The campus-like experience of living, studying, and performing together fosters an environment of creativity and learning for artists of all ages. Come join us.
For Artists
Catskill Mountain Foundation hosts residencies of performing artist groups ranging from one to six weeks in our facilities located in the beautiful mountains of the Northern Catskills. CMF supports the work of these dance, theatre, and music artists through residencies and performances. Funding is provided through grants and private donations. There is no application process; residencies and performances are by invitation from the CMF Director of Performing Arts and the Board of Directors. However, artists may send video links of their work for consideration.
For Students
CMF hosts retreats for young musicians and musical theatre students during the summer months. These programs are centered around intensive instruction by world-class instructors. Young, talented students attend from countries around the world. Learn more in the Summer Arts Intensives section.
Current Student Residencies
Academy of Fortepiano Performance offers an inspiring and practical immersion into the world of historical pianos.
Hunter International Music Festival is a unique, two-week music festival experience focusing on both solo and chamber music training.
Pianists in the Mountains is a small group residency, limited to 15 students, focusing on unusual repertoire for the piano.
Past Artist Residencies
Twyla Tharp and her company were in residence at the CMF for three years, from 2016-2018. During her residencies, Ms. Tharp has reconstructed earlier works, presented a new work, and engaged the local community through outreach programs.
Paul Taylor Dance Company and Taylor 2 were in residence for three weeks in May of 2013. Taylor 2 interacted with the local community through master classes, lecture-demonstrations, and performances. The Paul Taylor Dance Company also performed during the residency period.
In 2013, award-winning storyteller David Gonzalez organized a four-day residency in our local schools that culminated in a student performance, followed by a performance by Mr. Gonzalez
Creative Spaces and Amenities
Our two principal performance venues are the Doctorow Center for the Arts in Hunter, and the Orpheum Performing Arts Center in Tannersville.
The Doctorow Center contains Evelyn Weisberg Hall, a 165-seat performing arts center. The full technical specifications are available here.
The Orpheum Performing Arts Center is a spectacular, 12,500 square foot theater. Every seat is a great one with clear sightlines to the stage, and we look forward to developing extensive dance programming in this venue. You can find the full specifications, as well as pictures, here.
Accommodations
The Catskill Mountain Foundation has extensive and affordable facilities for artistic residencies in a spectacular natural setting only two hours from metropolitan New York.
Our Village of Hunter facilities include four charming guesthouses with 22 bedrooms, located on or near Main Street. They are in close proximity to our theater and corporate retreat centers.
The hotel and guesthouses in Maplecrest are located at the Sugar Maples Center for Arts and Education, on the site of the former Sugar Maples Resort, a 15-minute drive from Hunter Mountain.
The Sherwood House features 14 large, private bedrooms, each with a private bath, and a large common area for groups in residence. Including adjacent guest houses, we can offer over 20 bedrooms for arts groups.
We also offer seven bedrooms in the Orpheum housing, adjacent to our Orpheum Performing Arts Center in the Village of Tannersville. Most of the bedrooms in our artist housing offer a private bathroom for each bedroom, and two beds per room.
