Artist Residency Madrid Spain

Art residency Madrid Spain – Here is a list of artist residencies in Madrid, Spain. I have ranked them in alphabetical order and put my two cents in. Click on one of these residency programs below to view directly:

9 Artist in residence programs in Madrid

Casa de Velazquez

casadevelazquez.org
Influence: High institutional influence, little market influence
Address: Calle Paul Guinard 3, Ciudad Universitaria, 28040 Madrid
Size: 33 rooms, 17 artist studios
Price: (1) Paid by the host with one year grant: 750€/month + accommodation. Renewable for another year. Only EU citizens are eligible with exceptions. (2) Paid by the artist: single room for 65€/night or double room for 85€/night

The oldest art residency in Spain

Founded in 1928, Casa de Velazquez is one of the oldest artist residencies still operating in Spain. It is both a center for artistic creation and a center for research. It is run by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research. It has included both an artistic section and a scientific section. Finally, Casa de Velazquez’s mission is to carry on creative activities and research relating to the arts, languages, literature, and societies of Spain, Iberian, and Ibero-American countries.

The academic world of contemporary art

Personal opinion: Are you a young scholar with a strong profile in the institutional art world? Are you French and Spanish-speaking? In this case, this is not only the oldest artist residency but also the most generous. Surely it has a lot of barriers such as nationality, profile, short application period and strict deadlines. Additionally, they have a reputation in the academic world, but not necessarily will connect you with the art dealers. If your primary goal is to sell your artwork in a gallery, this residency will not give you your desired results.

Espositivo

espositivo.es
Influence: Fair level of online presence
Address: Calle Nicolás Morales 37, 28019, Madrid
Duration of the residency: 29 days
Number of residency openings: 3 at once
Both individual and joint projects are welcome to be submitted with up to a maximum of 3 people per project. The exhibitions will be organized at the Gallery Espositivo’s new space: Calle de Palafox 5, 28010 Madrid.
The apartment includes three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, a laundry room, a large living room and a bright studio space.

Espositivo 7B Residency Program Includes

Accommodation and studio free of charge
Project mentoring
Media attention
The possibility to exhibit in galleries or other venues
A chance to meet curators, galleries and other professionals in art
Studio visits to other artists
Field trips to local museums, cultural centres and galleries

By the end of the residency, artists-in-residence will offer one of their works (chosen together by the artist and residency staff) created during the residency. In brief, if an artist is selected by a gallery as a result of this residency, he or she is obligated to pay 40% commissions to the residency, 10% to the gallery for each work sold.

Like an agent

If a sale is made by a direct contact of the artist instead of Espositivo’s network, they will keep 10% commissions while the artist can handle the remaining 90%. Additionally, artists-in-residence must include the name and logo in all of their communications, during the period of the residency in order to honor the support they receive from Espositivo.

The gallery-run residency

Mo Li’s opinion: This is probably the only artist residency run by an art gallery in Madrid. So then the gallery may be commercial in nature, but this residency remains free of charge. They are serious about the open calls and selection process – the documents are detailed and logistics are well explained. Besides, they did put on a group show that attracted hundreds of people as they promised. How did I know? Well, I went to the opening to see for myself. In summary, if you want to boost your curriculum as a young artist entering the contemporary art world, this is something you could consider. It gives you an opportunity to discuss in depth with gallerists about your market potentials. However, the Spanish art market is difficult for emerging artists. In this case, don’t have high hopes of selling your artwork during the exhibition in Madrid.

3. Hablarenarte

hablarenarte.com (not secure)
Influence: Some social media influence (Facebook)
Price: Depends on your case
Address: Calle Atocha 91, 1° derecha exterior, 28012 Madrid
Duration of residencies: 2 weeks
This not-for-profit organization is registered in 2001 and its residency is operating since 2010.

The residence program

It aims to promote fine arts and performing arts on both a national and international level.
It has an educational and social focus (school seminars, children with special needs etc).
It offers courses in cultural management and curatorship.

No Space of its own

Hablarenarte does not have its own exhibition space. It borrows space from other organizations and cultural institutions in order to host events.

