We’re upgrading! After seven years of road trips and writers’ residencies, the studios are taking this July off for necessary repairs and upgrades! We are excited to make the studios more accessible to our residents and to the Pittsfield community. Applications for our 2025 (!) July residency will open in January 2025.

The July residency runs for 3-4 weeks in the month of July at Herman Melville’s Arrowhead in Pittsfield, MA.

Five writers across disciplines (poetry, fiction, non-fiction, translation, playwriting, comics, and more) are awarded residencies.

Studios

The studios are rustic and open air; each one is the architectural interpretation of the original structure from which one of five American Renaissance authors wrote while in the Berkshires. Studios include a built-in desk, bench, and chair, and are each equipped with a rechargeable, portable electric outlet. Restrooms and a small kitchen are available for resident use in Melville’s barn at Arrowhead.

Housing + Transportation

Residents are reimbursed for travel to and from Pittsfield. They receive full room & board within walking distance of the studios, on the campus of Miss Hall's School. This includes a private room in a small dormitory building shared with the four other residents, as well as breakfast, dinner, and a bagged lunch. Residents will also have a shared common room with a refrigerator and microwave, and access to campus amenities. Seasonal artists from other local organizations also stay on campus during the summer——an exciting interdisciplinary mix.

The studios are a short walk from campus, and scheduled shuttle transportation will be available during the week. If you’re interested in exploring, we recommend bringing a car, but it’s not necessary.

Public Events

We host 3 public events every summer. Past events have included readings by our residents, concerts, panel discussions, lectures, and community conversations.

How to Apply

Please read all residency details before applying! Create or sign in with your Submittable account and submit a single document containing: a Letter of Intent, a 10-Page Writing Sample, and a CV. Note length and formatting requirements.