Founded by Anthony Cafritz in 2005, Salem Art Works supports emerging and established artists dedicated to creating new, progressive work, and promotes understanding and appreciation of contemporary art within the region. Based upon this tenet, SAW offers opportunities in four focal areas: cultural events, exhibitions, educational workshops, and artist programs.

With opportunities for artists at all career stages, Salem Art Works residencies support the exploration of new projects and ideas free from everyday pressures and concerns. Artists may apply to three subsidized residency opportunities. These residencies for SAW Fellows, Emerging Fellows, Studio Artists and Young Artists, take place June through September, and range from two weeks to two months.

Designed with an Artist's career path in mind, an artist may participate in all three programs over the course of their career or any one program. While in residence, artists are encouraged to expand their practice by experimenting with new or unfamiliar materials and methods. Scheduled activities include; presentations, studio critiques, open studios, and resident artist exhibitions - designed for artists' professional development at any stage of their career.

SAW program recipients receive free accommodation and meals, a studio, full access to SAWs facilities, and one complimentary workshop. SAW offers a limited number of subsidised Artist-in-Residence programs. These residencies—for Studio Artists—offer a work exchange while special residencies like the NY / VT Artist Residency and the salem2salem Invitational provide a group of artists a fully subsidized residency with no work-exchange. An artist may also choose to apply to SAW’s self-funded Independent Artist program on a rolling basis throughout the year. In this program, an individual artist or group of artists customize their access to SAWs facilities, studios, accommodations, and technical support to build their own residency experience. There is no limit to the number of times an artist may apply and participate as an independent artist or group.

All of SAWs programs, activities, and services are provided equally without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.