PADA is an Art Residency & Gallery based
in a post-industrial site near Lisbon.

  • The International Residency welcomes artists from across the globe to live and work at PADA’s post industrial setting across Lisbon’s river. While in residency, artists are provided with the space to deepen their practice and become part of an international artistic community.

    The residency includes a private studio, accommodation, curatorial guidance, tours, technical support and documentation. The periods of residency are typically 1–2 months, allowing artists to engage with the environment and focus on creativity.

    Applications for the second residency periods of 2027 will open beginning next year.

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  • The Research Residency is a program built for writers, curators, researchers and desk based artists who don’t need studio space and want to immerse in PADA’s ecosystem. Residents are encouraged participate in PADA’s activities, and are able to access archives and local resources from the surrounding areas.

    It is an opportunity to reflect, write, and investigate within a rich environment shaped by artistic practice and critical dialogue, offering new perspectives for research and artistic work. Candidates are welcome to apply for periods of 1 or 2 months, aligned with the International Residency.

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  • The Alumni Studio allows past residents to return to PADA and continue their projects, reconnecting with the space and community.

    Artists are encouraged to use the time in residency to revisit ideas, explore new directions, and remain part of the evolving community.

    This is a rolling open call.

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  • The Bolsa PADA is a funded residency designed for artists with Portuguese nationality or permanent residency in the country. This bursary enables artists to dedicate themselves fully to their practice while taking part in the International Residency Program.

    Selected artists have access to the same resources and community as international residents.

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  • PADA Studios with the financial support of Câmara Municipal do Barreiro has developed a bursary for visual artists originally from and/or based in Barreiro.

    Yearly, 3 emerging local artists will benefit from this bursary, attending PADA´s main residency programme alongside the International Residency for 3 months. In addition to all the activities included in the main programme, Barreiro Bursary artists have access to all studio facilities, including an individual studio. At the end of the cycle, later in the year, the 3 artists will feature in an exhibition in PADA Gallery.

    This bursary is focused in supporting recently graduated artists, assisting their professional development. The residency fee is fully supported by Câmara Municipal do Barreiro and PADA.

    Applications for 2027 are now open. Application deadline is the 29th June 2026 and artists will be notified by 10th July 2026.

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  • The Bolsa Odemira invites one artist from Odemira for a one-month residency at PADA. It provides the opportunity to step away from daily routines, access professional facilities, and engage with an international network of peers.

    This focused program nurtures cross-regional exchange, encouraging dialogue between different artistic communities in Portugal and abroad. The residency ends with a exhibition, with the International Residency, strengthening ties between Odemira and Barreiro.

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  • Day to day, I really enjoyed the proximity of the studios to the accommodation. It was great to start the day with a short walk then breakfast and a chat with whoever else was around before starting work.

    Judith Brocklehurst

  • Great, once in a lifetime experience! The way everything was structured, the size of the studios, the communal kitchen: it all made it a great experience. I found it super valuable that the studios were "open" and it was easy to start a chat with the other artists.

    Daan Russcher

  • PADA was an opportunity for me to make bigger work for the first time in a while. BIG studio space and access to facilities in and around the studio, materials to be scavenged and inspiration to be taken from the industrial park. Everyone at PADA is really supportive and professional. Tânia and Tim provide a great framework of tours and events, and then there are your fellow residents to share ideas with and take inspiration from.

    Tom Platt

  • The time spent at PADA studio was nice and fruitful. The opportunity to spend time in the industrial park is a great addition to the space facilities and a true source of inspiration, both for materials and ideas.

    Aaron Inker

Artists in Gallery Crits. Grey floor, white walls.
Artist working with metal outside PADA .
Artists, carrying bed frame down stairs.
Artist painting white gate with red paint. The artist is going up a ladder and is on top of extended cardboard.
Reflection on glass of two people talking to eachother while sitting on a grey table with a brown top.
Artist Studio with paintings and printed images on the walls with a table filled with printed images, brushes, and a ceramic swan.
Group of artists standing out side in an abandoned factory.
Two people standing in a room, with blue and pink paintings on the wall.
Two people working on painted wood.
Group of artists standing next to a train line and looking towards an industrial park.