MacDowell is an artist residency in Peterborough, New Hampshire, USA, awarding about 300 Fellowships a year across architecture, film/video, interdisciplinary arts, literature, music composition, theatre, and visual arts. It is open to artists of all countries and backgrounds, whether established or emerging. A Fellowship gives exclusive use of a private studio, accommodations, and three prepared meals a day for up to eight weeks (the average stay is about 30 days).
The sole criterion for acceptance is artistic excellence. Need-based stipends and travel reimbursement widen access for those who need them.
Benefits & funding
- Exclusive use of a private studio, accommodations, and three prepared meals a day
- Residency length up to 8 weeks; average stay about 30 days; no less than two weeks recommended
- No residency fee — the residency itself is free
- Need-based stipends up to US$1,500, set by length of stay and financial need (rent, lost income, childcare, equipment)
- Travel reimbursement for domestic and international travel, based on demonstrated financial need
- Calderwood grants up to US$2,500 for long-form journalism and nonfiction projects, awarded without a separate application
Eligibility
- Open to artists of all countries and all backgrounds; established and emerging artists alike
- Seven disciplines: architecture, film/video, interdisciplinary arts, literature, music composition, theatre, visual arts
- No degree, age, or work-experience requirement
- Applicants cannot be enrolled in a degree-seeking program during the residency (doctoral candidates who have completed all coursework may apply)
- Conversational English recommended, as interpreter services are not available
- One application per 24-month period
- Teams of two may apply jointly; from January 2026, collectives of 3–12 people may apply through a dedicated collective application
Can you apply?
Open to all applicants
No nationality, residency, education, or experience limits are listed.
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Application process
- 1Create an application on MacDowell’s online portal and select your discipline
- 2Submit a work sample completed within the past four years, a project description, and your professional history (reference letters are currently not required)
- 3Pay the US$30 nonrefundable processing fee (a fee waiver can be requested before submitting for those facing financial hardship)
- 4Submit before the cycle deadline; discipline-specific panels review the applications and notify applicants
Program timeline
Spring/Summer 2027 application opens
Aug 17, 2026
Spring/Summer 2027 application deadline
Sep 10, 2026
Spring/Summer 2027 residency window
Mar 1, 2027 to Aug 31, 2027
Fall/Winter 2027–2028 application opens
Jan 15, 2027
Fall/Winter 2027–2028 application deadline
Feb 10, 2027
Fall/Winter 2027–2028 residency window
Sep 1, 2027 to Feb 29, 2028