MacDowell Fall Fellowship

MacDowell is welcoming applications from emerging and established artists for its fall fellowship program in the following disciplines: architecture, film/video arts, interdisciplinary arts, literature, music composition, theater, and visual arts.

MacDowell provides time, space, and an inspiring 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.

Residencies are available from October 1, 2021, to May 31, 2022.

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 three years.

Requirements

MacDowell accepts applications from artists working in the following disciplines: architecture, film/video arts, 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, and welcomes artists engaging in the broadest spectrum of artistic practice and investigating an unlimited array of inquiries and concerns.

To that end, emerging as well as established artists are invited to apply. Applicants who are enrolled in undergraduate or graduate degree programs as of the date of application are ineligible for a residency and therefore cannot apply. Doctoral candidates who have finished all coursework may apply.

Fall residency notification: June 15th
Winter/Spring residency notification: November 15th

Application Instructions

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. Applicants are not required to mail in hard copies of the application forms. 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.

Work samples supporting the proposed project and completed within the past four years are requested. 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.

Applicants are required to have one reference on file completed by someone who is knowledgeable in their field and is familiar with them and their work. Applications that do not have a completed reference on file will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed. References that are submitted as part of a completed application are confidential and will be kept on file for five years.