MacDowell Fellowship

The MacDowell Fellowship (commonly called the MacDowell Residency) is one of the oldest and most prestigious artist residencies in the United States. Founded in 1907, it provides artists with fully funded, uninterrupted time and space to focus on their creative work in a rural retreat in Peterborough, New Hampshire, USA. MacDowell supports artists working across disciplines, including: Literature (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, playwriting) Visual arts Music composition Selected fellows receive private studios, accommodation, meals, and complete creative freedom. The program is designed to remove all financial and logistical distractions so artists can focus entirely on producing new work. MacDowell has hosted many influential artists, including winners of Pulitzer Prizes, MacArthur “Genius Grants,” and Nobel Prizes

Requirements 🎨 1. Professional Artist Status Applicants must be: Working artists in any eligible discipline Demonstrating a serious commitment to their creative practice 📁 2. Portfolio Submission Applicants must submit: A strong portfolio of past work (writing, music, film, etc.) Evidence of artistic achievement and consistency 🧠 3. Project Proposal Applicants should describe: The project they plan to work on during the residency Their creative goals and artistic direction ⏳ 4. Time Commitment If selected, artists must: Stay at MacDowell for the residency period (typically 2–8 weeks depending on award) Focus exclusively on creative work (no external obligations) 🌍 5. Open to All Career Stages (Competitive) No minimum experience required However, highly competitive; successful applicants usually have: Exhibitions, publications, or performances Strong professional track record