RESIDENCY AT WACKERS ACADEMIE, AMSTERDAM
Invitation to Apply – Wackers Academie Artist Residency
A new collaboration between Schoolhouse for Art (Ireland) & Wackers Academie (Amsterdam)
We are excited to announce the launch of our first-ever joint artist residency! For the first time, Schoolhouse for Art and Wackers Academie have partnered to offer artists a unique week of creative freedom in the heart of Amsterdam.
Residency Dates (2026)
Three week options to choose from:
Week 1: July 20 – 26 (6 nights, Monday–Saturday)
Week 2: July 27 – August 1 (6 nights, Monday–Saturday)
Week 3: August 3 – 8 (6 nights, Monday–Saturday)
What We Offer
Full creative freedom – make whatever inspires you
Private apartment (second floor, no lift) with private shower & kitchen
Private access to empty classrooms with easels, still-life props & lamps
Work & stay alone in the academy after office hours
Quiet, central location in Amsterdam West – walking distance to shops, cafés, bars, and 25 mins from the Rijksmuseum
Cost
€850 per week - one artist (6 nights)
€1400 per week - two persons sharing (twin beds available)
Who Should Apply
Artists working in any medium who value uninterrupted studio time in a historic, supportive art academy setting. The person sharing does not have to be a practising artist and can be attending for company to the artist in residence.
How to Apply
Send a motivation letter including what your aspirations during the residency would be to lana@schoolhouseforart.com
Schoolhouse for Art will handle all applications.
About the Wackers Academy
The Wackers Academy is an educational institution for figurative art and exists for more than 40 years. It offers multi-year programs as well as a wide range of short courses where everyone can learn to draw, paint, and sculpt. The academy is located in Amsterdam West, at the Eerste Helmersstraat 271, 1054 DZ. It's a calm street where shops, bars and cafe's are on walking distance. The Rijksmuseum is a 25 min walk.
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Residency Periods (2026):
Week 1: July 20 – July 26 (6 nights, Monday–Saturday)
Week 2: July 27 – August 1 (6 nights, Monday–Saturday)
Week 3: August 3 – August 8 (6 nights, Monday–Saturday)
Location: Wackers Academy, Eerste Helmersstraat 271, 1054 DZ, Amsterdam West
Application Deadline: June 1, 2026
1. Eligibility
The residency is open to emerging and established visual artists working in figurative art or related disciplines. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
2. Application Process
To apply, send a motivation letter (max 1 page) to lana@schoolhouseforart.com
Applications are reviewed by Schoolhouse for Art.
Selected artists will be notified within 2 weeks after the deadline.
Upon acceptance, a 50% deposit is required to secure the booking. The remaining 50% is due no later than 30 days before the residency start date.
3. Fees and Inclusions
Cost per week: €850 (one artist) €1400 (two persons sharing)
Included:
6 nights of private accommodation (Monday–Saturday)
Private shower and kitchenette
Access to empty classrooms with easels, still-life props, and lamps
24/7 sole working and living access to the academy (evenings and nights)
Creative freedom to work in any medium or style
Not included:
Art materials (canvases, paint, brushes, etc.)
Meals and groceries
Transportation to/from Amsterdam
Travel or health insurance (mandatory for all residents)
4. Accommodation & Facilities
The apartment is on the second floor with no lift. Artists must be able to carry their own luggage and materials up the stairs.
Artists are responsible for leaving the apartment clean and tidy upon departure on Saturday.
During office hours (approx. 9:00–17:00, Monday–Friday), Wackers Academy employees work on the first floor. The second floor and classrooms remain reserved for the artist’s private use.
Shared areas (hallways, stairwells) must be kept clear.
5. Rules and Conduct
No guests or overnight visitors unless approved in writing by Wackers Academy in advance.
No smoking inside the building.
No pets allowed.
Artists must respect the building, equipment, and props. Any damage must be reported immediately and may result in additional charges.
Quiet hours: 23:00 – 08:00 (out of respect for neighbors and staff).
The academy is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal belongings or artwork. Artists are strongly advised to arrange their own insurance.
6. Cancellation Policy
If the artist cancels more than 60 days before the residency start date: full refund minus €50 administration fee.
If the artist cancels 31–60 days before: 50% refund.
If the artist cancels 30 days or less before: no refund.
If Wackers Academy or Schoolhouse for Art cancels the residency week for any reason (e.g., force majeure, building issues), a full refund will be issued, but no additional compensation will be provided.
7. Liability
Artists participate at their own risk. Wackers Academy and Schoolhouse for Art are not liable for:
Injury, loss, or damage to person or property
Theft or loss of artwork
Delays or changes due to travel disruptions, illness, or personal circumstances
8. Code of Conduct & Termination
The residency is a professional, safe, and respectful environment. Wackers Academy reserves the right to immediately terminate the residency without refund if an artist:
Engages in illegal activity
Harasses staff, neighbors, or others
Causes serious damage to the building or equipment
Violates the no-smoking or no-guest policies repeatedly
9. Publicity & Use of Work
By applying, artists agree that Wackers Academy and Schoolhouse for Art may:
Share the artist’s name, residency period, and a selection of submitted work images for promotional purposes (social media, website, newsletter)
Request one high-resolution image of work created during the residency for archive and non-commercial promotion
Artists retain full copyright of their work.
10. Acceptance of Terms
Applying for the residency constitutes acceptance of these Terms and Conditions. Wackers Academy and Schoolhouse for Art reserve the right to update these terms before the contract is signed. Selected artists will receive a formal residency agreement to sign.