Fall 2026 Artist Residency in a Medieval Water Mill

Organizer

Le Moulin de la Barde

Fall 2026 Artist Residency in a medieval water mill Deadline: 20 Aug 2026 Country: France Our residency is designed for artists seeking focus, solitude, and deep immersion in their practice. We intentionally host only 1 to 3 artists at a time, creating a calm and uncluttered environment where each resident can fully engage with their work without distraction. Unlike more communal programs, we do not organize shared dinners or group activities. Solitude is a key element of our philosophy. Each artist lives and works independently, while still having access to shared creative spaces if and when they choose. Each resident is accommodated in a private, fully equipped 120 m² duplex apartment, offering both comfort and autonomy throughout their stay. Artists also enjoy free and unlimited access to our two studios, which are the only shared spaces on site and can be used flexibly according to individual working rhythms. We are located in a small village in the South-West of France, in the Périgord Noir region, an area renowned for its extraordinary historical richness. Often referred to as one of the “cradles of humanity,” this region has been continuously inhabited since prehistoric times and is filled with caves, medieval villages, and remarkable heritage sites. The residency takes place in a restored 11th-century water mill, surrounded by nature, offering a peaceful and inspiring setting. At the same time, the village center with shops and everyday amenities is just a 10-minute walk away, allowing for both retreat and convenience. We provide bicycles to help residents move around locally. However, we recommend arriving by car, as the region is full of stunning landscapes and cultural sites that are more easily accessible with one. We are a fully independent, artist-run residency, and we strive to keep our fees as accessible as possible. As artists ourselves, we understand how essential it is to have opportunities to experience new environments, cultures, and perspectives in order to nourish and expand one’s creative practice. If you are looking for a place that values introspection, independence, and meaningful connection to your work, our residency offers the ideal setting. Duration of residency Residencies typically last between 2 and 8 weeks. Accommodation Artists stay in private accommodation. Each resident is hosted in a fully equipped 120 m² duplex apartment, offering both comfort and complete independence. Each apartment includes a kitchen, living area, bedroom, and bathroom, and has been carefully renovated to preserve the character of the historic building while providing modern comfort. All apartments have their own private entrance, and residents are given individual keys to both their accommodation and the studios, allowing for complete autonomy throughout their stay. The apartments also provide ample space to set up a personal work area if desired, making it possible to work in privacy outside of the shared studios. We are attentive to ecological practices and aim to use resources responsibly. The property is equipped with solar panels for electricity and hot water, and we are particularly happy to welcome artists who share a similar sensitivity to these concerns. Disciplines, work equipment and assistance We welcome a wide range of visual artists, including painters, photographers, and mixed-media practitioners. Our facilities are also well suited for textile artists, with access to two horizontal looms and two vertical looms, allowing for various weaving practices. For sculptors, we offer a dedicated studio equipped with a broad selection of machines and tools, supporting different approaches and materials. In addition, our peaceful setting is particularly conducive to writing and research-based practices. Each resident’s private duplex apartment provides ample space to set up a personal workstation and work in complete privacy. While we offer well-equipped studios and comfortable living spaces, our residency emphasizes autonomy: artists are free to organize their time and process independently within an environment designed to support focus and creativity. For artists interested in sharing their work, we are happy to organize an informal presentation or exhibition with the local community at the end of the residency. This is entirely optional and shaped in dialogue with the artist. We are also in the process of developing connections with local galleries, with the aim of creating future exhibition opportunities for residents who wish to pursue them.Studio / Workspace Artists have access to two shared studios, each designed to support different types of practices. The main studio is a large and bright space, equipped with big working tables, various types of easels, shelves, and a wall area suitable for working or displaying pieces in progress. It is well suited for painting, drawing, photography, and other visual practices. In addition, there is a dedicated sculpture studio, equipped with several worktables and a wide range of machines and tools for working with materials such as wood or metal. Both studios are shared spaces, accessible at all times, and can be used freely according to each artist’s rhythm and needs.Fees and support As a fully independent residency, we do not receive public or private funding and operate entirely on self-generated resources. Our fees may vary depending on the duration of the stay and specific needs. For detailed and up-to-date information, we invite you to visit our website www.lemoulindelabarde.com and download the price brochure available in the artist residency section. Artists who wish to apply for external funding are welcome to do so. We are happy to provide an official invitation letter to support their application. Expectations towards the artist There is no obligation for artists to give a talk, exhibition, or workshop during their residency. We value autonomy and respect each artist’s individual process and rhythm. Residents are free to remain fully focused on their work without any expectation of public engagement. However, for those who wish to share their work, we are happy to organize an informal presentation or exhibition at the end of the residency in connection with our local community. This is entirely optional and developed in dialogue with the artist. We are also working on building connections with local galleries, with the aim of creating exhibition opportunities for residents who would like to pursue them. Application information To apply, please send an email to contact@lemoulindelabarde.com including the following elements: - A short introduction of yourself and your practice - A portfolio of your work - A brief statement explaining why you are interested in this residency - A description of the project you wish to develop during your stay - Your preferred dates and length of residency Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Our selection process is based on the quality of the work, the relevance of the proposed project, and the applicant’s interest in the specific context of the residency. We aim to respond within a reasonable timeframe after receiving your application.

Entry fee

Fee-free

Eligibility

Visual artists across multiple disciplines; no stated nationality or career-stage restrictions