For Ph.D. candidates

Momo’s opinion: It covers a vast range of art forms, from visual arts to performing arts, to curatorial research and educational programs. Consequently, if you are a Ph.D. candidate specialized in art education, you may want to check them out. Otherwise, if you are a self-taught painter who aspires to be commercially successful, I am sure there is a better fit for you elsewhere.

4. The Hug Platform

hugculture.org
Influence: Little influence due to its size
1 resident = 500€/month (one resident project)
2 residents = 700€/month (collective project)
Duration: 1 to 3 months (From September to June)
Maximum Number of artists resident at one time: 2
Address: Calle Calasparra, 10-12, local 9, 28033 Madrid

Cultural exchange between Spain and Finland

The HUG Culture residency was founded in 2015 by a group of cultural managers. In short, it is a not-for-profit cultural association aims to promote cultural exchange between Spain and Finland. Accordingly, through networking, co-production and, research, it brings Finish creative professionals to Madrid, Spain.

Finish at the end

Ghostmomo’s opinion: Seems only Finnish artists and creative minds are welcome! In its mission statement, the goal of the residency aims to ‘promote the creation, research, education, edition and production in the fields of Visual Arts, Architecture and Design’. However, in a reduced space of 90 sqm hosting 2 artists at most, there is only so much can be done. The location is between the Madrid financial center (also called the ‘Cuatro Torres Business Area’) and the airport, in a quiet residential area. So then it’s good value for the money, probably you can’t find cheaper in Madrid given the location.

5.Intercambiador Acart

intercambiador.tumblr.com
Influence: Relatively low (the website is a Tumblr page)
Price: 500€/month
Duration: 2 to 4 months
Number of artists resident at one time: 4
Address: Calle de Antonio Moreno 21, 28025 Madrid

Intercambiador ACART offers to each artist-in-residence:

workspace in the shared workshop
a room in a shared artist-house
shared tools and your own bike

Bilateral residence program

This residency program is hosted by the cultural association Intercambiador ACART found in 2011. In the first place, it aims to promote exchanges between Spanish and foreign artists. The working language is both English and Spanish. During the residency you will participate in open studio presentations and exhibitions, being interviewed by the local magazine(s), giving and receiving lectures. By the way, the official price of the residency is 1000 EUR but automatically they cover 50% of the cost.

Bang for the buck

Subjective opinion: For better or for worse, this is the most underground bohemian style artist residency in Madrid. Thus, from the pictures, we can assume it is located in one of the ‘naves’ (industrial style warehouses) in the southwestern suburbs of Madrid. It is a bit far from the city center, but this area is becoming trendy for underground artists thanks to its affordable large spaces. So then if you are interested in the Madrid underground art scene and on a budget, this residency perhaps is best for you. Besides, for this price, you are not only getting a place to stay, a place to work, but also catering for events and your own bike during your stay. What else can you ask for?

6. Matadero

mataderomadrid.org
Influence: Strong local presence
Price: Covered by grants
Address: Paseo de la Chopera 14, 28045 Madrid
Duration of residencies: 1-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months
Number of artists resident at one time: more than 20

Large residency space

Matadero Contemporary Culture Centre is a renovated and repurposed space in the south of Madrid. Furthermore, it is well connected by public transportation and walking distance to the trending districts ‘Lavapies’. For the most part, Matadero hosts ongoing cultural events for people of all ages to enjoy, entertain and educate. This residency space, based in a 5000 square meters campus, is open to visual artists, musicians, writers, researchers, curators and creatives in arts and culture.
Besides the residency, Matadero is also home to a creative co-working space called ‘Factoria Cultural’. It’s not a part of the residency but they are located in the same building. Thus, Factoria Cultural mentors creative professionals from all creative disciplines and converts them into entrepreneurs.

The total

The residents have access to working spaces, accommodation for international creators, honoraries, production budget, institutional support, local professional visits, and technical support.

