As every artist who has experienced a residency knows, it is usually a time when one is more prolific than during a normal daily routine at home.

Our Artist in Residence programs are designed to provide a creative and supportive environment in which artists may immerse themselves in creating new work and expanding their own understanding of their chosen medium.

Pig Prints artist residency programs offer experienced and less experienced printmakers an opportunity to live and work in Milan for a period of time that can go from a minimum of 1 week to a maximum of 1 month. Dates are not predetermined but are nominated by the applying artist.

Artists have unlimited 24/7 access to a workshop fully equipped for all intaglio and relief techniques and are accommodated in a private studio/bedroom next to the workshop. A fully equipped kitchen with all the facilities is available night and day. Wi-fi is available. Bathroom with shower.

 

Experienced printmakers are expected to work independently, but those interested in advancing their skills or in learning new techniques as well as those new to printmaking can make arrangements according to their needs.

To take time out from work in the studio, artists can experience the vibrant cultural city life of Milan, with its year-round museum and gallery exhibitions. The Dergano/Bovisa area, where the studio is located, was once a working-class neighborhood full of mills, warehouses and workshops. Although most of those activities are now discontinued and the buildings have been demolished and replaced, the area preserves a unique post-industrial atmosphere. Many spaces have turned into artist, designer and craft studios. New cafes, pubs and restaurants have opened in recent years besides the many existing ethnic restaurants and the few typical Milanese “trattoria” that still endure. Supermarkets, laundromats and various shops are within a few minutes walking distance.

 

RESIDENCY FEES 2025

Use of the printmaking studio 24/7 and accommodation:

One week (7 nights) € 470 
Two weeks € 900
€ 400 p/week for any additional weeks
€ 60 p/day for any additional days

Working or not working partners are welcome. Working partners pay 30% less, not working partners 50% less on regular fees. Special arrangements for artists who are in a tough time of their life or career may be discussed. Just let us know, we’ll see what we can do.

Printmaking basic materials, tools and supplies are included. Paper, plates and inks are not included but can be purchased at cost.

The resident artist is expected to share the workshop and studio facilities during the day working hours (10 am-6pm, a maximum of three people at a time can use the studio) as well as for the evening events (exhibition vernissages or other) that may had been scheduled in advance.

Instruction and/or assistance as needed is € 30 per hour.

 

Besides our regular residency program aimed at proficient printmakers, PigPrints now offers two new types of residencies. Assisted and Intensive Residencies, both designed for artists who need either partial or total assistance in their daily printmaking practices.

ASSISTED RESIDENCY
Conceived for those artists who want to refresh their skills, want to learn new techniques, or are beginners who want to be introduced to intaglio (line etching, dry point, aquatint, softground etching etc.) and/or relief techniques (woodcut/linocut). The Assisted Residency includes 3 hours a day, 5 days per week of tuition and help covering every aspect of printmaking, from platemaking to print editioning.

Cost: € 780 per week (includes accommodation and 24/7 use of the workshop and the equipment).

INTENSIVE RESIDENCY
For those who want to deep dive into techniques, with PigPrints staff to follow you and introduce you to all the aspects and secrets of etching (and relief print if requested).

Cost: € 1150 per week, with tuition/assistance Monday through Friday 10 am-5 pm (includes accommodation and 24/7 use of the workshop and the equipment).

These residencies are also for experienced artists who want to tackle intensive printmaking projects and need professional collaboration throughout the different stages of their project.

RESIDENCIES WITHOUT ACCOMODATION
Open-access Monday to Friday 10 am- 6pm € 200/week
Unlimited 24/7 use of workshop € 350/week (only possible when no other artists are accommodated in the studio).

Hotel/BnB recommendations can be provided upon request.

 

How to Apply

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with no deadlines or application fees. To apply, please send an email including the following information:

1. Preferred Dates and Duration of your residency.

2. A Brief Introduction about yourself, including a link to your portfolio, details of your printmaking experience, and your current printmaking practice.

3. Residency Type you’re interested in: independent, assisted, or intensive, and whether you would prefer accommodation.

4. Funding Information: Please specify if your residency will be self-funded or if you are relying on external funding (e.g., grants, fellowships).

5. Goals and Motivations: Share the objectives you hope to achieve during your residency and the work you intend to develop here (if you have any specific plans).

Upon acceptance, a deposit will be required to confirm your residency and secure your dates. The full residency fee is due before the start of your residency. We typically respond to applications within a few days. If you don’t hear back within a week, it’s possible there was an issue with your email delivery. Please follow up or reach out to us via Instagram (@pigprints).

Enquire

 

NEW! PigPrints Residency Program for Artists of All Disciplines

PigPrints is now offering a new opportunity for non-printmaker artists to experience our studio. While we have traditionally catered to experienced printmakers, we are now opening our doors to a broader community of creative professionals. For a limited time, we are offering a maximum of two-week residencies where artists will have exclusive access to both our studio and accommodation, 24/7.

ELIGIBLE ARTISTS

• Painters: Our studio provides an easel and all necessary workspace. Artists are responsible for supplying their own canvases, paints, brushes, and other materials.

• Multimedia Artists & Drawing Specialists: You are welcome to bring your preferred tools and materials. We do ask that you avoid using toxic or hazardous substances and equipment.

• Ceramists: While we do not have a kiln onsite, there is an option to fire work at a neighboring ceramic studio. Please arrange this in advance with the studio.

• Writers & Musicians: Our tranquil and inspiring environment is perfect for writers and musicians. Musicians are encouraged to bring their own instruments (excluding large instruments, like a grand piano!).

• Other Artists: If your practice doesn’t fit into one of the above categories, feel free to inquire about eligibility.

Acceptance to the residency is based on a detailed discussion about your practice and how it aligns with the opportunities our space offers.

COST & INCLUSIONS

The residency cost is €700 per week. This fee covers:

• Exclusive use of the studio and apartment (24/7)

• Accommodation

• Basic amenities

Additional Opportunities

During your stay, visual artists can choose to take an introductory course in either intaglio or relief printmaking. This is a great opportunity to experiment with printmaking, regardless of your primary medium. We look forward to welcoming artists from diverse backgrounds and seeing the creative projects that emerge from this unique environment.