MacDowell, established in 1907, is one of the oldest and most prestigious artist residency programs in the United States. Each year, it grants Fellowships across seven disciplines—including poetry, film, music, dance, and visual art—to about 300 artists. The program is designed to offer uninterrupted time and space for creative work in a supportive environment, free from the pressures of daily life. The Fellowship includes a residency at MacDowell's facilities in Peterborough, New Hampshire. There are no residency fees, and need-based stipends and travel grants are available to individuals awarded a Fellowship. This ensures that financial constraints do not hinder artists from taking advantage of the opportunity. The selection process is highly competitive, with a jury of distinguished professionals in each discipline reviewing applications. MacDowell's curatorial vision is to foster artistic excellence by providing a sanctuary where artists can focus solely on their craft. The residency is not project-based; rather, it supports artists at any stage of their creative process, allowing them to explore, experiment, and produce work without external demands. The interdisciplinary community of Fellows further enriches the experience, encouraging cross-pollination of ideas and practices.