The Official

You know what: It’s official, it’s huge, and it could be very well for free. For instance, Matadero is a governmental Institution, and this residency is a part of it. Grants available cover one return flight ticket, honoraries, and productions, but you need to be ready to deal with local institutions in Spanish. Although the working language is bilingual. Conversely, I can assure you that if you don’t speak Spanish or don’t have your communications done in Spanish, you have very little chance to receive their grants.

7. RARO

esraro.com
Influence: Strong digital presence
Address: Several collaborating locations in Madrid and Buenos Aires
Duration: at least one month
Number of artists resident at one time: 5 – 10
Price: Depends on your choices

Eligible accommodations

Raro has an intriguing name that transmits its concept. It’s short from the Spanish for “Rarely Organized Artist Residencies”. The organization is different from other residencies: you choose least two partner ateliers where you would like to carry out your activities. Then you develop your work in Madrid or Buenos Aires. Afterward, they will give you a budget that covers accommodation and workshop depending on your choices.

Real estate for artists in residence

Mo being subjective: Perhaps this is the only residency that doesn’t have its own workshop. To my understanding, they are similar to real estate agencies – you tell them which kind of space you want, and they will get it for you. Consequently, the main advantage would be its flexibility – you can choose from over a dozen partner ateliers depending on your mediums, techniques and personal preferences. This is an interesting model for both local artist studios. For instance, it has extra capacity to sell and visiting artists who wish to get access to more spaces at this one-stop shop.

8. Roostergnn

rgnn.org/residency/
Influence: Fair social media presence (Instagram)
Address: Calle de Juan Bravo 58, 28006 Madrid
Duration: 10 Nights
Number of artists resident at one time: 5-10
Price: 600 Euros for shared (double) apartment, 950 Euros for private apartment

Nice luxury apartments

RoosterGNN was found in 2008 by a group of journalism students who wanted to develop an App. Back in the days, it was a bleeding edge thing. Today, its goal is to promote freedom of speech and become a worldwide news agency. Although it doesn’t have any fine art school backgrounds, its founders are all in the media industry, intersecting some aspects of visual arts. Plus it has really solid hardwares:

Furnished apartment
Own bathroom
Own kitchen, complete with fridge, stove, microwave and cooking utensils
Air-conditioning

If money isn’t an issue for you ;)

The editor’s opinion: This is the boutique hotel version of the artist residency in Madrid. It is located in a very fancy ‘bourgeois’ area. Most of the people who live in this area pay twice as much as others who live just 3 km away. In this case, if money is not an issue for you, this is the residency may interest you. They have a business plan for their organization. Personally, I would totally trust anyone with a business plan! Ok, just kidding. What I mean is they seem to be organized. However, I bet with all the nice restaurants, bars and boutique stores around. Likewise, you won’t be in the mood for work!

9. Very Private Art

Application page
Influence: Strong digital presence
Address: Calle Ruiz Palacios 23, 28039 Madrid
Duration: 3 – 30 days
Number of artists resident at one time: 1 – 2
Price: Depends on the duration of your stay

Utopy versus reality

Most artist residencies focus on research and contemporary art discourse. But some artists suffer from real life’s problems. In the U.S., 90% of art graduates cannot make a living from making art. Very Private Art Residency aims to tackle this problem by offering tailor-made coaching and career consulting.

The artist’s choice

You can choose the dates you wish to come and set a milestone you wish to accomplish by the end of the residency period. As the only artist-in-residence will receive undivided attention and an hour coaching each day during your stay.

Founder opinion

We came up with this new concept of artist residency because many young artists complained about their financial situation. ‘Starving artists’ is often not a myth or misconception. It is a reality we shall not ignore. So we thought, ‘Why don’t we get artists over to our place and coach them how to make money?’ We want them to mentor their projects on a daily basis and give them the tools to achieve their long-term goals.

Living from art

We would like to be the first artist residency to focus on helping artists make a living from art. way. In this case, if money is not an issue for you, this is the residency may interest you. They have a business plan for their organization. Personally, I would totally trust anyone with a business plan! Ok, just kidding. What I mean is they seem to be organized. However, I bet with all the nice restaurants, bars, and boutique stores around. Likewise, you won’t be in the mood for work!