MacDowell provides time, space, and an inspiring residential environment to artists of exceptional talent. A MacDowell Fellowship, or residency, consists of exclusive use of a studio, accommodations, and three prepared meals a day for up to eight weeks. There are no residency fees, and MacDowell offers financial assistance to reimburse the costs of direct travel to and from the residency, as well as expenses that artists expect to incur while in residence, including rent, lost income, and childcare. MacDowell Fellows are selected by our admissions panels, which are comprised of a revolving group of distinguished professionals in each artistic discipline who serve anonymously for up to three years. Please review the Application Guidelines below before starting the application process. If you have questions about applying to MacDowell, contact the admissions staff at admissions@macdowell.org. Eligibility MacDowell accepts applications from artists working in the following disciplines: architecture, film/video, 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. 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 (USD) 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 significant financial hardship or those who are unable to pay the fee due to government imposed economic sanctions are encouraged to contact the admissions department at admissions@macdowell.org. Requests for fee waivers will be reviewed once the application opens until three days before the application deadline. 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.