Where are the best artist residencies in Italy?

Where are the best artist residencies in Italy?
From the Piedmontese alps to the Amalfi Coast, here are the top 10 spots

By Sara Dolfi Agostini

Apr 17, 2025

When Italians say make yourself at home, they really mean it. The extent to which the country’s institutions, artists, collectors, cultural organizations, and even hotels have initiated residency programs should therefore come as no surprise. And yet, there is no exhaustive listing or centralized network to browse the many opportunities for residencies in the Bel paese. But fear not: Art Basel has compiled a list which, while not exhaustive, showcases some of the most worthwhile opportunities under the Italian sun.

In the medieval town of Biella, nestled at the bottom of the Piedmontese alps, Fondazione Pistoletto Cittadellarte has been offering residencies through the UNIDEE program since 1999. The residency was founded by Michelangelo Pistoletto (b. 1933), one of Italy’s most revered contemporary artists. The so called ‘artivators’ are hosted in the large spaces of a former textile plant, and involved in workshops and community activities that focus on sustainability, ecology, and participation. A similar take, shaped by environmental advocacy and the sea, is the inspiration for the Venice residency program of TBA21–Academy called Ocean Space – a research center and exhibition space created by philanthropist and art patron Francesca Thyssen-Bornemisza. The program has been held in the spectacular Renaissance church of San Lorenzo in the heart of Venice since 2019.

Aerial view of Fondazione Pistoletto Cittadellarte in Biella. Photography by Enrico Amici.

Fondazione Pistoletto Cittadellarte in Biella. Photography by Enrico Amici.

Ocean Space, Chiesa di San Lorenzo in Venice. Photography by Enrico Fiorese.

Both institutions organize open calls, yet also run residencies upon invitation parallel to their exhibition calendar. Located in the picturesque town of Orani on the island of Sardinia, the Museo Nivola operates in a similar way. On the occasion of its 30th birthday, the museum – which honors the Italian-American artist Costantino Nivola (1911–1988), who fled the fascist politics of his native country – is opening a brand-new pavilion dedicated to residents, blending modernist architecture with local stonemasonry. Here, resident artists will be offered both a studio and a home, alongside the unique opportunity to partner with local artisans and learn more about the island’s wild flora.

For a more urban experience, Matteo Corbellini and Allina have recently transformed a body shop near ICA Milano and Fondazione Prada in Milan’s edgy Porta Romana neighborhood into a sophisticated, minimalist venue. Villa Clea features three entirely modular spaces that can become apartments or exhibition galleries as needed, and which also feature a courtyard and storage area. Since 2023, it has hosted international artists who want to research or network in the design and fashion capital of Italy. The residency can last one to three weeks and involves some form of presentation in town, or a local collaboration, such as Jan Melka’s performance in conjunction with fashion house Jil Sander.

Source: Art Basel

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