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MacDowell Fellowship: Complete Guide to America's Premier Artist Residency
Everything you need to know about applying to MacDowell, the prestigious artist residency in New Hampshire offering 2-8 week fellowships with studios, meals, and financial assistance.
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MacDowell Fellowship: Complete Guide to America's Premier Artist Residency
MacDowell in Peterborough, New Hampshire remains one of the most prestigious artist residencies in the world. Founded in 1907, it has supported over 16,000 artists including Leonard Bernstein, James Baldwin, Alice Walker, and Thornton Wilder.
What MacDowell Offers
A MacDowell Fellowship provides:
- Private studio exclusively for your use
- Accommodations in a private bedroom
- Three chef-prepared meals daily delivered to your studio
- Duration: 2-8 weeks
- Cost: Completely free
Financial Assistance
MacDowell offers need-based financial support for:
- Direct travel to and from Peterborough (reimbursement)
- Rent and utilities at home during residency
- Childcare expenses
- Lost income replacement
- Equipment costs
Artists apply for stipends and travel grants only after being awarded a fellowship, based on demonstrated financial need.
Disciplines Accepted
MacDowell accepts applications from artists working in:
- Architecture
- Film/Video Arts
- Interdisciplinary Arts
- Literature
- Music Composition
- Theatre
- Visual Arts
Application Details
Deadlines
- February 10 for Fall/Winter season (September 1 - February 28)
- September 10 for Spring/Summer season (March 1 - August 31)
Application Fee
- $30 non-refundable processing fee
- Fee waivers available for significant financial hardship or government-imposed economic sanctions
Eligibility Requirements
- Must have completed formal training or demonstrate equivalent professional experience
- Cannot be enrolled in a degree-seeking program during residency season
- Doctoral candidates who completed all coursework may apply
Application Tips
Portfolio Requirements
- Visual Artists: 10-20 images of recent work
- Writers: 25-30 pages of work-in-progress or recently completed manuscript
- Composers: 2-3 scores with recordings
- Film/Video: Completed work samples or work-in-progress footage
What Makes a Strong Application
- Clear project proposal explaining what you'll work on during residency
- Professional portfolio demonstrating consistent artistic practice
- Specific goals for your time at MacDowell
- Strong recommendations from people familiar with your work
The MacDowell Experience
Studios
Each artist receives a private studio in the woods, designed for focused creative work. Studios are spread across the 450-acre campus, ensuring solitude and privacy.
Daily Schedule
- Breakfast delivered to studio
- Lunch delivered to studio (in a signature picnic basket)
- Communal dinner at Colony Hall
- Complete freedom to structure your day
Community
While privacy is paramount, optional evening gatherings and meals foster meaningful connections with fellow artists across disciplines.
Success Statistics
- Accepts approximately 300 artists annually
- Receives thousands of applications each cycle
- Alumni include 95 Pulitzer Prize winners, 31 MacArthur Fellows, and 15 National Medal of Arts recipients
How to Apply
- Create an account at macdowell.org/apply
- Complete the online application form
- Upload work samples and supporting materials
- Pay application fee or request waiver
- Submit before the deadline
Related Resources
Last updated: December 2025. Always verify current details on the official MacDowell website.