MacDowell Fellowship Grant

MacDowell Fellowship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: MacDowell
Last Updated: February 15, 2026

Summary

The MacDowell Fellowship supports artists by providing a nurturing environment for creative work. This prestigious opportunity awards around 300 artists annually across various disciplines, including architecture, literature, and visual arts, based solely on artistic excellence. There are no residency fees, and financial assistance is available for travel and living expenses. MacDowell encourages applications from artists of diverse backgrounds, fostering inclusivity in the arts community.

Overview

MacDowell MacDowell's mission is to nurture the arts by offering talented individuals an inspiring residential environment in which to produce enduring works of the creative imagination. MacDowell Fellowship About 300 artists in seven disciplines are awarded Fellowships each year and the sole criterion for acceptance is artistic excellence. There are no residency fees, and need-based stipends and travel reimbursement grants are available to open the residency to the broadest possible community of artists. MacDowell encourages applications from artists of all backgrounds and all countries in the following disciplines: architecture, film/video, interdisciplinary arts, literature, music composition, theatre, and visual arts. Any applicant whose proposed project does not fall clearly within one of these artistic disciplines should contact the admissions department for guidance. We aim to be inclusive, not exclusive in our admissions process. 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. Artists may submit only one application every 24 months. Artists awarded a MacDowell Fellowship are eligible to apply for need-based stipends and travel reimbursement grants.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. 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.Doctoral candidates who have completed all coursework may apply.

Ineligibility

Applicants cannot be enrolled in a degree-seeking program during the residency season for which they are applying.