Application for Residency will open August 15, 2024
MacDowell provides residencies that facilitate a balance between focused work and interaction among architects, composers, filmmakers, interdisciplinary artists, playwrights, visual artists, and writers. Residencies average 30 days in length within a range of 2 to 6 weeks. While in residence, each Fellow will have use of a private studio, three meals a day, and living accommodations, sharing their experience with approximately 25 artists during their stay. The relationships formed here spark inspiration and creativity and can result in long-term artistic partnerships. MacDowell distributes over $170,000 annually in financial aid and travel support to approximately one-third of our applicants to cover lost income, expenses, and travel. Our Peterborough programs, MacDowell Downtown and MacDowell in the Schools, provide opportunities for interested artists-in-residence to participate in community activities by presenting their work to youth and adults in Peterborough. Artists may also contribute a sample of their work to the MacDowell collection, available to residency artists in the James Baldwin Library. Donations may also be made to the Peterborough Town Library. Following the residency, MacDowell provides opportunities for Fellows to connect through MacDowell's Fellows Engagement Committee.
Residency Eligibility
Residency Experience Summary
Application Information
MacDowell encourages applications from artists representing the widest possible range of perspectives and demographics. Applicants are accepted on the basis of their work sample and proposed project in seven broad areas—architects, composers, filmmakers, interdisciplinary artists, playwrights, visual artists, and writers—and multiple subgenres. Emerging and established artists from any country may apply. Applicants enrolled in a degree-seeking program are ineligible for residencies, excluding doctoral candidates who have completed all coursework. Please see our FAQ page for more information.
All residencies are offered free of charge.
Artist stipends and travel reimbursement are need-based. One-third of Fellows receive financial assistance. Please see our website for more details.