Spain, a country synonymous with artistic innovation and cultural depth, is fast becoming a go-to destination for international artists seeking immersive residency experiences. Beyond its stunning landscapes and rich history, Spain offers a vibrant contemporary art scene with institutions dedicated to fostering global talent.
For artists dreaming of focused creative time without the financial burden, finding a fully funded residency is the ultimate goal. While competition is always keen, several Spanish programs stand out for their commitment to supporting artists through significant grants, stipends, and comprehensive facilities.
Artinfoland dives into five of these esteemed residencies, providing you with a snapshot of what makes them exceptional: 
1. Casa de Velázquez (Académie de France à Madrid)
A Legacy of Franco-Spanish Artistic Exchange
- Location: Madrid, Spain
- Disciplines: Visual Arts, Music Composition, Art History, Archaeology, Humanities, Social Sciences.
- Focus: A prestigious French public establishment, Casa de Velázquez is dedicated to the development of research and artistic creation related to Spain and the Ibero-American world. It acts as a bridge between French and Spanish cultures, offering an exceptional environment for advanced study and artistic practice.
- Funding & Support: This is one of the most sought-after residencies due to its generous funding. It offers fully-funded fellowships, which typically include:
- Accommodation in private studios within the stunning historical building.
- A monthly stipend.
- Travel expenses.
- Access to extensive libraries, research facilities, and exhibition spaces.
- Support for research and production, culminating in exhibitions or concerts.
- Application Process: Highly competitive, applications are open annually, usually targeting early to mid-career artists and researchers with a clear project proposal.
2. Matadero Madrid
Madrid’s Cultural Epicenter for Interdisciplinary Exploration
- Location: Madrid, Spain
- Disciplines: Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Design, Architecture, Film, Literature, Music, Interdisciplinary Projects.
- Focus: Housed in a former slaughterhouse complex, Matadero Madrid has been transformed into a dynamic contemporary arts center. It’s renowned for its open, experimental, and interdisciplinary approach, fostering dialogue between different artistic languages and the public. Residencies here often prioritize research, production, and community engagement.
- Funding & Support: Matadero works with various partners to offer funded opportunities. While not all programs are fully funded, they frequently host international residencies in collaboration with foreign cultural institutions (e.g., embassies, cultural institutes). These partnerships often provide:
- Studio space and access to specialized workshops.
- Accommodation.
- A stipend.
- Production budget.
- Opportunities for public presentations, workshops, and exhibitions.
- Application Process: Calls for specific residency programs are announced throughout the year, often tied to themes or collaborations. Artists should monitor their website for open calls.
3. LEA (Lab of Experimental Art)
Pushing Boundaries in Experimental Art and Research
- Location: Madrid, Spain (with flexible, project-based locations)
- Disciplines: Experimental Art, Interdisciplinary Research, New Media, Performance, Sound Art, Site-Specific Work, Critical Practice.
- Focus: LEA is less of a traditional residency space and more of a flexible platform for artistic research and experimental production. It champions processes over products, encouraging artists to engage deeply with theoretical frameworks, unconventional methodologies, and site-responsive practices. It’s ideal for those whose work defies easy categorization.
- Funding & Support: As a research-driven initiative, LEA often collaborates with universities, foundations, and cultural organizations to secure funding for its projects. Funding can include:
- Project grants or stipends for research and production.
- Accommodation or travel support, depending on the project’s nature and location.
- Access to academic resources and networking opportunities.
- Support for presentations, publications, or exhibitions of research outcomes.
- Application Process: LEA typically initiates calls for specific projects or research themes, or artists can propose collaborative projects that align with LEA’s ethos. Interest in theoretical engagement and a strong research methodology are key.
4. CEAAC Research and Creation Residency (Hangar / Lumbung Press)
This is a specific, cross-institutional residency run by the Centre Européen d’Actions Artistiques Contemporaines (CEAAC) in Strasbourg, France, in collaboration with Hangar and the Lumbung Press collective in Barcelona, Spain.
- Key Requirement: The call often targets individuals who can justify a strong link with the Grand Est region of France or who are affiliated with the French artists-authors system, as the funding originates from French public institutions.
- Location: Barcelona, Spain (hosted at Hangar, with training at Lumbung Press).
- Focus: It supports artists, authors, and researcher-creators interested in editorial practices, offset printing, and the commons. It merges practical training with artistic research, drawing on the philosophy of lumbung (pooling and sharing resources).
- Duration: Typically two months (e.g., early March to early May).
- Confirmed Funding & Support: This is a comprehensive, fully funded opportunity:
- Accommodation: Private room in shared furnished accommodation (La Caseta) provided by Hangar.
- Stipend: A monthly residency grant of €1,035 (Fee: €700 + Living expenses: €335) provided by CEAAC.
- Production Grant: A total production grant of €500 allocated for the project, provided by CEAAC.
- Travel: Round-trip economy class travel from the place of residence is covered.
- Work Space: Access to a studio at Hangar and dedicated training time at Lumbung Press’s offset printing facilities.
5. Can Serrat Residency
A Catalan Haven for Process-Oriented Creation
- Application Process: Can Serrat has several calls throughout the year. Their application process typically requires a project proposal, CV, and portfolio, with a strong emphasis on showcasing an interesting and viable artistic process.
- Location: El Bruc, Catalonia, Spain (a rural village near Montserrat mountain, close to Barcelona)
- Disciplines: Visual Arts, Writing, Contemporary Art, Interdisciplinary.
- Focus: Nestled in a charming village at the foot of Montserrat, Can Serrat is a non-profit association dedicated to supporting artistic and writing processes. It emphasizes community, collaboration, and a flexible approach to creation, providing a calm and inspiring environment away from urban distractions. It’s a place where experimentation and development are highly valued.
- Funding & Support: Can Serrat is celebrated for its commitment to making residencies accessible. They regularly offer full grants and partial stipends through their open calls, which can include:
- Accommodation in a shared or private room within the residency house.
- Studio space.
- Meals (shared cooking responsibilities often part of the community experience).
- A stipend to cover living or production costs.
- Opportunities for critiques, presentations, and engagement with other residents.
Embarking on Your Spanish Artistic Journey
These five residencies represent just a fraction of Spain’s vibrant artistic landscape. Each offers a unique environment and support structure designed to propel your practice forward. While finding a fully funded spot requires diligent research and compelling applications, the rewards (immersive creative time, cultural exchange, and significant professional development) are immeasurable. Start exploring, and let Spain inspire your next artistic chapter!
