Chautauqua Artists in Residence
CHQ AIR is an initiative that provides incubating space for artists to explore their work, nurture new mediums and hone their craft utilizing our world-class galleries, studios and stages. Year-round, we offer artists with diverse backgrounds the opportunity to join us for a two – four-week residency (on-site housing and research support provided) at our historic 750-acre lakeside Institution situated in the bucolic landscape of western New York State.
Come Breathe with Chautauqua AIR Presents
2022 was the program’s inaugural year, and we were proud to host seven dance residences, working in tandem with three national partners to select companies: Works & Process LaunchPAD at The Guggenheim, Dance Lab New York, and Joyce Productions.
Our artists in residence are either sponsored or recommended by our national partners.
Are you the next artist that will join us at Chautauqua?
Hear From Those Involved With CHQ AIR
Below are some of the artists and creative professionals that have visited us at Chautauqua for a CHQ AIR residency stay. See what some of them had to say about their experience at our stunning village on the lake.
“YYDC’s residency at Chautauqua Institution to create its newest work, SOMEWHERE, was a time of growth, inspiration and community. We are deeply grateful to the CHQ family for the opportunity to live and create on its lovely campus.”
—Yue Yin
Artistic Director, YYDC
“My time in Chautauqua was an absolute dream. The team and the facilities provided a safe space for me to push myself artistically whether it was educating myself in photography or finding a new movement vocabulary. I was met with warmth and all of the resources I could ask for. It’s a perfect artistic sanctuary for whatever the needs may be.”
—Cassandra Trenary
Principal Dancer
American Ballet Theatre
“There could not have been better a moment to fill the need I had for creative time and space. Whether spending limitless time in the dance studio, virtual meetings in the conference rooms, or simply taking a walk through the beautiful grounds, Chautauqua Institution is the exact right place to #BuildMakeandCreate.”
—Hope Boykin
Educator/Creator/Mover/Motivator
Original member of Complexions
Dancer, The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, 20 Years
“GALLIM’s residency at Chautauqua was absolutely magical. The studios were gorgeous, the campus was absolutely stunning, and we were so thoughtfully cared for by the Chautauqua family. The company used the special opportunity to bond outside the studio and dive into our work in the studio all within one week time. It was a blessing to create in such a beautiful and warm environment and we can’t wait to come back some day!”
—Andrea Miller
Artistic Director + Choreographer
GALLIM
“I had a wonderful stay at the Chautauqua Institution. The staff was helpful and accommodating to our company’s needs and provided a wonderful space for us to create and explore our artistic process. In addition, we had the opportunity to connect and interact with the local community who were excited about our work and gave us a very warm welcome. It is definitely an artist retreat I would return to.”
—Abdiel
They / Their / Them
Pre Doctoral Lecturer, Dept. of Dance
(In residence with Do The Hustle)
History of Chautauqua AIR Presents
During the spring of 2020 in the midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Chautauqua had a unique and first-time opportunity to host two renowned companies on our grounds and in our arts venues. The Jazz at Lincoln Center Septet, led by Wynton Marsalis, was in residence for two weeks, and Dance Theatre of Harlem was in residence for one month. These world-class artists loved our facilities, were moved by our idyllic grounds, and were eager to engage with our curious community both in-person and online. After their experience, they left the Institution feeling renewed and supported. Hearing that Chautauqua met a need for breathing space and room, CHQ AIR was born.
Previous Artists
Dance Theatre of Harlem
Malpaso Dance
Dance Lab NY
Photo: Joe Gustafson Photography
Christopher Williams Dance
Do the Hustle
Hope Boykin
Cassandra Trenary
GALLIM Dance
Learn more about Residencies at CHQ
Chautauqua Institution is an inspirational destination for artmaking, and a purposefully diverse community that engages through transformational art, critical conversations, natural beauty and joyful gatherings, and our residencies reflect that blend. It is our endeavor to offer breathing space and room for art that is a work in progress while simultaneously facilitating thoughtful dialogue in a way only Chautauqua can.
Each residency includes public engagement that features conversations with artists, unique looks inside the creative process and the opportunity to receive improvement feedback. Come inspire creativity, produce new work and build your career with CHQ AIR.
CHQ AIR artists are selected with our national partners, including Works & Process Launchpad at The Guggenheim. Each residency includes public engagement that features conversations with artists, unique looks inside the creative process and the opportunity to receive improvement feedback.
Feed Your Soul At Chautauqua
Chautauqua is proud to be a walking community. See all the beauty we have to offer to inspire your soul. Plan on spending your time in a bucolic setting on the lake that permits space for personal growth, exploration and curiosity. You can bike or walk our picturesque grounds and brick walkways that lead you to all the wonders of this magical place: lush gardens, historic architecture, educational classes, lectures from brilliant leaders, leisure activities, boat rentals, top entertainment and performances, multiple dining options and so much more! It’s a destination like no other – one that allows you to reconnect with nature and nourish your soul in a supportive, welcoming community.
Amenities
Enjoy the many services we offer on grounds:
- Post office
- Library
- Laundry
- Fitness Center (with pool)
- Gallery Store
- Bookstore
- Dining options
- Shopping boutiques
Explore Studio Venues
Studio Space