What kind of artist is the Shandaken: Catskill residency best for?
Shandaken: Catskill is ideal for artists who are interested to expand their practice to include bookmaking and printmaking, those who already focus on prints and books and are interested in unstructured, studio-based experimentation, and those who have completed a print-ready project but need equipment to realize it. Hands-on training in Risography and the creation of artist books is available to those artists who desire it.
Why is the Catskill residency only for artists interested to use printmaking equipment?
The apartment available to residents is comfortable but small. Shandaken's print studio, where residents are invited to work alongside Shandaken staff, is able to accommodate low-impact practices that are ancillary to print- and publication-making like drawing, collage, digital work, etc; but there is no private space set aside for residents to make other kinds of objects. The print studio also features purpose-built areas for Risography, bookmaking, block printing, and silkscreen. If you have questions about what you would like to accomplish while onsite, we encourage you to get in touch to see if this opportunity is right for you.
Is this residency only for artists who have already made books or prints?
No, this residency welcomes artists at all levels of familiarity with printmaking and book making—including applicants who would like to learn new skills, explore new directions in media they are already familiar with, or just print a project that is nearly complete.
What is the length of each residency?
Candidates can select residences of one week, two weeks, three weeks, one week followed by an additional one-week return trip, or two weeks followed by a one-week return trip, at their discretion.
What are the dates of the 2025-26 application cycle?
Opportunities resulting from the application cycle ending Sept 30 will be awarded opportunities from November 2025 through May 2026. Candidates can let us know which window will be best for them on their application.
How do residents get to and from Catskill? How do they get around once they arrive?
Residents are asked to provide for their own transportation to and from the Hudson, NY Amtrak train station, or to and from Catskill by car. Once onsite, regular errand trips will be offered to residents who do not have their own means of transportation.
Can alumni from other Shandaken programs apply?
Yes, we'd love to continue supporting your practice!
Can I bring my partner or family?
Unfortunately we are unable to offer accommodations for individuals other than artists in residence.
Can guests visit?
Guests are welcome for day trips only. No overnight guests are allowed.
Can I leave the residency during my stay?
Residents are free to travel for work-related purposes while in residence. Traveling for other purposes is strongly discouraged.
What equipment is available onsite?
Please see our live inventory of print studio equipment here.
What will be required of me if I am awarded an opportunity?
Residents are offered a print studio materials (ie: ink and paper, etc.) stipend of $100 weekly, but are asked to pay for any additional materials they use at cost. Residents are also asked to consider placing one print from any edition produced onsite in the Shandaken archive. Residents are invited to make a public presentation about their work at the end of their term. There are no fees or other deliverables associated with this opportunity.
What happens during residencies?
Residents’ time in Catskill is unstructured, with the exception of two 30- to 90-minute training sessions at the beginning of their term.
Are pets allowed?
We love pets and want to see pictures of them, but no, pets are not allowed.
Can collaborative teams apply?
The apartment available to residents of Shandaken: Catskill is not large and contains one queen sized-bed, but if this works for your collaborative team, please apply with a single application.
Can current students apply?
No, this opportunity is for candidates who have completed their formal education.
Can artists who do not live in New York City apply?
Yes, artists from elsewhere are welcome.
Can artists who do not live in the United States apply?
Yes, however please note that Shandaken is unable to offer visa support outside of supplying basic documentation.
Does this opportunity come with a stipend or a travel budget?
There is a print studio materials stipend of $100 weekly offered as a credit toward ink and paper, which are offered to residents at cost (producing in excess of this amount is, historically, very rare). Otherwise, this is an opportunity for free short-term housing and print studio access only.
Can this program meet my access needs?
We invite candidates with disabilities to contact us to discuss their needs person-to-person in advance of applying.
How can I ask a question about the application?
We are happy to provide thoughts over email about questions that cannot be answered by reading our extensive online materials. This service is available until the date described in said materials—generally about a week before the call for entries closes. We cannot accept phone calls regarding applications.
I made a mistake on my application, but I can't log back in!
Please contact our application service provider, Submittable, for technical support. Shandaken is not able to make adjustments to any application after the call for entries has closed.
I haven't heard back from you! When will I know if I got in?
Please be patient. We read every single word in the hundreds of applications we receive. You will hear from us as soon as possible. Reading emails about your application will take valuable time away from our jury process.
Can I apply again if I was not successful in years past?
Yes, we have had numerous residents succeed with their second, third, and sometimes even fourth applications.
Can I defer a successful application?
No, we are not able to accommodate deferrals.
Photograph by Adam Deen, 2023.