MacDowell Fellowship

Eastman and Firth Studios

Eastman and Firth Studios

James Baldwin Library glows in the early evening light

James Baldwin Library glows in the early evening light

Artists-in-residence enjoying dinner

Artists-in-residence enjoying dinner

The Evelyn Steffanson Nef Studio on a bright snowy day

The Evelyn Steffanson Nef Studio on a bright snowy day

Delta Omicron Studio

Delta Omicron Studio

Heinz Studio on a snowy night

Heinz Studio on a snowy night

MacDowell Fellowship

Peterborough, NH, United States

MacDowell is an artist residency program located in the rural environment in Peterborough, New Hampshire.  Artists-in-residence need to be comfortable with a degree of solitude and disconnection from the outside world. Studios are comfortably furnished with the artists’ needs in mind. A MacDowell Fellowship consists of exclusive use of a studio, accommodations, and three prepared meals a day for two to six weeks. There are no residency fees. Artists are responsible for materials and travel expenses. MacDowell encourages applications from artists representing the widest possible range of perspectives and demographics. 

Since its founding in 1907, MacDowell has imbued its spaces with a deep and abiding respect for artists and their creative work. In the 21st century, this fundamental kindness is sustained by the curiosity, generosity, and goodwill circulating within the resident community.

While MacDowell may be thought of as a place apart from the world, the resident population will always be comprised of individuals who are of the world. MacDowell strives to offer ideal working conditions for artists within a joyful and mutually supportive environment. Consistent with that mission, all Fellows are obliged to adopt the community agreement as a condition of accepting a Fellowship. Doing so will help ensure that all Fellows may participate in the enriching exchange that has given rise to countless friendships and collaborations.

Contact

100 High Street
Peterborough, NH 03458-2442
United States

Year Founded
1907
Context
Rural
Residency Structure
Stand-alone
Residency Program Type
Studio-based (with housing)
Residency Length
10 days - 6 weeks
Languages
English
Average Number of Artists in Residence at a Time
24
Collaborative Residency
Must apply and be accepted individually
Discipline
Animation
Architecture
Augmented Reality
Choreography
Documentary
Drawing
Fiction
Film
Illustration
Installation Arts
Interdisciplinary Arts
Journalism
Landscape Architecture
Literature
Literary Nonfiction
Mixed Media
Multimedia Arts
Music
Nonfiction
Opera
Painting
Paper Arts
Performance Art
Photography
Playwriting
Poetry
Printmaking
Screenwriting
Sculpture
Sound Art
Symphony
Textile & Fiber Arts/Weaving
Theater
Translation
Virtual Reality
Visual Arts
Woodworking
Writing
Companions
Pets are not allowed
Country of Residence
Open to artists based anywhere in the world
Family Friendly
Residents granted leave during residency
Stage of Career
Emerging
Mid-career
Established
Additional Expectations/Opportunities
N/A
How does your residency program support artists?
Opportunity to be in another context
Immersion in new culture and/context
Unstructured time
Access to studio space to create new work
Inspiration from natural environment
Opportunities to collaborate with other artists/residents
Opportunities to develop relationships with other artists/residents
Additional Eligibility Information

MacDowell accepts applications from artists working in the following disciplines: architecture, film/video arts, interdisciplinary arts, literature, music composition, theatre, and visual arts. The sole criterion for acceptance is artistic excellence, which MacDowell defines in a pluralistic and inclusive way. MacDowell encourages applications from artists representing the widest possible range of perspectives and demographics, engaging in the broadest spectrum of artistic practice, and investigating an unlimited array of inquiries and concerns. To that end, MacDowell welcomes artists of all ages and in all stages of their artistic practice to apply. Applicants cannot be enrolled in a degree-seeking program during the residency season for which they are applying. Doctoral candidates who have completed all coursework may apply.

