Organizer Information
MacDowell is a historic artist residency organization in the United States that provides artists with dedicated time, studio space, accommodation, and a supportive residential environment for creative work. Its fellowship program is designed around artistic excellence and welcomes artists working across multiple disciplines and at different stages of their practices.
Title & Description
MacDowell Fellowship — Artist Residency Program
MacDowell Fellowship Residency provides artists with an opportunity to step away from their usual environments and concentrate on developing their creative practice. A fellowship includes exclusive use of a studio, accommodation, and three prepared meals per day for a residency of up to eight weeks.
The program supports artists across Architecture, film/video, Interdisciplinary Arts, Literature, music composition, Theatre, and Visual Arts. Selection is based solely on artistic excellence, interpreted through a pluralistic and inclusive approach.
Artists are encouraged to use the residency to pursue proposed projects, research, experimentation, or other forms of creative development. MacDowell welcomes a broad range of perspectives, artistic practices, and subjects, and applications are encouraged from artists at various stages of their careers.
Categories
- Architecture
- Video/Film
- Interdisciplinary Arts
- Literature
- Sound/Music
- Theatre
- Visual Arts
- Residency
Eligibility
The fellowship is open to artists working professionally in the eligible disciplines. Applicants must not be enrolled in a degree-seeking program during the residency season for which they apply. Doctoral candidates who have completed all coursework are eligible.
MacDowell welcomes artists of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, identities, and career stages. International eligibility is not excluded in the provided guidelines.
Small collaborative teams of two or three artists may apply through the standard process. Established collectives of three to twelve artists may also apply for a two-week collective residency.
Program Benefits & Awards
- A private studio dedicated to their artistic practice.
- Accommodation during the residency.
- Three prepared meals each day.
- A residency period of up to eight weeks.
- No residency fee.
- Eligibility to apply for need-based financial assistance.
- Potential reimbursement for direct travel to and from the residency.
- Potential support for expenses such as rent, lost income, and childcare.
Application Fee
A USD $30 non-refundable processing fee is required for each application and is paid by debit or credit card through the online application system.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 10 September 2026
- Residencies: Mar 1 – Aug 31, 2027
Location
Peterborough, New Hampshire, United States
Additional Details
MacDowell's admissions panels consist of distinguished professionals in each artistic discipline who serve anonymously for up to three years. Applicants should submit work samples that support their proposed project and follow the requirements for their specific discipline.
The residency is intended primarily for focused creative work. Guests and family members cannot be accommodated for meals, presentations, or overnight stays. Artists may host day visitors but must remain with them while they are on campus. Service animals are welcome.
MacDowell also emphasizes accessibility, diversity, and inclusion and encourages artists with access or medical-related questions to contact the Admissions office before applying.