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. Composition studios have baby grand pianos.
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: financial assistance is available to artists in residence based on demonstrated financial need.
MacDowell encourages applications from artists representing the widest possible range of perspectives and demographics.
Eligibility
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 working in various 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.
Applicants may be of any nationality and must be ages 21+. We are happy to supply a letter of invitation if needed for a visa application. Artists are responsible for obtaining and arranging all needed travel documents/plans.
MacDowell is committed to diversity and inclusion, and a more equitable arts and cultural sector. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. MacDowell offers barrier-free access in its main buildings and some studios. While there are no medical facilities or medical personnel on site at MacDowell, the Monadnock Community Hospital is located 3 miles away in Peterborough, NH. Additionally, there are several medical facilities (hospitals and urgent care centers) within a 30-60 minute driving radius. MacDowell welcomes artists of all abilities to apply; artists with questions or concerns about potential medical needs are encouraged to contact us prior to residency to discuss access needs.
Application Periods & Deadlines
Artists may submit only one application every 24 months. MacDowell will only accept applications for the upcoming deadline. Please refer to application deadlines in the expanding bar at the bottom of the page.
Application Process
Before starting the application process, we encourage applicants to scroll through our extensive list of Application FAQs. All applicants apply through the online application process. To apply, click on the BEGIN HERE button below. If you need assistance with the online application process, or do not have access to a computer, please contact the admissions department for guidance on applying well ahead of the deadline.
Work Samples
Work samples supporting the proposed project and completed within the past four years are requested, unless otherwise noted. All work samples are uploaded and submitted through the online application. Applicants unable to submit new work for the panel to review should include a note of explanation. Those applicants whose proposed project does not fall clearly within an artistic discipline should contact the Admissions office to discuss which discipline would best fit the proposed work. For detailed work sample requirements for each artistic discipline, click here.
References
The MacDowell admissions department has temporarily suspended the reference letter requirement as part of the application process as a result of direct feedback from artists who have said reference letters pose a barrier to applying. Not all artists have access to referrers, and this lack of access disproportionately effects women and BIPOC artists. While reference letters can serve a purpose in application reviews, it is not an equitable or fair assessment tool. This experiment is part of MacDowell’s effort to improve equity and access in its culture.
Processing Fee
A nonrefundable processing fee of $30 (U.S.) is required with each application. Applicants pay the processing fee by debit or credit card through a secure site on the online application.
Applicants experiencing financial hardship or difficulty paying the fee are encouraged to contact the admissions department at admissions@macdowell.org.
Financial Aid
Artists awarded a MacDowell Fellowship are eligible to apply for need-based stipends and travel reimbursement grants. Visit the Financial Assistance page for more details.
Notification
Applicants will be notified of admission status approximately 2.5 months after the applicable deadline, on or near the timeframes listed below:
- Fall Winter residency notification: end of April
- Spring Summer residency notification: end of November
Collaborations
MacDowell welcomes small collaborative groups of no more than four people, with two being ideal. Artists collaborating on a project must submit individual application forms and appropriate work samples, along with a joint description of the work they intend to do at MacDowell. Work space needs should be clearly specified (i.e. whether or not separate studios are required). Work samples may be collaborative (either completed or in-progress) or individual work. Admissions status is determined by averaging the individual application scores of all collaborators.
Partners who wish to be in residence together but do not work collaboratively must apply individually. If both artists are accepted for a residency, each may request to be in residence with one another and will be offered separate studios unless requested otherwise.
Guests
To help sustain the sense of community among those in residence, neither guests nor family members can be accommodated for meals, artists’ presentations, or overnight stays. Artists who choose to host a day visitor are obliged to remain in the company of their guests the entire time they are on the campus. MacDowell welcomes artists with service animals. Other pets, including emotional support animals not meeting the ADA definition (i.e. trained to perform a specific function), need to be left in the care of others.
MacDowell offers financial assistance to cover expenses that artists expect to incur while in residence, including childcare.
Reapplication
All applicants, including artists who have had previous residencies at MacDowell, must submit a complete application that includes recent work samples. Artists may apply once every two years.
For further assistance, please contact the Admissions office: admissions@macdowell.org or 603-924-3886, extension 113.