Art Therapy Lab International Residency
Designed to explore concepts of “nature” and how creativity positively impacts our mental and emotional well-being, the Art Therapy Lab International Residency is a yearly residency program that invites participants to embark on a journey of self-exploration and community connection.
Led by an interdisciplinary team of creative practitioners, including art therapy, contemporary art, architecture, performance, and movement, our mission is to cultivate a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals can engage with art, connect with nature (in its broader sense), and nurture creativity to improve mental and emotional well-being.
Next open call will be announced in early 2026.
Eligibility
This residency is for adults interested in contemporary art, mental health, and community engagement. Art therapists, art students, artists, and professionals in the mental health sectors are encouraged to apply.
We believe art therapy is for everyone, so there are no prior art skills required to participant and no portfolio needed to apply. It is all about the process, not product. Our only requirement is an openness to make art with your emotions, exercise creative self-growth, and connect with others.
Participant fees for 2026 - to be announced.
Professionals: -
Students: -
Each year we apply for culture grants in order to keep fees lower than comparable programs. Fees include participation in all residency activities, meals, and accommodation.
Location
Studija
Studija is an art space in Kuldīga city, located in Kaļķu Street quarter. By offering space and time it aims to support creativity, research and education in the field of contemporary art and culture. An essential focus of Stūdija is to create a dialogue between the invited participants, local community and international networks.
Kuldīga
Kuldīga city in a Courland region is a small Hanseatic town with a rich culture background and beautiful nature. Known for its waterfall and wooden architecture it has become a popular destination for both locals and foreigners. Recently the city's old town has became part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.
2025 Residency
Our 2025 cohort included art therapists, artists, art educators, and other arts-in-health professionals from various countries, which include Germany, Canada, Japan, Singapore, United States, Latvia, Lithuania, Greece, Netherlands, and United Kingdom.
The 2025 program took inspiration from gardening as both a concept and practice. The theme centered on the cultivation of spaces where needs are met, growth is nurtured, and meaningful learning takes place. Landscape Architect and Urbanist, Ilze Rukšane from Latvia, collaborated as a guest facilitator, leading immersive outdoor experiences that centered on our relationship to plants and connection to environment through natural dying workshops, forest therapy meditations, and nature walks.
Our 2024 cohort included artists, art educators, art therapists, and other arts-in-health professionals from various countries, which include Belgium, Finland, United States, Latvia, Netherlands, Germany, and United Kingdom.
The 2024 program centered on the integration of eco-art therapy, movement, and the positive impact of contemporary art on mental and emotional well-being, aiming to inspire broader conversations about the role of nature in healing and the transformative power of art. Performance artist Linda Bolsakova from Latvia collaborated as a guest artist, leading movement workshops that incorporated somatic practices connected to the environment, mindfulness, and healing.
Cohort thoughts & reflections
Erica Browne (USA)
“It is unlike any other residency experience.”
Gwen Morgan (UK)
“It is a transformative experience that blends creative expression with personal growth, offering a unique space to explore art in a deeply meaningful way.“
Lauma Lejeja (LV)
“I can say that this residency is now the first of its kind on my list of projects I have done so far. Very valuable for me as an artist and human being.“
Kim Fewell (UK)
“I thought I would come and learn a lot but in fact I did that and grew massively in confidence and felt very restored by the experience.“
Gwen Morgan (UK)