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Self-Directed Two-Week Artist Residency

Date of Residency: August 15-29, 2026
Deadline to Apply February 20, 2026 

Apply Now

The Two-Week Residency is a self-directed program designed to give artists uninterrupted time and space to focus deeply on their practice.  

During the first week, artists work independently in their studios, free from scheduled commitments. In the second week, participants engage in a series of studio visits with leading arts professionals, including our visiting gallerist; Judy Barie, the Susan and John Turben Director of Chautauqua Visual Arts (CVA) Galleries; Erika Diamond, Associate Director of Galleries at Chautauqua Institution; and Erika b Hess, Artistic Director of Chautauqua Visual Arts. 

This residency coincides with Chautauqua Institution’s world-renowned summer programming, where artists, musicians, and thought leaders gather to celebrate creative exchange. Residents receive a gate pass granting access to concerts, lectures, and performances, offering further opportunities to connect and engage across disciplines. 

Set within the inspiring grounds of Chautauqua Institution, the Two-Week Residency provides dedicated studio space, meaningful dialogue through studio visits and feedback sessions, and a chance to build connections with curators, gallerists, and fellow artists all while maintaining the independence of a self-directed practice.

Key Components of the Program

Studio Space: Each resident is assigned a studio, providing an opportunity to focus on developing their work. Each studio is approximately 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. 

Access to Facilities: Residents have access to a variety of art facilities, including: 

• Printmaking Studio 

• Silkscreen Shop 

• Drawing Studio 

• Fiber Studio 

• Woodshop 

• Outdoor Sculpture Pad 

Studio Visits: During the second week of the program, residents benefit from studio visits to receive feedback and connection. 

Chautauqua Institution programming – Intellectual and Artistic Resources: Residents are encouraged to explore the broader resources available at the Chautauqua Institution, which include lectures by accomplished writers, historians, and thought leaders, along with performances in theater, music, and dance. 

Benefits of attending the Chautauqua School of Art Residency  

Participants in the Chautauqua School of Art Two-Week Residency gain access to a multitude of opportunities designed to enhance their artistic development: 

Time: Dedicated, uninterrupted time to focus on your practice, without the distractions of daily responsibilities such as meals or errands. 

Access: Enjoy a gate pass granting residency participants access to the Chautauqua grounds, including concerts and lectures at the Amphitheater and programs associated with the Chamber and Festival Schools. 

Studio Visits: Experience one-on-one studio visits facilitating direct feedback and collaboration. 

Studio Space: 24-hour access to your studio situated in a community of artists. 

Housing and Meals: Single room in student housing with full meal plan available.   

Facility Access: Gain access to our facilities, including printmaking, ceramics, fiber, and drawing, enabling uninterrupted creative practice. 

Application Requirements 

Requirements for application include:  

• Ten images of your work. All media accepted, including video. Video submissions must be less than five minutes each.  

• Descriptions of your work for each image including title, media, dimensions, and year created.  

• Statement about why you are interested in the residency and what you hope to accomplish during your stay 

• Artist Statement 

• PDF of your current CV.  

• One reference 

• $35 non-refundable application fee.  

Chautauqua Institution has a deep commitment  to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility and encourages applications from all backgrounds and lived experiences. 

Application Fee: $35  

Cost of Attendance – Two-Week Residency  

Housing/Security Deposit  

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

Tuition & Fees 

$2,460 – Includes tuition costs, fitness center membership, registration fee and gate pass to attend all events (except theater and opera.)  

Housing & Meals (Opt-In) 

$1,130 – Includes full meal plan (7 days a week) plus single room with shared bathroom in Greene Family Commons. 

Total Cost of Attendance – Two-Week Residency: $3,590 

  • Q & A

    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, studio visits, a room, a meal plan, gym access and gate pass to see lectures and concerts.  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. You do not need to have a BFA or MFA to apply.  

    How is this program different from other residency programs?
    In addition to meeting artists from around the US and beyond, you have access to performances by world-renowned musicians and dancers. You can be inspired by lectures that happen M-F 10:45 from luminaries from around the world.  

    What are studios like?
    Chautauqua is a community that is over 150 years old so the studio building itself is historic. Each studio is about 100 sq feet and is connected to other studios to create a community experience. They are open studios without doors. You have at least two working walls, a table and chair. Studios are not air conditioned. 

    What is the living space like?
    Residents enrolled in housing and meals receive a single room in the student residence hall that shares a bathroom with one other resident in the same program. The residence hall is recently renovated and has central air conditioning. The dining hall is also located in the residence hall and serves three meals a day.

    Can I secure my own living space?
    If you do not want to opt into the student housing and meal plan, you can secure your own living space. We do not assist with this process.    

    Why is there 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 room/housing and purchase a gate pass to attend any Institution programming. There are no overnight guests permitted in the residence hall.  

    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.

  • Housing and Meals

    View Housing and Student Life information on our website.

  • Arriving to Chautauqua

    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). 

  • Getting Around Chautauqua

    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 

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