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.
We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.
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