Shared air
artist residency

Summer 2026 Residency Applications now open

Download the application and email sharedair@hilltowncommons.org to apply.

Deadline to apply: February 18, 2026

Application

What You’ll Create

The Creative Residency at Hilltown Commons, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, offers artists and makers time, space, and resources to focus on their work while connecting with nature, place, and community.

Residents live on the 100-acre campus in Rensselaerville, NY with this year’s program starting July 8th and ending August 28th (departure date is flexible).

Applications for the Summer 2026 cohort are now open. Apply by February 18, 2026.

8-Week
Summer Sessions
(Flexible)

What’s included & Program Structure

  • Residents have dedicated time for their creative practice, opportunities to collaborate, and moments to share progress.

  • Residents are expected to contribute to campus life by leading a workshop, helping develop a public program, or sharing a piece of their work (e.g., installations, performances, exhibitions, or recordings).

  • A sample day includes morning and afternoon work blocks, and evening activities like bonfires.

A woman sitting at a kitchen table writing, with a window through which a young man is visible outside, looking down and holding something in his hand.

Photo by Cathlin McCullough

Sample DAY at hilltown commons

Breakfast

7:45 am

Work Out / Yoga

8:30 am

Morning Work Block

9–12:15 pm

Lunch

12:45 pm

Afternoon Work Block

2 – 4 PM

Chill Time (Tennis, Swim in the Lake, Hike the Huyck)

4:15 PM

Dinner

6 PM

Evening Activity (Summer is Buzzing in R’ville)

7 PM

Bonfire & Wind Down

10 PM

A woman with curly brown hair smiling while painting a colorful nature scene on a large canvas, holding a palette and a brush, wearing a white painter's smock with paint stains.

Our summer 2025 cohort:

Ali Syverson

Painter & Writer

Her work explores the natural world and climate justice.

@alisyversonart

Close-up of a young woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing hoop earrings and a denim jacket, looking off to the side with a neutral expression, standing outdoors against a light-colored background.

Laura colwell

Filmmaker & Musician

An award-nominated film editor and the lead singer/co-songwriter of the indie band Sun June.

@poundofpasta

A young woman sitting on a wooden floor in front of a rough concrete and brick wall, looking at the camera.

Cathlin Mccullough

Photographer & Director

A photographer and director whose short film, The Oldest, is making the rounds at film festivals.

@cathlinmccullough

A field of wildflowers, primarily daisies, seen from a low angle against a blue sky with some clouds.

Photo by Cathlin McCullough

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Each cohort session lasts 8 weeks during the summer months. While we recommend that residents stay the full duration of the program, we understand that everyone’s needs are different and can be flexible!

  • We provide private rooms with en-suite bathrooms to each resident as well as studio space and shared kitchen and facilities space. Beyond that, residents are responsible for their own expenses.

  • While many artists arrive with their own car, some do not, and we work with both. Groceries can be delivered to campus, and folks in town often share rides when needed. That said, if you’d like more independence and flexibility, we recommend having a car during your stay. We’re happy to arrange airport or train station pick-up and drop-off for your arrival and departure.

  • Yes, visitors are welcome with prior approval. Overnight stays may be possible, depending on housing capacity, and we ask that you check with us in advance before inviting guests. This helps us make sure the visit is comfortable for everyone and that the residency environment is respected.