Organizer Information
Kaatsbaan Cultural Park is a multidisciplinary arts and cultural organization based in the Hudson Valley region of New York, United States. Established as a major center for artistic creation, rehearsal, presentation, and cultural exchange, Kaatsbaan has become internationally recognized for supporting artists across dance, theater, music, visual arts, writing, design, and interdisciplinary practice.
Located on a 153-acre rural campus surrounded by the landscapes of the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains, Kaatsbaan provides artists with dedicated spaces for experimentation, collaboration, rehearsal, and creative development. Historically known for its strong relationship with dance and performance communities, the organization has expanded its programming to support a broader range of artistic disciplines through residencies, public performances, educational programs, and retreats.
Kaatsbaan’s residency initiatives prioritize uninterrupted creative time, artistic exchange, and access to high-quality working facilities in a peaceful environment outside major urban centers. The organization regularly hosts internationally recognized choreographers, composers, performers, visual artists, directors, and writers while also supporting emerging and independent artists seeking focused development opportunities.
The Weekend Retreat Residency Program reflects Kaatsbaan’s mission to create affordable and accessible opportunities for artists to work intensively over short periods while benefiting from professional facilities, accommodations, meals, and a collaborative atmosphere.
Title & Description
Kaatsbaan Weekend Retreat Residency Program 2026
The Kaatsbaan Weekend Retreat Residency Program 2026 offers artists and small creative groups the opportunity to live, work, rehearse, write, compose, collaborate, and develop projects within the natural setting of Kaatsbaan Cultural Park in New York’s Hudson Valley.
Designed as a short-term immersive residency experience, the program provides artists with subsidized access to professional studios, individual workspaces, accommodations, and meals during selected weekends throughout the 2026 season. The retreat structure is intended to support concentrated artistic practice away from the distractions of everyday life and urban environments.
The residency welcomes artists working across multiple disciplines including dance, theater, music, visual arts, writing, composition, and design. Participants may attend individually or as collaborative groups.
Artists working in movement, theater, or music practices have access to large studio facilities equipped with sprung marley floors, sound systems, pianos, mirrors, natural light, and rehearsal infrastructure. Writers, visual artists, composers, and makers may use dedicated private work rooms with extended independent access throughout the residency weekend.
The residency experience combines focused studio time with communal meals, informal exchange, and opportunities for deep artistic collaboration. Kaatsbaan emphasizes the value of artistic retreat as a catalyst for experimentation, reflection, and creative growth.
Categories
- Dance
- Choreography
- Theater
- Performance
- Music
- Composition
- Sound Art
- Writing
- Literature
- Visual Arts
- Painting
- Drawing
- Design
- Interdisciplinary Practice
- Collaborative Artistic Projects
- Experimental Art Practices
The program supports both individual artists and small artistic groups or ensembles.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include:
- Individual artists
- Artistic collaborators
- Small ensembles and groups
- Emerging artists
- Mid-career artists
- Established artists
- Writers and composers
- Dancers and choreographers
- Theater-makers and performers
- Visual artists and designers
No nationality restrictions or age limits are specified in the program description.
Residencies are intended exclusively for participating artists. Guests and pets are not permitted.
Because the program involves in-person participation in the United States, international artists are responsible for arranging their own visas and travel documentation if selected.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Access to professional studio and rehearsal facilities
- Dedicated workspaces for individual artists
- Accommodation on Kaatsbaan’s 153-acre campus
- Friday dinner, Saturday meals, and Sunday brunch
- Opportunities for focused artistic development
- Time for experimentation and collaboration
- Immersive retreat experience in a rural creative environment
- Access to natural landscapes and quiet working conditions
- Professional-quality dance, theater, and music studios
- Networking and exchange with fellow resident artists
Studio facilities include:
Studio 1 – Black Box Theater
- Vaulted ceilings
- Sprung marley floor
- 40’ x 40’ stage space
- Sound system
- Piano
- Tiered seating
Studio 2 – Horses Studio
- 52’ x 52’ rehearsal space
- Sprung marley floor
- Mirrors and barres
- Sound system
- Piano
- Natural light
Studio 3
- 43’ x 33’ studio
- Marley floor
- Mirrors and barres
- Piano and sound system
Work Rooms
Dedicated workspaces for writers, painters, makers, and composers with natural light and extended independent access throughout the residency weekend.
Application Fee
The residency operates on a fee-based structure.
Individual Artist Rate
- $500 USD per weekend
Includes:
- Studio/workspace access
- Lodging
- Meals (Friday dinner, Saturday meals, Sunday brunch)
Group Rates
- $500 USD for the first artist
- An additional $300 USD per additional artist
Premium Accommodation
- $1,000 USD per weekend for two artists
Includes:
- Private two-bedroom Gatehouse Apartment
- Kitchen
- Bathroom
- Lounge area
A 50% deposit is required upon residency confirmation. Remaining balances must be paid two weeks before the residency start date.
Kaatsbaan does not offer refunds, though artists may reschedule if necessary.
Application Requirements
Applicants are required to complete the residency inquiry/application form.
While detailed submission requirements are not fully specified, applicants should generally be prepared to provide:
- Personal information
- Artistic discipline
- Residency dates of interest
- Description of artistic practice
- Project or residency goals
- Group information (if applying collaboratively)
- Contact information
Artists are encouraged to submit inquiries early due to limited capacity and demand for preferred dates.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 4 June 2026
- 2026 Residency Weekend Dates:
- June 12–14, 2026
- September 25–27, 2026
- October 23–25, 2026
- November 20–22, 2026
Location
Hudson Valley, New York, United States
Additional Details
- Residencies are intentionally designed as short, intensive retreats for concentrated artistic practice.
- Artists receive a minimum of six hours of studio time daily on Friday and Saturday, plus a minimum of three hours on Sunday.
- Additional shared studio access may be available depending on scheduling.
- Technical production support and theatrical lighting are not included.
- The residency prioritizes artistic focus, collaboration, and uninterrupted working time.
- Lodging includes motel-style accommodations and optional apartment-style premium housing.
- The campus environment emphasizes historic preservation, environmental conservation, and connection to nature.
- Artists are encouraged to use the residency as a space for experimentation, rehearsal, conceptual development, or creative research.
- The program is especially suitable for artists seeking a short-term retreat without the commitment of a long-duration residency.