THE ARTIST RESIDENCY PROGRAM
Now accepting applications for 2026!
July 1 - July 31 and September 15 - December 15
The Free Columbia Artist Residency is for artists to come to Columbia County, NY and engage with a supportive community of artistic exploration and creative energy, undertaking a self directed project and living in a community house with other residents.
This is an opportunity to follow through on creative inspiration with the support and accountability of a passionate community of fellow artists, musicians, and creatives as well as teachers, farmers, builders, dreamers, and all sorts of amazing people young and old.
ENGAGING IN A RESIDENCY INCLUDES
Being part of an interdisciplinary cohort of young artists in residence.
Completing a self directed project
Participation in holding potlucks and artist sharing evening once a week
A weekly meeting with other residents and staff
Art study with the other artists in residence
A final residency presentation
WEEKLY POTLUCK DINNER
Each resident will have their own space in the studio that includes a personal working area as well as access to larger shared areas for performance, music, dance, ceramics, etc. The studio space is in a beautiful renovated carriage house with plenty of natural light, a wood stove, and lots of character.
Residents are expected to provide themselves with the materials they need for their residency, though are encouraged to use the materials and equipment we have, including painting, drawing, ceramics, and musical instruments.
Free Columbia hosts weekly potluck dinners followed by artistic presentations, workshops, or performances from artists and musicians in residence. These regular gatherings are well attended by the community and serve as an inspiring and supportive space for residents to share their artistic process and explore new ideas.
STUDIO SPACE
COMMUNITY HOUSING
Residents are housed in a beautiful Victorian house right off of Main Street in the town of Philmont, in upstate New York. 100 feet from the studio, and often the hub of activity, the Free Columbia house is one of the core features of this residency. More about the house can be found here. The communal house includes: 6 wonderful bedrooms, a shared kitchen and bathrooms, shared household responsibilities, lots of gatherings, meals, music, games, and activity of all sorts.
COSTS AND TUITION
FULL Tuition is $300/MONTH and offered on a sliding scale.
Free Columbia is deeply committed to making its programming accessible to all. Please refer to our tuition information sheet to determine where you fall on our sliding scale.
Residents are responsible for their own art materials, living expenses and rent.
RESIDENCY TIMELINE
Residencies are offered in 3 month blocks during the spring and fall with a shorter one-month residency offered in July. Many residents live at the house before and/or after their residency periods, which is based on availability.
We are currently accepting applications for
July 1 - July 31 and September 15 - December 15
This is a transformational process with a focus on the development of artistic practice and inspiration, dialogue between artist and community, and fostering a meaningful exchange not only for the artist but, we believe, for the world.
APPLICATION
The link to the application can be found below and submitted to the residency director, Soren Dietzel at
Please reach out to Soren with any additional questions. Looking forward to hearing from you.
