Artists-in-Residence Program

Every two years, the AIR Program committee invites Club members to nominate qualified applicants to apply to the AIR Fellows Program.  Individuals between the ages of 24 and 39 who are working professionals in one of the following artistic categories will be considered: Architecture, Time Arts (including film, video, & sound), Comedy, Criticism, Curatorial Practice, Dance, Interior Design, Fashion, Graphic Arts, Journalism, Literature, Music, Painting, Photography, Poetry, Puppetry, Theater,  Sculpture, Visual Arts, and the Magic Arts. On rare occasion, the AIR committee may consider qualifications outside of those listed above. Full-time undergraduate students are not eligible to apply.

Individuals selected as an Artists-In-Residence Fellow will be granted access to Club dining, social  gatherings and programming for the two-year residency. In exchange, resident artists will showcase their respective artistic talents through a program to Club members, attend at least five other AIR programs over the course of two years, and display support for the club’s activities. Additionally, AIRs are not limited to one program and are encouraged to collaborate with the other class fellows.  Picture a collaboration between a screenwriter, director and actor for a dinner theatre performance, or a program featuring a mix of visual and music artists.  

Resident artists are invited to a welcoming AIR Reception at the start of the program as the outgoing AIR class is recognized for their inspiring and creative additions to the Club. Throughout the term of the residency, AIR Fellows are encouraged to engage with Club members, who are either artists or other professionalswith a passionate interest in the arts. The program is a wonderful opportunity for young artists to network at the Members table, on the terrace on a summer evening and/or at many of the other programs/events offered throughout the year. Given the certain warm embrace of the Club’s members, these experiences will be deeply meaningful. 

The Cliff Dwellers recognizes that membership in a private club can be an increasingly difficult expense to justify, particularly for those younger individuals pursuing a career in the arts. At the same time, so much of our Club history and culture is founded on the mission of nurturing the arts. As the categories of art expand with the times, and exciting new artists come on the scene, the AIR Fellows Program provides a way for Club members and younger creatives to connect, build good fellowship, and energize the life of the Club.  It is our hope that this introduction to the Club will show our AIR fellows the value of The Cliff Dwellers, both as a lively community of artists and arts lovers and, as a historic cultural institution.