In an inspirational setting removed from the distractions of daily life, CIAR’s Fall Artists' Residency (September 9 - 16, 2026) offers visual artists focused time and a uniquely supportive environment to develop their work. On a small island off the coast of Massachusetts, CIAR hosts groups of twelve artists, who are invited to use the island itself as their studio. Living together in the historic Avalon Inn, the residents have uninterrupted time to become immersed in their creative process. Many use the time to reflect, learn from one another, and find inspiration from their coastal surroundings. Residents build insight and camaraderie as they sit down to meals together, cooked by CIAR's beloved residency chef team.
This fall features Visiting Artists Claudia Keep and Randall Exon, who will join in the residency experience and each give a talk open to the community.
Residency Eligibility
Residency Experience Summary
Application Information
CIAR accepts visual artists at all stages of their career. We encourage applicants who will benefit from nature as a tool in their creative process, especially those who will use the unique natural environment of Cuttyhunk Island as their studios. Our facilities are conducive to artists with a portable studio practice, an ability to work on projects with easy set-up and break-down methods. Artists may also set up temporary work spaces on our large wraparound, covered porch overlooking Vineyard Sound. We also see this time as a way for artists to wander, think, and sketch. The beautiful nature trails and quiet beaches offer a sense of escape from our busy lives.
Examples of work methods supported by our facilities:
- drawing
- painting
- collage
- small sculpture projects (not needing special tools or shop space)
- photography
- video
Residency costs are based on whether you choose a shared or private room. We also offer fellowships to cover or offset the cost of attendance.
- Triple room (large room shared with two others): $1,950 - $2,100
- Double room (shared with one other): $2,500 - $2,800
- Single room (private bedroom): $3,300 - $3,600
CIAR program costs account for:
- Accommodation at the historic Avalon Inn (including all linens and towels). Read more about the accommodations here.
- Meals, which includes three daily meals prepared by our chefs and the transportation of all food from the mainland
- Visiting professionals and residency programming
- Access to Cuttyhunk Island, including the complementary use of golf carts at the Avalon
Please note that participants are responsible for their own travel to and from the residency, including their ferry tickets and luggage ($50 each way + $5/checked bag) from New Bedford, MA. Participants may need to spend the night in New Bedford to catch the ferry. You can read more about travel to Cuttyhunk here.
CIAR offers full and partial fellowships. A fellowship covers up to the entire cost of residency including tuition, housing, and all meals. All participants will need to provide for their own transportation to and from Cuttyhunk, whether or not they receive a fellowship.
New in 2026: The Environmental Artist Fellowship is given to an artist whose practice focuses on nature, ecology, or the outdoors and covers up to the full residency cost.
The Open Merit Fellowship is given to an artist based on artistic merit and covers up to the full residency cost.
The Wellspring Fellowship is given to an artist who is also a parent with a child under the age of 18 yrs and covers up to the full residency cost.
The Paul Cuffe Fellowship, named for Cuttyhunk’s historic resident, is dedicated to an artist of color and covers up to the full residency cost.
Partial / Work-Study Fellowship offers a reduced residency cost in exchange for working up to one hour each day with our wonderful kitchen crew (usually washing pots). Amount of award will depend on the number of recipients.