Cuttyhunk Island Artists' Residency
In an inspirational setting far removed from the distractions of daily life, Cuttyhunk Island Artists' Residency offers two week-long residency sessions each year. Each session invites 12 visual artists to be inspired by the island's natural beauty, and to develop their work within a warm and inclusive community environment. The artists in residents are joined by accomplished Visiting Artists and Arts Professionals who share their expertise with the group.
P.O. Box 185
Cuttyhunk, MA 02713
United States
Residency Program Information
Residency Program 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 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
CIAR 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 fellowship.
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.
Accessibility
We invite you to let us know if you have limited mobility, so we can accommodate you in a first floor bedroom. The island is easily walkable, however we do offer golf carts to those who need them. The dining and common spaces are on the first floor for easy access.
Most of our bedrooms are up one flight of stairs with no elevator access. However, we do have a couple bedrooms on the first floor reserved for those with limited mobility.
Housing & Accomodation
The community spaces and dining areas are located on the first floor with easy access from our wraparound porch. Artists work spaces are located on the first floor covered porch.
Studio & Facilities
Artists set up temporary work spaces on our large wraparound, covered porch. We do not have traditional studio spaces, but we provide tables and chairs and allow artists to set up indoors or outdoors. We encourage artists to gather inspiration from the unique natural environment of Cuttyhunk Island and use the island itself as their studio.