Free Columbia Artist Residency Program

The Free Columbia Residency Program is a self-designed, community-supported, sliding-scale artist residency initiative based in Philmont, New York, with the goal of offering spaces for young people to explore and expand their creative and artistic impulses. Hosting emerging artists that work with many types of mediums such as ceramics, painting, dance, storytelling, and music, the residency program has become a pillar of community and connecting force that extends far beyond the village that holds it.

On Tuesday evenings, an ever-growing collective of people are invited to the Free Columbia house for a potluck dinner followed by a residency sharing space, where artists in residence have the freedom and support to showcase what they are working on, talk about their inspirations, and facilitate activities and conversation that inform their work and process. Through musical performance, dance and movement, visual exhibitions, and meaningful conversations, these Tuesday evenings are not only a warm and wonderful time for all involved, but an important instrument for the residents here to build accountability, be supported by community, and have the offerings of reflections on their art and creative processes from people who are interested in their work.