Where is the residency located?
The residency is located at Chautauqua Institution in western New York state. The area surrounding the institution is rural and is about an hour away from Buffalo.

What is included in the program?
The program is fully inclusive in that you receive a studio, access to facilities, programming, classes, room, and a meal plan will be provided. Art supplies are not included. 

What are the requirements to apply?
Applicants must be 21 years of age or older to be eligible to apply and interested in a studio-intensive experience. You do not need to have a BFA or MFA to apply.  

See our application requirements here. Please go to Slideroom to learn more about our application requirements and submit an application.

What are the requirements of the residency program?
We want residents to embrace this unique opportunity to connect with a community of artists and challenge their work and ideas. We have found this is best done through being present. Accepted resident artists must commit to be present for the full session and participate in the school’s culture. This means engaging with faculty, attending critiques, and being respectful to the other residents at Chautauqua.  

How is this program different from other residency programs?
At Chautauqua, you will work with incredible art faculty and also learn from historians and anthropologists. You have access to performances by world-renowned musicians and dancers. We are interested in working with artists who want to learn from other cultural areas and contribute to our community. 

What are studios like?
You have your studio that is about 100 sq feet and is connected to other studios to create a community experience. You have at least two working walls, a table and chair.  

Why is there a gate and a gate pass required to enter?
The School of Art is located on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution. During the Summer Assembly, gates to the grounds are closed and accessible only with a gate pass, provided to you for the length of your program. Your gate pass will also act as a General Admission ticket to all Amphitheater events at no cost to you.

I just want to make work in isolation. Can I do that at Chautauqua?
If you want to be completely isolated, this residency isn’t for you. We recommend artists apply who are community-minded, open, and want to share. 

Will I have any time to actually work in my studio?
Yes! You have 24/7 access to your studio. 

Can I bring my family to Chautauqua?
Yes, however, your family must secure their own place to stay and purchase a gate pass to attend any Institution programming. Guests are not permitted in student housing. 

What happens after I attend the School of Art residency program?
We continue to stay in touch as much as possible and give as many opportunities as we can to our alums. Check out Alumni news here! 

I have some questions that were not answered here. May I talk with someone with my specific questions?
Of course! We welcome your questions! Please send your questions to art@chq.org. 

View Housing and Student Life information on our website.

Cost of Attendance – Six Week Residency 

Housing/Security Deposit  

$100 – Separate from program costs, refundable after the program’s conclusion pending terms listed in acceptance letter.  

Tuition & Fees 

$3,440 – Includes full instruction costs, art studio fee, fitness center membership, registration fee and gate pass to attend all events (except theater and opera.)  

Housing & Meals  

$3,390 – Includes full meal plan (7 days a week) plus shared room in Greene Family Commons. 

Total Cost of Attendance – Six Week Residency: $6,830 

Scholarships & Funding 

At Chautauqua Visual Arts, program cost includes housing, meals, studio space, and full participation in the residency program. Admissions are based solely on artistic merit and are not influenced by financial circumstances. 

Through the generosity of our donors and partners, CVA offers a range of scholarships and work-study opportunities to artists with financial need, enrolled in the Six Week Residency. While we ask applicants to contribute what they are able, a limited amount of additional funding is available. 

Work-study recipients commit to fulfilling designated responsibilities for a set number of hours each week, contributing to the daily life and operations of the program while receiving financial support. 

Chautauqua Institution is located in the southwestern corner of New York State. It is the students responsibility to get themselves to and from Chautauqua for their program.  

If you choose to fly to Chautauqua, the closest airports are the Buffalo Niagara International Airport (70 miles northeast) and Erie International Airport (40 miles west). Getting to Chautauqua by train is another option. There are Amtrak Train Stations in both Buffalo, NY (77 miles northeast) and Erie, PA (38 miles west). 

From both train stations and airports, you will still need to travel the rest of the way to Chautauqua by car or bus. Bus service includes Coach USA (Buffalo to Jamestown 716-665-3076), and Chautauqua Area Rural Transit (Chautauqua County; 1-800-556-8553 in Dunkirk).  

Chautauqua is a pedestrian community, meaning that car traffic is limited. Walking, biking, and a provided tram service are the primary means of transportation on the grounds. Those bringing a car to campus will only be able to have their vehicle on grounds for move-in and move-out. Discounted parking for students for the length of their program is available in the Main Lot, across from the Main Gate Welcome Center.  The School of Art can offer a golf cart ride for occasional transportation around the grounds and for large items or artwork that need to be transported at any point. Many people enjoy biking around the grounds, and we can provide a limited number of communal bikes for our artists to enjoy.  

Chautauqua Institution Map of Grounds 

Items may also be shipped to Chautauqua.* Paper is available for purchase for any printmaking needs. 

Nearby Art Supply Stores: 

Home Depot (14 mi) 

Michaels (13 mi) 

Cala Lily Yarn Shop (11 mi) 

Walmart (13 mi) 

*Mailing address is different than Chautauqua Institution’s address