Problem

Artists in the United States have the benefit of access to the best education and freedoms not enjoyed elsewhere. However, the economic realities make it difficult for even the best artists to pursue their work. After Edward MacDowell’s death, Marian MacDowell spent much of the next half-century raising funds to keep their vision alive, saying, “It’s what I’ve dedicated my life to prevent – the non-writing of the great poem."

The Gift

The MacDowell Colony provides artists of many disciplines freedom to create new work during their Fellowships at the Colony. Your gift of one artist’s day of work at MacDowell is a significant contribution to our creative culture, for which artist residency programs are the research and development laboratories. MacDowell supports risk-taking in an environment rich in stimulation and the fellowship of talented peers. By providing creative individuals with time, space, and an environment in which they can focus on creating new work, you are supporting our culture’s future masterpieces in every artistic discipline.

“It is the optimal environment to immerse yourself in the writing process and push the boundaries by embracing risk." --Filmmaker Rodney Evans