After a lengthy legal battle for its property tax-exempt status, The MacDowell Colony is "ecstatic and relieved to report that the New Hampshire court ruled today in favor of The MacDowell Colony in a 22-page decision.

Citing that legislation’s purpose is to encourage charitable institutions, the judge said, "Charitable institutions such as The MacDowell Colony that are aimed towards enabling artists to significantly contribute to the well-being of our society should be supported, not discouraged. By fostering the creation of the arts, MacDowell serves a charitable purpose for the benefit of the general public through its artist in residence program."

The case has significance throughout the field of artists’ communities, and sets a historic precedent that will certainly serve as a model for other residencies making the case for the value they bring to their local communities. Coming on the 100th anniversary of The MacDowell Colony, the ruling reinforces the century of cultural contributions the organization has brought to Peterborough, New Hampshire and to the world.