public to connect with contemporary art and artists through exhibitions and public programs.
Applications will likely reopen in the Spring, stay updated via their ArtConnect profile.
Location: Charlotte, NC
Rewards: Accommodation, stipend, exhibition, and more
Image: McColl Center
Penland offers five residency and fellowship programs to provide artists with time, space, and community for creative exploration and experimentation. Varying in length and in content, these programs are structured to serve artists with different needs and at different stages in their careers.
Stay updated about upcoming deadlines via their ArtConnect profile.
Location: Penland, NC
Rewards: Accommodation, production, and more
Image: Penland School of Craft
Sawtooth School for Visual Art | Year-Long Artists-in-Residence
Sawtooth’s residencies prioritize self-exploration and personal growth while also providing support for professional development, including possible teaching and exhibition opportunities.
Applications for our 2027-2028 residencies in ceramics, printmaking, and woodworking will open in February 2027. Stay updated about upcoming deadlines via their ArtConnect profile.
Location: Winston-Salem, NC
Rewards: Studio, materials at cost, teaching opportunities, and more
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