ARCAthens Fall Residency 2026
Founded in 2017, ARCAthens is a not-for-profit organization offering two Athens Residency Fellowships (Visual Art and Curatorial). These fully-funded opportunities enable artists, curators, and scholars to live/work in Athens, Greece, and be immersed in, and consequently respond to, the ongoing cultural renaissance taking place here.
The program has been recognized for offering meaningful professional exposure and a strong network of curated engagements, including arranged studio and private collection visits, guided institutional access, and participation in select community events.
The Athens Residency is a structured, research-driven program built around a series of scheduled engagements with artists, curators, institutions, and collections. Fellows are invited into a framework developed by ARCAthens, balancing focused visits with time for independent exploration. Distinct from studio-isolated models, the residency emphasizes engagement and exchange, offering an outward-facing experience deeply connected to the local and international art community.
Please click here to see some of the opportunities offered in the previous programs.
Eligibility
ARCAthens values diversity and welcomes applicants from all countries and nationalities, representing a broad range of creative thought and practice.
The Athens Residency program is open to applicants not residing in Greece.
Expectations
The residency is designed to support Fellows within a structured program framework.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the full Guidelines section, which outlines participation expectations and the scope of the program.
Practical Information
Duration: 3 months.
Fellowship Prize: $3,000 USD.
Air Travel: The cost of a basic coach round trip ticket is provided by ARCAthens. Fellows are responsible for purchasing their round-trip ticket following approval of itinerary and cost by ARCAthens. Reimbursement is issued within five business days. In exceptional cases of financial hardship, ARCAthens may arrange travel directly.
Stipend: In addition to the Fellowship Prize, a stipend of 200 USD per week is provided to contribute toward food and local transportation. Fellows should plan accordingly for additional personal expenses.
Application process: No Fee – Open call.
Selection process: By a 3-person independent committee of arts professionals.
Expenses paid by the Fellows: Fellows are responsible for all other expenses, including food, local transportation, and any costs related to the production, installation, or shipping of their work.
Visas: Visas are not necessary for US Nationals for the duration of our program. For others, procuring Visas (as applicable) is the responsibility of the Fellows.
Passports: Ensure passports are valid for the duration of the stay (6 months before and after are encouraged).
The new European Entry/Exit System (EES) will start for all non-EU nationals, travelling in or out of the Schengen Area (https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/whom-does-ees-not-apply_en)
Facilities: Fellows have a private bedroom, private bathroom, and shared kitchen. Fellows are to comply with health measures as designated by operators of the facility. Fellows are expected to maintain the space responsibly, including the mindful use of shared resources such as utilities. Visual Art Fellows are provided with access to a studio space for the duration of the residency.
Number of Fellows in residence at one time: 2
Working Language: English
Application Deadline: Thursday, May 28 – Tuesday, June 30, 2026 (closes at 11:00pm ET)
Notification of Fellowships: Mid July
Duration: Thursday, September 10 – Monday, November 30, 2026