When is the deadline for applications? 

We accept applications between September 1st and January 15th. Applications received after January 15th will be added to a waitlist for residencies. A rotating selection committee reviews all final applications and awards residency scholarships, fellowships, and work exchange financial aid by February 15th.

We encourage you to apply early! The application fee is waived from September 1st until November 1st. On November 1st the fee is $25 and on December 1st the fee increases to $40.

Are residencies offered year round? 

We are only able to accommodate residences from May through early October until our new campus is complete. 

Am I eligible? 

Most likely. We support applicants at any stage of their career, working in a variety of media — as long as you have the skills and experience to work independently in your field in a loosely structured environment. We have no specific degree requirements, and no set duration for residencies. You may apply to attend for two weeks or more. We do not require specific project proposals or deliverables unless applying for a fellowship. All residencies are designed to offer uninterrupted time for artists to work independently without instruction or distraction, while encouraging interdisciplinary exchange. 

Regardless of the medium, we encourage applications from artists seeking time and space to: pursue independent projects; create new work; complete a project; conduct research; find inspiration; write; think; sketch; cook; teach - this time is for you. If you are an artist, agrarian, chef, designer, writer, teacher, researcher, medical professional, activist, or thinker seeking to establish yourself, gain new energy and perspective, push the boundaries in your field, or are in need of a sabbatical - a residency at Craigardan could be for you. 

We believe in providing equitable opportunities for all people. We highly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, people of color, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities, as well as all who are historically underserved, under-resourced, and underrepresented.

How do I apply? 

First, make sure you have carefully read all of the information provided on the Residencies and Apply pages of our website including the residency brochure which contains the most up-to-date information on our program and campus. A complete application must include: a paid application fee; completed application form; and the supporting materials requested (CV or resume; letter of intent; samples of work as specified by medium; and any fellowship application requirements). Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

If applying for financial assistance (scholarships, work exchange, or fellowships), be sure to mark this in your application form and submit any required materials. You will receive an email confirming receipt of your completed application and a link to schedule a zoom call with staff. All applicants meet with staff via zoom to answer any questions you may have, and to help us understand your studio and personal needs and requirements.

How long is a typical residency? 

Most artists apply for residencies from 2-4 weeks in length. Chefs and ceramic artists tend to apply for longer residencies, from 4 weeks to two months in length. We try to accommodate preferred dates and length requests, however applicants may only be awarded partial time for requests of one month or more. We only support residencies of two weeks or longer.

How much does it cost? 

Most accepted applicants receive a Craigardan scholarship which covers a substantial portion of the cost of a residency. Artists may apply for a small or large scholarship. With a large scholarship, a two-week residency costs $1000 plus travel expenses (gas, flights, train, etc.), any materials you may need while in-residence (clay, firings, printing, etc.), and any additional groceries or food you’ll wish to purchase. You may want to go out to eat a few times, for example. If you are a clay artist, you may request a copy of the materials and firings price sheet. Be sure to budget accordingly when applying. If you receive a fellowship or work exchange, this may cover your residency fee, but you will still need to budget for transportation, additional food, and materials. Remember that there may be individual artist grants available in your state that you can apply for to help cover these costs, as well as time missed from work.

I have applied, now what? 

You will receive a notice confirming receipt of your complete application. All applicants under consideration will be required to schedule a zoom call with staff to answer questions and discuss studio needs. All applications are reviewed by a selection committee and final notifications will be sent by February 15th. 

Accepted applicants are required to complete residency forms and submit a 50% deposit by March 1st. Any final residency payments are due in full 60 days prior to a scheduled residency. If final payments are not made by the deadline, the residency will be cancelled and the deposit forfeited. If your application was not accepted, you are always welcome to re-apply at a later date. It is not uncommon for applicants to apply more than once. Note: All notifications are made via email. 

Can collectives or collaborators apply for a group residency? 

Yes, please email program@craigardan.org to inquire prior to completing your application. Everyone in the group will need to submit separate applications, noting that they wish to be a part of a group residency in the letter of intent.

