MacDowell
A Sanctuary for Visual Artists Seeking Solitude and Creative Freedom

MacDowell, established in 1907 in Peterborough, New Hampshire, is America’s oldest artist residency dedicated to fostering creativity through solitude and total creative independence. Designed specifically for visual artists (painters, sculptors, photographers, and interdisciplinary creators) the program offers a rare environment for uninterrupted artistic exploration.

Why MacDowell Stands Out

Historic Legacy and Prestige:
As the first artist residency program in the U.S., MacDowell has supported generations of influential artists, including Faith Ringgold, Milton Avery, and Benny Andrews. The program emphasizes artistic excellence and innovation.
Private Studios in Nature:
Artists receive their own secluded studio nestled within MacDowell’s 450-acre woodland campus, providing absolute privacy and tranquility essential for deep creative work.
Quiet Focus:
MacDowell protects residents' solitude rigorously—meals, including lunch delivered discreetly in a picnic basket, allow uninterrupted focus on artistic projects.
Interdisciplinary Community:
While days are devoted to solitary work, evenings offer optional communal dinners and informal artist exchanges across disciplines, fostering stimulating dialogue and fresh perspectives.

Creative Independence in a Legacy Setting

MacDowell’s core philosophy is total artistic freedom. Artists have complete control over their schedules without obligatory workshops or critiques. This freedom, coupled with the inspirational history embedded in MacDowell’s studios, each bearing the names of past artist residents, offers both motivation and a deep connection to a vibrant artistic legacy.

Program Details & Financial Support

Duration:
Residencies range from 2 to 6 weeks (up to 8 weeks maximum).
Application:
Two deadlines annually (February 10 and September 10). Artists submit a project proposal and portfolio. A $30 application fee applies, with waivers available for financial hardship.
Cost & Financial Aid:
Residencies are fully funded, covering housing, studio, and meals. Need-based grants and travel stipends are available.

Who Are MacDowell Residents?

MacDowell accepts a wide range of visual artists, including painters, sculptors, photographers, printmakers, multimedia creators, and interdisciplinary artists. Fellows vary from emerging talents showing exceptional promise to established artists seeking new inspiration. The selection emphasizes originality, craft, and compelling artistic vision, embracing diversity across age, cultural background, and career stage. Recent cohorts have notably included strong representation from BIPOC, women, LGBTQ+, and international artists. MacDowell’s community is intentionally non-hierarchical, fostering a collaborative environment where artists from all disciplines share ideas and insights, enriching each resident’s creative experience.

Recent Alumni

Who Should Apply?

MacDowell is ideal for visual artists seeking uninterrupted time to deeply engage with their practice. Applicants should have a clear artistic vision or project suited to focused solitude, along with the ability to self-motivate without structured guidance. Artists who value interdisciplinary dialogue and the quiet camaraderie of a small creative community will find MacDowell especially rewarding. Whether emerging or established, those looking to step away from everyday demands and immerse themselves fully in their art should apply.

For more information, visit the MacDowell website.

Final Thoughts

MacDowell offers visual artists a rare haven: total freedom, top-notch resources, a lineage of greatness, and a supportive community – all in service of your creative growth. In comparing artist residencies, MacDowell stands out as a place where the only thing expected of you is that you pursue your art. This purity of purpose, combined with its history and natural beauty, makes MacDowell uniquely appealing. For visual artists seeking time to create, innovate, and be inspired, MacDowell provides an unparalleled residency experience – one that continues to shape the future of art as it has for over 100 years.