The mission of The MacDowell Colony is to nurture the arts by offering creative individuals of the highest talent an inspiring environment in which they can produce enduring works of the imagination.

The sole criterion for acceptance is artistic excellence, which The MacDowell Colony defines in a pluralistic and inclusive way. We encourage applications from artists representing the widest possible range of perspectives and demographics, and who are investigating an unlimited array of inquiries and concerns.

We apply the same egalitarian standards for all those who serve MacDowell either in a staff, volunteer, or representative capacity.

MacDowell encourages applications from artists representing the widest possible range of perspectives and demographics. Emerging artists, as well as artists with professional standing in their fields, may apply in the following disciplines: architecture, film/video arts, interdisciplinary arts, literature, music composition, theatre, and visual arts. Unfortunately, students who are enrolled in a degree program at the time of the application deadline are ineligible for a residency and therefore cannot apply.