Artist in Residence Gmünd — an international residency programme in Austria for artists and photographers
Sometimes, a change of environment is exactly what helps artists see their practice from a new perspective. International artist residencies provide dedicated time to step away from everyday routines, focus on creative work, connect with peers from around the world, and become part of a new cultural environment. These programs are valuable not only for the working conditions they offer, but also for the professional relationships that often continue long after the residency ends.
Artist in Residence Gmünd is an international residency program that has welcomed artists from around the world to the medieval town of Gmünd (Austria) since 1993. Over the years, more than 180 artists have lived and worked in the historic town center, developing their projects in a peaceful creative atmosphere while taking part in the region’s vibrant cultural life.
What the residency offers
The program lasts two months and provides participants with a free live/work studio, dedicated workspace, and the opportunity to fully concentrate on their artistic practice. Residents become part of an international artistic community, connect with the Austrian art scene, meet local artists, and present their work in a final exhibition. No monthly stipend is provided, so participants should plan to cover their travel and personal living expenses independently.
Who can apply
The residency is open to international artists working in visual arts, photography, design, video art, and media art. There are no age restrictions. Applicants are expected to actively develop their own projects and take part in the cultural life of the town throughout the residency.
Application requirements
Applicants should prepare:
— a short description of their artistic practice;
— a biography including exhibitions, residencies, awards, and current place of work;
— information about their education;
— a motivation letter describing the project they plan to develop in Gmünd;
— a portfolio link via Google Drive, Dropbox, WeTransfer, or another file-sharing service.
During the application process, artists can also select their preferred guest studio and indicate their preferred residency period.
Why consider Artist in Residence Gmünd
Over the past three decades, the small Austrian town of Gmünd has become a recognized destination for international artist residencies. The program values individual artistic practice while creating an inspiring environment for focused work and meaningful exchange. For many participants, these two months become a turning point, leading to new ideas, lasting professional connections, and future collaborative projects.
The deadline for applications is 31 July 2026.
The results of the competition will be published by the end of September, after which participants will choose one of the available residency periods: May–June, July–August or September–October.
