Free Columbia Residency Program 2026

Free Columbia is offering self-directed, community supported, music, and art residencies.
Now accepting applications for summer and autumn 2026:
July 1 – July 30 and September 1 – November 30

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
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
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.

COMMUNITY HOUSING
Residents are housed in a beautiful Victorian house right off of Main Street in the town of Philmont, in upstate New York. A 100-feet distance from the studio, and often the hub of activity, the Free Columbia house is one of the core features of this residency. The communal house includes: six 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 per 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 three-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.

Now accepting applications for summer and autumn 2026:
July 1 – July 30 and September 1 – November 30

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.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO APPLY!