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.
Thank you for applying for the 2025 Winter/Spring Cottage Residency Program at Byrdcliffe.
ALL WINTER APPLICATIONS ARE DUE 11/29/24
ALL SPRING APPLICATIONS ARE DUE 1/15/25
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
- A Brief bio, artist statement, and project proposal for what you’d like to work on while in-residence.
A couple things to note before applying:
- All cottage residents need to have a car during their stay.
- 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.
For questions or further information on the Byrdcliffe Artist-in-Residence Program and application, consult www.woodstockguild.org or email air@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 2nd - October 7th)
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