MacDowell

Eastman and Firth studios sit atop a grassy hill backgrounded by evergreen trees and a blue sky.

Eastman and Firth studios sit atop a grassy hill backgrounded by evergreen trees and a blue sky.

Large windows of the one-story James Baldwin Library glow in the early evening light. A dark granite freestanding fireplace with a tall chimney stands in front of the building. Its bright fire welcomes visitors.

Large windows of the one-story James Baldwin Library glow in the early evening light. A dark granite freestanding fireplace with a tall chimney stands in front of the building. Its bright fire welcomes visitors.

Seven artists-in-residence seated at a long table converse while eating a family-style, home-cooked dinner. Late-day sunlight floods the room.

Seven artists-in-residence seated at a long table converse while eating a family-style, home-cooked dinner. Late-day sunlight floods the room.

The Evelyn Steffanson Nef Studio is pictured on a bright snowy day. The timber frame structure has cathedral ceilings and large windows and is clad in deep brown shingles.

The Evelyn Steffanson Nef Studio is pictured on a bright snowy day. The timber frame structure has cathedral ceilings and large windows and is clad in deep brown shingles.

Composer Rodrigo Martínez Torres receives applause from an audience in a brightly lit, wooden-paneled room with a grand piano, drum kit, and large viewing screen.

Composer Rodrigo Martínez Torres receives applause from an audience in a brightly lit, wooden-paneled room with a grand piano, drum kit, and large viewing screen.

A fall view of the Delta Omicron Studio shows a screened porch, granite masonry wall, chimney, and shingled roof.

A fall view of the Delta Omicron Studio shows a screened porch, granite masonry wall, chimney, and shingled roof.

Heinz studio at night with snow-covered roof and grounds. Clerestory windows glow with interior light.

Heinz studio at night with snow-covered roof and grounds. Clerestory windows glow with interior light.

MacDowell

Peterborough, NH, United States

MacDowell provides residencies that facilitate a balance between focused work and interdisciplinary 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 on our Peterborough grounds, each Fellow will have use of a private studio, three meals a day, and living accommodations, sharing their experience with approximately 30 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 library. Following the residency, MacDowell provides opportunities for Fellows to connect through MacDowell's Fellows Executive Committee and our Virtual MacDowell program.

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
2 weeks - 6 weeks
Languages
English
Average Number of Artists in Residence at a Time
30
Collaborative Residency
Must apply and be accepted individually
Discipline
Drawing
Interdisciplinary Arts
Mixed Media
Painting
Printmaking
Sculpture
Visual Arts
Book Arts
Installation Arts
Paper Arts
Textile & Fiber Arts/Weaving
Woodworking
Criticism
Fiction
Journalism
Literary Nonfiction
Literature
New Genres
Nonfiction
Playwriting
Poetry
Screenwriting
Translation
Writing
Choreography
Dance
Performance Art
Theater
Music
Opera
Symphony
Animation
Digital Media
Documentary
Electronic Arts
Film
Moving Image
Multimedia Arts
Photography
Sound Art
TV + Radio
Virtual Reality
Illustration
Architecture
Environmental Arts
Landscape Architecture
Public Art
Social Practice
Storytelling
Urban Planning/Design
Philosophy
Companions
N/A
Country of Residence
Open to artists based anywhere in the world
Family Friendly
Residents granted leave during residency
Childcare stipend provided
Stage of Career
Any stage of career
Additional Expectations/Opportunities
Participate in open studio with fellow residents
Give artist talk or presentation
How does your residency program support artists?
Unstructured time
Access to studio space to create new work
Access to equipment, specialized facilities and/or technical support
Inspiration from natural environment
Inspiration from cultural context
Opportunities to collaborate with other artists/residents
Opportunities to develop relationships with other artists/residents
Opportunities for work with the local community
Opportunities to exhibit or perform new work
Additional Eligibility 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.

Number of Artists Accepted in Most Current Year
300
Total Applicant Pool in Most Current Year
2000
Artist Stipend
1500
US Dollar (USD)
Travel Stipend/Material Stipends
500
US Dollar (USD)
Residency Fees
0
US Dollar (USD)
Fee Details

All residencies are offered free of charge.

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

Artist stipends and travel reimbursement are need-based. One-third of Fellows receive financial assistance. Please see our website for more details.

Application Fee
30
US Dollar (USD)
Application Type
Open application
What does your program provide during the residency experience?
Pre-orientation
Communication before arrival to discuss accommodations, medical conditions, or other health needs
Orientation upon arrival
Contact information and available accommodations for programs, events, and campus
Full description of accessibility on campus
Written and or hard copies of text being presented
High contrast, clear way-finding and/or signage
Accessible seating
Staff/volunteer giving directions
Staff/volunteer providing guidance to help locate facilities or activities
Is your campus wheelchair accessible?
ADA Compliant
Additional Accessibility Information

The main building, residence halls, and some studios are accessible.

Caregiver/Aide/PCA
Housing available on campus
Stipend available
Accessibility Contact Name
David A. Macy
Accessibility Contact Email
dmacy@macdowell.org
Accessibility Contact Phone Number
Other Services/Aids Offered in Residency + Other Programming

N/A

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

Artists with limited mobility are free to experience all aspects of a MacDowell Fellowship. Accessible buildings include the dining room, great room, library, two of three dormitories, and studios suitable for all creative disciplines (i.e., two thirds of all studios).

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

Several 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
ADA Compliant
Housing for Companion And/or Caregivers
No housing accommodations available
Accessible Communal Spaces
ADA Compliant
Additional Housing Information
Access to laundry on campus
No WIFI in housing
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/Special Equipment
Private Studios
Performance/Presentation Facilities
Piano
Electric Kiln
Darkroom (Black And White)
Printers + Scanner
Music/Media Studio Non-recording
Painting Workspace (Oil)
Easels
Drawing Benches
Printmaking Workspaces
Etching Press
Glass Inking Table
Drying Racks
Paper Soaking Sinks
Paper Tearing Table
Washer And Dryer
Woodworking Tools
Studios/Facilities Accessibility
ADA Compliant
Studio Support/Tech
No studio support provided