Number of Artists Accepted in Most Current Year
275
Total Applicant Pool in Most Current Year
4600
Artist Stipend
Travel Stipend/Material Stipends
Residency Fees
0
US Dollar (USD)
Fee Details

There are no residency fees.  Accepted artists are responsible for materials and travel expenses. Stipends and travel reimbursement grants are available to accepted artists based on demonstrated financial need. Please see Grant/Scholarship/Other Funding Support Details for more information.

Grant/Scholarship/other Funding Support
Grant/Scholarship/Other Funding Support Details

There is no cost for a MacDowell Fellowship, but to open the residency to the broadest possible community of artists, MacDowell offers financial assistance programs to those who have been awarded a Fellowship. These programs are intended to help with or cover the costs of traveling to and from MacDowell, as well as expenses that artists expect to incur while in residence, including rent, lost income, and childcare.

Artists may apply for stipends and travel grants only if they are awarded a MacDowell Fellowship; and funding is awarded based on demonstrated financial need. Applications for financial assistance, which are made available as part of the confirmation of acceptance to MacDowell, are kept confidential. Financial assistance funds are disbursed during or shortly after a residency. Artists of all disciplines are eligible to apply.

Application Fee
30
US Dollar (USD)
Application Type
Open application
What does your program provide during the residency experience?
Pre-orientation
Manual / handbook before arrival
Communication before arrival to discuss accommodations, medical conditions, or other health needs
Orientation upon arrival
Written and or hard copies of text being presented
Staff/volunteer giving directions
Staff/volunteer providing guidance to help locate facilities or activities
Is your campus wheelchair accessible?
Partially Accessible
Caregiver/Aide/PCA
Case by case consideration by staff
Accessibility Contact Name
Julie Hamel
Accessibility Contact Email
jhamel@macdowell.org
Accessibility Contact Phone Number
Other Services/Aids Offered in Residency + Other Programming

For more information, please contact MacDowell. 

How much of the residency experience can artists with limited mobility participate?

For more information, please contact MacDowell. 

Please briefly describe the facilities and areas of the campus that are NOT accessible.

Studios with topography precluding on-grade entrance and upstairs bedrooms in dormitories prevent access by artists with limited mobility. 

 

Type of Housing
Private housing on campus (individual apartment/cabin/house)
Private bedroom in a shared housing facility on campus
Accessible Housing
Partially Accessible (50% or more)
Housing for Companion And/or Caregivers
Case by case consideration
Accessible Communal Spaces
ADA Compliant
Common/Communal Spaces Information

MacDowell’s main building, which houses the dining hall and gathering space, is accessible by a ramp, automatic doors and elevator. Administrative offices, also located in this building, are found on the first and second floors. MacDowell’s James Baldwin Library, a separate standalone building, is accessed on flat grade via automatic doors. Inside the library, an internal ramp gives users access to the full building. 

Additional Housing Information
Access to laundry on campus
No WIFI in housing
Housekeeping services
Heat and Cool control managed by resident
Meals Provided
All meals
Additional Meals Information
Vegan meal options can be requested
Vegetarian meal options can be requested
Gluten-free meal options can be requested
Kosher and halal options can be requested
Food allergies and restrictions can be accommodated
Computer/Internet Access
Computer and internet connection provided in common area (shared)
Ethernet provided in common area
Studios/Facilities Details

Artists in residence have exclusive of the studio assigned to them while in residence. Assignments are based on the needs of the individual expressed on their application. Studios are unique in style and function and rustically furnished. Artists are also provided with 24 hours/day access to our state-of-the-art James Baldwin Library, which is shared by all artists in residence. While none of the studios have internet or Wi-Fi connections, access is available in MacDowell's library.

Studios/Special Equipment
Private Studios
Piano
Electric Kiln
Darkroom (Black And White)
Printers + Scanner
Painting Workspace (Oil)
Easels
Printmaking Workspaces
Etching Press
Drying Racks
Paper Soaking Sinks
Woodworking Tools
Studios/Facilities Accessibility
Partially Accessible (50% or more)
Studio Support/Tech
No studio support provided
Additional Studio Information

MacDowell does not provide instruction or supplies for artists-in-residence; the intention is that artists practice their work independently without assistance.