Do you offer application fee waivers?

The application fee covers payment to selection committee members for carefully reviewing all applications. We provide a free application period from September 1st until November 1st. After November 1st, we cannot provide an application fee waiver.

Is it possible to receive feedback on my application?

Due to the volume of applications Craigardan receives, we are unable to provide feedback on individual applications.

Can I reapply if I have already been an artist-in-residence at Craigardan? 

Yes! You may reapply as early as the following year. 

What is included in a residency at Craigardan?

All Artists-in-Residence receive:

• Accomodation / private room; 

• A farm share and stocked pantry with fresh, seasonal, local food;

• Shared kitchen, living, laundry and bathroom facilities;

• Studio space appropriate to your discipline; (writers currently work out of their private cabin)

• Free access to all programs (Monday night dinners, crit sessions, Applebarn talks, public courses, and special events);

• The full and ongoing support of the organization. 

What are my responsibilities while in-residence? 

It is the responsibility of all residents to: 

• Present in our Applebarn Series. On Friday nights we open our doors to the public for our Applebarn Series where all artists-in-residence have the opportunity to present their work to each other and to our broader community. This is a chance for you to present what you are currently working on, discuss your process or a concept for a future project, exhibit a finished work, give a reading, or perform a piece. Staff will work with artists to craft their 10-15 minute presentation. Typically 2-4 artists present each week.

• Cover your own transportation, materials, and personal expenses including some food (the farm share will not provide all the food you may need).

• Adhere to the community agreement and campus policies related to community wellbeing, mutual respect and care for each other, the buildings, and grounds.

• Residents awarded fellowships or work exchange have additional responsibilities as applicable to their award.

How can I get to Craigardan? 

We are located in a very remote area - you will get the most out of your experience if you have a car for the duration of your residency (we cannot stress this enough). It is very important to plan your transportation well in advance. Public transportation options are LIMITED and sometimes frustrating, and include: 

Airports

• Albany Airport: 2 hours from Craigardan. Rental cars, uber, lyft, taxi and bus service is available. Please note: while available at the airport, taxis, uber and lyft are not locally available to take you back to the airport from Elizabethtown.

• Burlington Airport: 1.5 hours - 2 hours from Craigardan (depending on ferry crossing). Rental car, uber, lyft and taxi service available. Please note: while available at the airport, uber and lyft are not locally available to take you back to the airport from Elizabethtown.

• Adirondack Regional Airport: 1 hour from Craigardan (daily flights to and from Boston (BOS) and NYC (JFK):

  • Rental Cars: 

    • Adirondack/Vermont Rental Cars 833-RENT-SLK

    • Turo Check turo for current availability on local cars located here at the airport and available for rent.

    • Avis will deliver cars to Adirondack Regional Airport when prearranged for a fee: 518-561-2348

  • Car and Driver Services: Polar Express – 518-327-3331

Buses 

• Trailways is a great option for busing up here or Greyhound. For both options there is no stop in Elizabethtown, so please select Keene Valley as your destination. We can arrange pick up + drop off at the bus stop for a flat rate fee of $40.

Amtrak 

• Keep an eye on the Amtrak website. The line between NYC and Montreal was temporarily suspended in 2023 and again in 2024. The nearest stop is Westport train station and we can arrange pick up + drop off at the train station for a flat rate fee of $40.

Is the campus accessible? 

Please note that while our future campus is designed to be universally accessible (above and beyond ADA compliance), we will have increasing ability to accommodate specific needs as the campus is built. If you are living with a disability, please discuss this with staff prior to applying so that we can work to support you to the absolute best of our ability at this time.

What should I bring?

A detailed list of what to pack is included in the residency handbook. Bring bug spray and a rain jacket. Bring layers for hot days and cold nights. Bring anything essential to your creative process - what you need and love to work with. Bring personal items and all electronic chargers. We do not provide art supplies or access to equipment beyond some light hand tools, raw materials for ceramics, and a fully equipped clay studio at this time. All clay material costs and firing fees are the responsibility of the artist.

