The Artist in Residence program brings together contemporary artists to live at the Village while producing works that are inspired by the landscape and culture of the Shakers. Artists are given a workshop location within the Village and are encouraged to create new work. 

AIR is invitational, focusing on artists who have shown a demonstrated commitment to the Shaker legacy of visionary creative work through a lens that encompasses both art and craft.

The goals of this program are:

• To encourage artists who are inspired by the Canterbury Shakers and their architecture, traditional crafts, furniture, artistic endeavors, and the overall landscape of the Village.
• To provide artists with a place to experiment with their artist practice and showcase new work.
• To tap into and grow a new audience at the Village while providing new programming opportunities for local artists and creatives.
• To offer visitors a different perspective and a new outlook on what kind of inspiration the Village can offer to local artists.