Macdowell's mission is to nurture the arts by offering talented individuals an inspiring residential environment in which to produce enduring works of the imagination. Macdowell welcomes artists engaging in the broadest spectrum of artistic practice and those (see SCH. O)investigating an unlimited array of creative inquiries and concerns. Macdowell applies the same egalitarian standards for ALL those who serve the organization in a staff, volunteer, or representative capacity. Macdowell grants fellowships to as many as 300 artists PER year, offering room, board, and exclusive use of a studio for stays up to SIX weeks. Amidst the company of a diverse community of peers, macdowell fellows' productivity benefits from these weeks freed from distraction together with the opportunity to exchange creative ideas and connections in a convivial setting.