CIAR Fall Artists' Residency 2026

Cuttyhunk Island Artists' Residency (CIAR) is held on Cuttyhunk Island, a small island off the Massachusetts coast at the western end of the Elizabeth Islands chain — accessible by ferry from New Bedford. The 2026 fall residency runs September 9–16, 2026, with twelve visual artists in residence for the seven-day session.

The residency is portable-practice-focused: drawing, painting, collage, small sculpture, photography, and video are eligible. Artists must have a studio practice that can travel — Cuttyhunk's small scale precludes large installations or heavy equipment, but the island's specific landscape becomes part of the work for many residents.

What's included: accommodation at the historic Avalon Inn, three meals daily prepared on-site by resident chefs, access to the island and complimentary golf cart use, and visiting artist programming (the 2026 program includes conversations with Claudia Keep and Randall Exon).

Cost is tiered by room type: $1,950–$2,100 triple, $2,500–$2,800 double, $3,300–$3,600 single. Ferry tickets ($50 each way plus $5 per checked bag from New Bedford) are not included.

Multiple fellowships cover all or part of the residency cost: the Environmental Artist Fellowship, the Open Merit Fellowship, the Paul Cuffe Fellowship (artists of color), the Wellspring Fellowship (parent artists), and work-study options. Application fee is $25. The 2026 deadline is May 15.