The primary criteria for acceptance to Byrdcliffe’s Residency program is artistic excellence and demonstrated commitment to one’s field of endeavor. Artists in multiple disciplines are encouraged to apply in three general categories: Visual Arts, Literary Arts and Performing Arts.
Preferred deadline for priority consideration: February 1st Applications close February 15th, 2026
Every summer the Byrdcliffe Artists-in-Residence program provides over 60 visual, literary, and performing artists of exceptional talent uninterrupted creative time within the serene natural setting of the Byrdcliffe Arts Colony. Community and connection are core principals of our summer programs and artists from all backgrounds and all stages of their career are invited to apply.
2026 Communal Residency Dates
Session 1: May 22nd – June 16th, 2026
Session 2: June 26th – July 21st, 2026
Session 3: July 31st – August 25th, 2026
Session 4: September 4th – September 29th, 2026
Each session hosts approximately 8 visual artists, 2 ceramic artists, and 8 artists in literary or performing art fields. Fellowships and stipends are awarded to select artists who fill out our need-based grant application.
Accommodations and Programming
Artists in our Summer Communal and Individual programs are welcome to participate in all offered opportunities. These include our Open Studio events (the final conclusion to each session), studio visits, artist presentations, field trips, lectures, screenings, potlucks, and hikes.
Communal artists are required to bring all art materials needed for their residency duration, and appropriate linens. For those in need of bedding, a separate linen rental package is available upon request. No washer or dryer is available on campus.
Residents are encouraged (but not required) to arrive with their own transportation, and gather for communal grocery and laundry rideshares.
Byrdcliffe’s Residency fee for our communal buildings is $800 per artist per monthly session. A deposit of 50% is due upon acceptance to the program with the remaining balance due one month prior to arrival. The residency deposit is non-refundable. In the case of a cancellation, we will only consider a refund of the residency fee if the space can be filled with another resident.
Our main communal lodge, the Villetta Inn, houses approximately 12 artists and our program assistant. Bedrooms are private and bathrooms are communal. The Villetta Inn has an expansive kitchen that comes furnished with all utensils and diningwares. Each Resident will be assigned storage and fridge space. The Villetta Inn houses our communal library, a grand piano, a large porch, and our Operations Manager’s office.
Behind the Villetta Inn are 8 visual art studios varying in size. These studios are assigned based on artist application needs and awarded fellowships. Please note: non visual residents (literary or performance) staying in the Villetta Inn are not offered these studio spaces and separate accommodations can be conferred upon by the residency Operations Manager.
Our Eastover lodge houses approximately 4 literary or performing artists. Bedrooms include a desk, vary in accommodations, and are assigned based on application needs. Eastover has a small work room assigned to a select resident, a wrap-around porch, two communal bathrooms, and a furnished kitchen with two refrigerators and storage space. Communal areas may be used as writing spaces.
Just a half mile down the road from our other communal buildings, the Barzin cottage houses each session’s ceramic residents. It contains two private bedrooms, one shared bathroom, a furnished kitchen, and a large living room. Across the road lies the Byrdcliffe Barn, which hosts our ceramic studios.
The Byrdcliffe campus also has expansive grounds that contain a multitude of historic buildings including our Individual cottage residencies. Our Ceramics and Jewelry Studios host classes and workshops that residents are able to attend at a reduced members rate. The historic Byrdcliffe Theater hosts various lectures, panels, artist presentations, screenings, local plays, readthroughs, and community music gatherings.
Hiking trails lead up Mount Guardian from our central parking lot. Located nearby is Mount Overlook which contains a Tibetan Monastery, the skeletal remains of the Overlook Mountain House, multiple trails, and a free campground (Magic Meadows).
2 miles down the mountain lies the town of Woodstock, which contains Byrdcliffe’s exhibition space, the Kleinert James Gallery. The town offers many activities and shopping needs, an historic arts cemetery (where Phillip Guston and other notable Byrdcliffe artists are laid to rest), a local farmers market, two swimming holes, and a lively art based scene. Every Sunday during the Summer months the town hosts a drum circle in its central intersection, and on full moons they move up the mountain to Magic Meadows.
