In an inspirational setting removed from the distractions of daily life, CIAR’s Fall Residency Programs offer 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 wonderful chef.
In 2025, we are offering two Fall Residencies:
Session #1 (September 2 - 9) features painter Amy Bennett as Visiting Artist and coastal geologist Dr. Katie Castagno as Visiting Scientist. Both will give talks open to the community during the week.
New: Session #2 (September 11 - 18) offers the CIAR residency experience with an added Professional Practices focus, with Matthew Deleget as Visiting Mentor and painter Aleah Chapin as Visiting Artist. Matthew will meet with each participant for one-on-one sessions offering guidance on their individual career goals and development. Aleah will give an artist talk open to the public.
Residency Eligibility
Residency Experience Summary
Application Information
CIAR accepts visual artists working in all mediums. 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 accomdations 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
Cuttyhunk Island Artists' Residency offers full and partial fellowships. A full fellowship covers 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 scholarship. **Please note that fellowship recipients will be placed in a shared room accommodation.**
The Open Merit Fellowship is given to an artist based on artistic merit and covers 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 the full residency cost.
The Paul Cuffe Fellowship, named for Cuttyhunk’s historic resident, is dedicated to an artist of color and covers 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.