The MacDowell Colony is perhaps one of the most revered and elite artist residency programs in North America, and it also ranks highly around the world. In an attempt to democratize their admissions application process, they have temporarily suspended the formerly required references.

Good start.

Ack!

But then they require applicants list seven professional achievements. The last two require listing education or training and the number of non-MacDowell residencies they have attended.

Argh!

Is MacDowell committing the sin of hypocritical virtue signaling by removing the references requirement to improve equity, then asking for a list of accomplishments that demonstrate an audience, awards, grants, publications, performances, and so on?

Hmmmm…we here in the GU Clubhouse don’t think we’re objective enough to judge this. You tell us.

Questions for Listeners:

* What do you think?

* Hypocritical virtue signalling?

* Anti-democratic?

* Or reasonable and appropriate?

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For Further Exploration:

Art Just Became Even More Elitist

The NEA Creative Writing Fellowship program got killed. It was a disappointment for me—and points to a dark future for the arts.

Mona Lisa’s Face Redacted in Latest Trove of Epstein Files

The decision to cover the world’s most famous portrait feels particularly misguided as the DOJ faces accusations of releasing sensitive victim information.

Artist Residencies 101

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