Founded in 1902, Byrdcliffe is one of the earliest utopian art communities in America. Located approximately 2 hours north of New York City in the unique community of Woodstock, NY, Byrdcliffe has welcomed artists like Eva Hesse, Bob Dylan, Philip Guston, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, and hundreds more to and live and work surrounded by the serene beauty of the Catskill Mountains on a 250-acre property.
Artist residency options include month-long communal sessions and 5-month long independent cottage residencies during the summer months, as well as independent residencies in our year-round cottages which range from 3-months to a year. As part of the AiR program, artists are invited to participate in a variety of programs which includes gatherings, talks, practice shares, studio visits, excursions, open studio events, and the annual AiR exhibition the spring after their residency.
The primary criterion for acceptance to Byrdcliffe’s AiR program is artistic excellence and demonstrated commitment to one’s field of endeavor. Artists working in a range of disciplines are welcome to apply including visual arts, writing, weaving, ceramics, music composition, darkroom photo, digital photo, filmmaking, theater, and more.
More information about Byrdcliffe's artists-in-residence programs can be found on our website:
https://www.woodstockguild.org/artists-in-residence/
Byrdcliffe is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all persons. Emerging and established artists of all ages 18+ and backgrounds including women, LGBTQIA+, people of color, and other historically underrepresented populations 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 children at this time. Only certified service animals can be accommodated.
Accommodations consist of simple historic arts & crafts style cottages clustered together in a close to nature forest setting.
Exhibition Proposals are reviewed annually by the Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild’s Exhibition Committee. The curator may be an exhibition committee member or an outside guest curator. We accept curatorial submissions, reviewed by the committee, for complete shows. We do not review the work of individual artists.
- Exhibition proposals can include artists that are regional, national, or international and diversity is encouraged; this includes gender/gender identity, racial identity, ageism, and artistic mediums.
- It is recommended that artists not be included in exhibitions over consecutive years or consecutive exhibitions to offer opportunities to a broader range of artists.
- Proposed dates of exhibition should be at least a year in advance to allow artists/curators time to develop project and prepare accordingly.
- If an exhibition proposal is accepted, curators should periodically submit brief updates to confirm exhibitions are proceeding smoothly.
- For proposals approved by the Exhibition Committee, selection of final works for exhibition are to be made by the curator, but must be in alignment with approved proposal.
EXHIBITION VENUE: Specifications and restrictions
The Kleinert/James Center for the Arts | 36 Tinker Street, Woodstock, NY
The Kleinert/James Center for the Arts hosts an average of 7 exhibitions per year, including a members’ show, artists-in-residence show, and the annual 5 by 7 show. The K/J comprises approximately 130 linear feet, which includes a stage elevated 3 stairs above the main gallery area. Exhibitions in the K/J are subject to the following size restrictions:
- Any free-standing three-dimensional artwork must weigh less than 30 pounds and have a diameter of no more than 4 feet at its widest point.
- Any free-standing three-dimensional artwork must be easily moved by one person of average strength with no risk to the artwork itself, to other artworks, or to walls, floors, furnishings, or other possessions of the K/J.
- No single exhibition can include more than 6 free-standing three-dimensional artworks. This does not apply to artworks that extend no more than one foot from the wall, in which case the quantity is unlimited within the parameters of the gallery space.
- Exceptions to the above will be considered by the Exhibition Committee; kindly include such requests in your proposal.
For additional information or questions, contact Exhibitions Director, Jen Dragon: jen@woodstockguild.org
Please fill out this supplemental application in order to be considered for need-based grants to support a residency at Byrdcliffe.
Before completing this application, complete the cottage or communal AiR application:
Fellowships and additional support: Byrdcliffe offers a number of funded fellowships each summer based on a combination of financial need and artistic merit, ranging from partial to full coverage of residency fees.
More information about Byrdcliffe's artists-in-residence programs: http://www.woodstockguild.org/artist-residency-programs/
FAQ page: http://www.woodstockguild.org/air-program/air-faqs/
Further questions about Byrdcliffe's AiR funded Fellowships? Email air@woodstockguild.org
Cottages Summer 2025 (May 23rd - September 30th)
Cottage Residencies
Each cottage is unique in size, layout, and cost of residency fee.
To determine suitability for your living and creative needs, please carefully review the cottages on our website.
https://www.woodstockguild.org/cottage-artist-residencies/
All cottages are intended to be a live/work space, unless stated otherwise.
Cottages are sparsely furnished and are "as is"; no personal furnishings are to brought into the cottages during the residency.
Due to the historic nature of our cottages, pets are strictly forbidden and we can not accommodate anyone under the age of 18.
"Shared" option entails sharing the space with another applicant assigned by Byrdcliffe.
Thank you for applying for the Communal Artists-in-Residence Program at Byrdcliffe in Woodstock, New York.
This application requires you to upload a few things which you might want to have on hand before beginning the application:
- CV or creative resume
- Work samples relative to your discipline
You will also need to provide:
- Two references' contact information (plus, optional letter of recommendation)
- A Brief bio, artist statement, and a project proposal for what you’d like to work on while in residence.
For questions or further information on Byrdcliffe's Artists-in-Residence Program and application, consult www.woodstockguild.org or email air@woodstockguild.org.
A couple things to note before applying:
- Residents are strongly encouraged to have a car during their stay.
- There is no washer or dryer on campus and residents must travel down to town for Laundry purposes (about 5 minute drive)
- Residents should be aware of the practical aspects of living and working in the forest: there may be encounters with local wildlife, including bears and squirrels, and residents should be prepared for the presence of ticks and mold that can sometimes accompany wooded areas.
- Due to the historic nature of our buildings, no children under 18 or pets are allowed. Only certified service animals can be accommodated.
- Byrdcliffe has a limited number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and studio spaces that are ADA accessible. Please contact air@woodstockguild.org as early in the process as possible to ensure we are prepared to meet your needs.
- The health and safety of our residents and staff are our top priority. We follow current CDC guidelines and local public health recommendations to ensure a safe environment for all. Residents testing positive for COVID-19 are required to wear masks at all times until they can provide a negative covid test to staff.
*We anticipate that artists will be notified of acceptance by 3/21/2025