Residensprogrammer

Residensprogrammer, or residency programs, are structured opportunities that allow individuals to live, work, and develop skills within a host institution for a defined period. They span fields such as medicine, the arts, and scientific research, and are intended to support professional growth through time, resources, and mentorship.

Typically funded by universities, hospitals, arts organizations, foundations, or government programs, residensprogrammer provide stipends, housing or housing support, and access to facilities such as studios, clinics, or laboratories, along with mentorship and professional development opportunities.

Applicants submit a portfolio, project proposal, curriculum vitae, letters of reference, and possibly an interview. Selection committees evaluate the relevance and feasibility of the proposed work, the resident’s track record, and potential for contribution to the host institution and peers.

Durations range from several months to several years. In medicine, residencies are credentialing steps toward board certification and independent practice; in the arts, residencies focus on creating new work and expanding networks; in research, postdoctoral or similar residencies emphasize collaboration and publication.

Outcomes commonly include new skills, finished projects or papers, and expanded professional networks. Critics note barriers to access, geographic inequality, and power dynamics between hosts and residents, which can affect supervision quality and the inclusivity of opportunities. In Norwegian contexts, residensprogrammer are commonly used in higher education and cultural sectors.