Founded in 1902, Byrdcliffe is one of the earliest utopian art communities in the United States. Located approximately 2 hours north of New York City in the unique community of Woodstock, NY, Byrdcliffe has welcomed artists, intellectuals and creative practitioners in a range of fields to and live and work surrounded by the serene beauty of the Catskill Mountains on a 250-acre property. Our storied legacy of past participants includes Eva Hesse, Bob Dylan, Philip Guston, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, Milton Avery and Thorstein Veblen.
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. We understand and support that your practice may transverse multiple areas.
All resident artists also have the opportunity to participate in an exhibition, performance, or presentation at Byrdcliffe’s Kleinert James gallery in downtown Woodstock during the year following their residency.
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.
Accommodations consist of simple historic Arts & Crafts era cottages clustered together in a forest setting. 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.
Byrdcliffe is unable to accommodate children or family members. Only certified service animals can be accommodated.
Contact air@woodstockguild.org with any questions.
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 Individual 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.
FAQ page: https://www.woodstockguild.org/residency-faqs/ Further questions about Byrdcliffe's AiR funded Fellowships? Email air@woodstockguild.org
Thank you for applying to the 2027 Summer AiR Historic Cottage Residency!
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Preferred application date for priority consideration: 11:49 PM November 2nd, 2026
Applications close 11:59 PM, November 9th, 2026
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Cottage Durations
5 month
- May 3rd - September 28th, 2027
3 Month
- May 3rd - July 21st, 2027
- July 29th - September 28th, 2027
Historic Cottages offer a variety of configurations suitable for varied creative practices. Listed in the Application are cottages for a variety of mediums (typically allowing for oil painting, sculpture, etc) and cottages for a contained practice (typically allowing for writer/poets, watercolorists/ acrylic painters, textile artists, musicians, etc). Each cottage is unique in size, layout, and cost of residency fee. To determine suitability for your living and creative needs, please visit our Cottage Artist Residency page on our website.
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All cottages are sparsely furnished and accepted as is. No personal furnishings may be brought into the cottages during the residency. Cottages have a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and either a living/workspace or a living room + separate studio space.
Due to the historic nature of our cottages, pets are strictly forbidden. We can not accommodate anyone under the age of 18.
All artists in the Historic Cottage Residency must provide their own transportation to, during, and from their Residency.
Thank you for applying to the 2027 Summer AiR Historic Cottage Residency!
-
Preferred application date for priority consideration: 11:49 PM November 2nd, 2026
Applications close 11:59 PM, November 9th, 2026
-
Cottage Durations
5 month
- May 3rd - September 28th, 2027
3 Month
- May 3rd - July 21st, 2027
- July 29th - September 28th, 2027
Historic Cottages offer a variety of configurations suitable for varied creative practices. Listed in the Application are cottages for a variety of mediums (typically allowing for oil painting, sculpture, etc) and cottages for a contained practice (typically allowing for writer/poets, watercolorists/ acrylic painters, textile artists, musicians, etc). Each cottage is unique in size, layout, and cost of residency fee. To determine suitability for your living and creative needs, please visit our Cottage Artist Residency page on our website.
-
All cottages are sparsely furnished and accepted as is. No personal furnishings may be brought into the cottages during the residency. Cottages have a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and either a living/workspace or a living room + separate studio space.
Due to the historic nature of our cottages, pets are strictly forbidden. We can not accommodate anyone under the age of 18.
All artists in the Historic Cottage Residency must provide their own transportation to, during, and from their Residency.