What does a typical day look like? Or, how do I structure my time while in-residence?

Residencies are unstructured opportunities for artists and scholars who desire a block of focused time to spend on their work. Residents have the freedom to design their days however they like which typically include significant blocks of time working in their studio broken up by hikes, visits to swimming holes, meals, and programs. Each week we have (optional) events that offer a general structure for artists to come together in community for dinner, reflection, to showcase their work, and volunteer on the farm. We also offer a diverse array of workshops, classes and opportunities to convene with the public throughout the summer.

What is the setting like?  

Craigardan is located just outside of Elizabethtown, NY the county seat for Essex County, occupying the Indigenous lands and waters of the Kanienʼkehá:ka (Mohawk) people. This is an extremely rural area with a low year-round population and lots of summer tourism - expect higher prices for food and gas.

The campus sits on 320-acres of previously logged land that we are nurturing back to health, and is surrounded by large tracts of wilderness. We are in a beautiful and very remote area of the six-million-acre Adirondack Park. Nestled within the famous High Peaks region near the fertile farmlands of the Champlain Valley, the campus is set amidst the backdrop of stunning mountain vistas, quiet woodland trails, and scenic rivers and lakes.

Craigardan is 4 miles from town, with access to a full hospital, dentist offices, an excellent mental health clinic, churches, pharmacy, grocery store, hardware store, and dollar store. There are a few restaurants including the favorite Deers Head Inn, and car mechanics. We are also in the middle of excellent multi-use recreational trail networks so if you like the outdoors - bring your gear!

This is an extremely rural area, and distances are far between towns. Artists-in-residence are responsible for their own transportation, and in order to get the most out of the area, we highly recommend a vehicle.

Is Internet and cellular service available? 

While significant recent investment has been made in cellular and fiber optic infrastructure in recent years, access to internet, cell service and WiFi remains inconsistent throughout the Adirondack park. At Craigardan, there is currently high speed internet access at the farmhouse, and in the common areas of the main campus. There is no consistent wifi in the studios. You may get one bar of cell service at best — we have an office phone available for your use.

Are there bugs?

Yes! Our main campus is within a wilderness area and insects are important for a healthy ecosystem. Bugs really like some people, and they leave others alone. There are steps we take to live in harmony with biting insects and it’s best to arrive prepared mentally and physically. Bring bug spray, long pants, long sleeve shirts, and a hat that you can wear if the bugs get annoying.

Can I receive mail?

Yes! Your mailing address for the time of your residency is as follows: Your Name, c/o Craigardan, 9216 NYS Rt. 9N, Elizabethtown, NY 12932. You are welcome to mail yourself packages in advance of your residency.

What are your cancellation/rescheduling policies? 

The residency deposit is non-refundable under any circumstance. If an accepted applicant needs to cancel all or part of their residency for any reason after the final payment is made, a residency fee refund (not including the the deposit) may be issued if we are able to fill the vacant spot with another applicant from our waitlist. We do our best, but refunds are not guaranteed and are most often not possible due to the last-minute nature of cancellations. An accepted applicant may be able to defer or reschedule their residency instead of cancel, but the refund policy still applies for the original dates. An accepted applicant may only defer once, not multiple years in a row.

Are guests allowed? Can I bring my pet?

Visitors are allowed on campus with advance notice Monday - Saturday between 9 am and 6 pm. No overnight guests are permitted. We are a working farm and pets are not permitted at any time. Service dogs are welcome, please communicate your needs in advance. Emotional support animals (ESAs) and all other animals are not permitted. There are two great ways that you can interact with animals during your residency. First, we have lots of farm animals that you are welcome to enjoy. And second, we have a wonderful SPCA that is a 10min drive from campus. They accept volunteers to socialize with their animals and you can apply to be a volunteer here: NCSPCA