The Byrdcliffe Artists-in-Residence (AiR) Program offers uninterrupted time and space for creatives in all disciplines. Their serene and rustic mountain community is 2.5 hours north of NYC in Woodstock, NY with residencies open to individuals and co-applicants at all stages of their careers. Byrdcliffe’s AiR program is particularly beneficial to those who find it restorative to live in a community environment surrounded by natural beauty.
Residency options include communal three and a half week sessions and independent 5 month long residencies during the summer months, and 3-5 month long independent cottage residencies during the winter. The main criterion for acceptance to Byrdcliffe’s AiR program is artistic excellence or demonstrated commitment to one’s field of endeavor. Artists working in a range of disciplines are welcome to apply including writing, visual arts, weaving, ceramics, composers, darkroom photo, digital photo, filmmakers, playwrights, and more.
All artists-in-residence are invited to participate in welcome gatherings, practice shares, open studio events, and field trips. Residents have the opportunity to participate in an exhibition at the Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild’s Kleinert/James Center for the Arts the following spring after their residency.
For more information visit: http://www.woodstockguild.org/
Summer Communal Residencies:
Application deadline: February 15, 2023 Residencies offer studio space and accommodations within a community of peers. Each session hosts 12-15 artists and lasts just under four weeks.
• Session 1: Saturday, May 27 – Wednesday, June 21, 2023
• Session 2: Saturday, June 24 – Wednesday, July 19, 2023
• Session 3: Saturday, August 5 – Wednesday, August 30, 2023
• Session 4: Saturday, September 2 – Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Summer Cottage Residencies:
April 29 – September 28, 2023 Application deadline: January 15, 2023
Artists spend 5 months living and working in simple Arts & Crafts style residence/studio cottages constructed between 1902 and 1903. Buildings were part of the original Byrdcliffe Arts Colony and are located in a close to nature setting within close proximity of the communal AiR residential buildings and studios. Cottages are unique in size and layout and may accommodate anywhere from 1-2 bedrooms. Individuals, co-applicants, peers, teams (both collaborative and non-collaborative), and other variations may apply.
Fees and Fellowships:
Communal residency fees total $800 per artist per session. Cottage residency fees depend on the cottage applied to/assigned. A limited number of general need and merit-based fellowships and grants are available.
Byrdcliffe offers the following merit-based fellowships for the upcoming season with help from our granting partners:
Fellowships and grants for communal residencies:
-The annual Ford/Knauth Fellowship for LGBTQIA+ Artists (full fee)
-The annual Bernard and Shirley Handel Playwright Fellowships (full fee)
-The annual Milton and Sally Avery Fellowships for Visual Artists (full fee)
-The annual Ceramics Artist Fellowship (full fee)
-The Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant for Artists Affected by Natural Disaster (partial – full fee & stipend)
– The Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant for Artists (partial-full fee & stipend)
– Donor Funded Arts & Crafts Fellowships (full fee & stipend, open to all creative disciplines)
Fellowships and grants for cottage residencies:
– The Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant for Cottage Artists-in-Residence (partial – full fee & stipend)
– The Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant for Artists Affects by Natural Disaster (partial – full fee & stipend)
Also Noteworthy:
Accommodations consist of simple historic arts & crafts style cottages constructed between 1902-1903 in a close-to-nature forest setting.
Byrdcliffe is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all persons. Women, people of color, LGBTQIA communities, and other historically underrepresented artists are encouraged to apply.
Byrdcliffe has a limited number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and studio spaces that are accessible. We aim to create accessibility for all, and welcome contact with applicants as early in the process as possible to ensure we are prepared to meet the needs of any prospective residents. Contact air@woodstockguild.org with any questions.
Regretfully Byrdcliffe is unable to accommodate young children at this time. Due to the historic nature of our buildings, only certified service animals can be accommodated. Application Info:
Cottage Residency application deadline: 1/15/2023
Communal Residency application deadline: 2/15/2023
Application Fee: $30.00 Application Instructions:
Visit https://woodstockbyrdcliffeguild.submittable.com/submit and complete the form to apply. In addition to basic information and preferences, you will be asked to supply the following materials during your AIR application:
– Work samples (requirements vary by discipline)
– 3 statements, each under 250 words (one paragraph): Bio, artist statement, project description (what you’d like to work on while in residence)
– A current resume or CV
– Names and contact information for two references
– If applying for a need-based grant, the first two pages of your most recent tax return
More information about Byrdcliffe’s artists-in-residence programs may be found here: http://www.woodstockguild.org More questions about Byrdcliffe’s AIR program or required materials? Email AiR@woodstockguild.org
