Winter Residency Program
Penland’s Winter Residency Program provides artists with focused, independent studio time in specialized facilities to pursue creative projects during the winter season.
Funder: Penland School of Craft
Due Dates: July 30, 2026 (Winter Residency Program full application deadline) | September 15, 2014 (historical)
Funding Amounts: Typical residency fee: $500 (2 weeks) plus housing; limited fellowships available; higher fees for specialized studios
Summary: Offers artists independent, focused studio time and access to specialized equipment in a supportive, communal environment during the winter season.
Key Information: Applications open June 15, 2026; program emphasizes diversity and inclusion.
Description
Penland’s Winter Residency Program provides artists at any career stage with an opportunity for independent, self-directed work in one of Penland’s 16 specialized studios during the school's quiet winter season. Residents benefit from dedicated time, focused studio access, and the support of a small, creative community, with no required classes or critiques. The program is designed to foster deep engagement with creative practice, allowing participants to pursue new ideas, develop ongoing projects, or experiment with equipment not typically available to them. Studios are available in disciplines including books, clay, drawing/painting, glass, iron, letterpress, metals, papermaking, photography, printmaking, textiles, and wood. The residency experience is balanced between focused individual work and opportunities for connection with fellow artists.
