Byrdcliffe Artist Residency - Summer Communal Program

The Byrdcliffe Artists-in-Residence (AiR) Program offers uninterrupted time and space for creatives in all disciplines. Our 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 career. Byrdcliffe’s AiR program is particularly beneficial to those who find it restorative to live in a community environment surrounded by natural beauty.

Our communal residency offers four different 3 1/2 week sessions during the summer months. 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 literary, performing, visual, and multidisciplinary disciplines are welcome to apply. All artists-in-residence are invited to participate in welcome gatherings, practice shares, open studio events, lectures, critiques, 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.

Summer Communal Sessions:

Session 1: May 22nd - June 16th

Session 2: June 26th - July 21st

Session 3: July 31st - August 25th

Session 4: September 4th - September 29th

Application Deadlines:

Deadline for priority consideration: February 1st

Application deadline: February 15th

Fees and Fellowships:

Communal residency fees total $800 per artist per session. 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)

- Wagner Fellowship for Musical Performance (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 / partial fee)

- The Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant for Artists Affected by Natural Disaster (partial - full fee & stipend)

- Donor Funded Arts & Crafts Fellowships (full fee & stipend, open to all creative disciplines)

- The Henrietta Mantooth AiR 2026 Fellowship for artists in Socioeconomic need (full fee)

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.