Open Call Fall 2025

Associated Residency Program

Essere Residency is a self-directed program designed to encourage the creative and personal growth of writers, artists and creatives of all disciplines at any stage of their career or personal self-expression. Essere means ‘to be‘ in Italian and this residency celebrates the soul of the artist with time and space to be in the tranquility and historic richness of rural Tuscany.

This is a place to pause, breathe and explore. Being is prioritized over doing. In this creative incubator, there is no pressure to produce or perform. We trust that by nourishing your inner life, inspired action will result. Each person’s unique creative process is fostered within the context of a vibrant international community.

Whether you need dedicated time to bring a project to completion, or space to envision something totally new, this two-week residency delivers the right amount of structure, support and solitude.

Days are free to explore your creative vision and share perspectives with artists of different ages and cultures from all over the world. Evenings we come together for inspiring talks by the Artists in Residence on topics of relevance to all, such as Mindset & the Successful ArtistCoaxing the Intuitive Muse, and Authentic Marketing. These talks are followed by a delicious 3-course dinner and wine prepared by our local chef.

Individual mentorship in specific disciplines is available by appointment with the AiRs and residency Director Jennie Lee will be offering personal coaching support and guided meditations.


(*We have very minimal fellowship funding available and it is highly competitive. Please indicate on your application if financial assistance is essential and why. )

Deadline
Residency Length
2 weeks - 2 weeks
Languages
English
Other
Average Number of Artists in Residence at a Time
20
Collaborative Residency
Must apply and be accepted individually
Discipline
Acting
Architecture
Art Conservation
Art Education
Art History
Book Arts
Costume/Fashion Design
Dance
Digital Fabrication
Digital Media
Documentary
Drawing
Electronic Arts
Environmental Arts
Environmentalism/Conservation
Fiction
Film
Fine Metals/Jewelry
Graphic Design
History
Illustration
Industrial Design
Interdisciplinary Arts
Journalism
Landscape Architecture
Literature
Literary Nonfiction
Mixed Media
Moving Image
Multimedia Arts
Music
New Genres
Nonfiction
Painting
Paper Arts
Performance Art
Philosophy
Photography
Playwriting
Poetry
Printmaking
Science
Screenwriting
Sculpture
Storytelling
Textile & Fiber Arts/Weaving
Theater
Translation
TV + Radio
Visual Arts
Writing
Companions
Pets are not allowed
Country of Residence
Open to artists based anywhere in the world
Family Friendly
Spouses/partners allowed for full stay (non-collaborators)
Stage of Career
Any stage of career
Additional Expectations/Opportunities
Donate a work of art
Participate in open studio with fellow residents
Give artist talk or presentation
Teach in studio
Lead workshop for fellow residents
Lead a skill share
Accessible Housing
N/A
Meals Provided
Some meals (at least 2 meals provided)
Residents have access to shared kitchen
Studios/Special Equipment
Shared Studios
Exhibition / Installation Space
Painting Workspace (Oil)
Studios/Facilities Accessibility
Inaccessible
Type of Housing
Private bedroom in a shared housing facility on campus
Shared bedroom
Additional Eligibility Information
  • Application form in English. (Applications submitted in any other language cannot be processed.)
  • 1-2 letters of reference (These will be uploaded directly by the referees into the online portal)
  • A short-form curriculum vitae (No more than three pages in length.)
  • Artist's statement
  • A short description of the project you will be working on while at the residency
  • 1-5  relevant samples of your work.
  • $30 application fee, payable by credit card at the end of the application
Number of Artists Accepted in Most Current Year
20
Total Applicant Pool in Most Current Year
80
Artist Stipend
0
US Dollar (USD)
Travel Stipend/Material Stipends
0
US Dollar (USD)
Residency Fees
3600
US Dollar (USD)
Fee Details

Fees cover:

Lodging & meals 

  • 14 nights private accomodation in historic Tuscan home
  • 11 three-course dinners including wine
  • Housekeeping service twice weekly
  • Bed and bath linens, with a full change after the first week
  • Shared kitchens and living spaces in each of the homes
  • Free Laundry facilities
  • Free WiFi
  • Free parking
  • Tourist tax of 1 € per person per day

Workshops, mentorship & more:

  • 8 craft talks by guest Artists in Residence
  • 6 guided meditation sessions
  • Individual mentorship meetings with the guest AIRs
  • Individual meeting with the Director, Jennie Lee
  • Assistance in finding materials and supplies
  • Opportunity to present your work in progress 
  • Publication of your profile (if desired) on our social media
  • Invitation letter and residency plan to help secure private funding

Studios & shared work spaces:

  • Two independent art studio spaces
  • Abundant outdoor space with meditation benches and wooded walking paths
  • Spacious great room with large fireplace, comfortable antique furniture & stunning views of the countryside. Here we share yoga, meditation & evening workshops. It is also available for personal use during the day.
  • Il Granaio which has a dining area upstairs and library downstairs.
Grant/Scholarship/other Funding Support
0
US Dollar (USD)
Grant/Scholarship/Other Funding Support Details

We have some small fellowship funds available but they are highly competitive. Please indicate on your application if financial assistance is essential and why. 

Application Fee
30
US Dollar (USD)
Application Type
Open application