How to Apply
The next application deadline for the Artist-in-Residence (AIR) Program is May 15th. Interested artists can apply online at kala.slideroom.com – the deadline is May 15th (9:00 pm PT) – apply here!
In celebration of the work and legacy of beloved artist Jen Cole, Beth Fein and Kala’s community of artists have come together to create a one-month, annual Artist-in-Residence (AIR) award in Jen’s name. To apply for the Jen Cole Award please answer Question #4 in the May 15th AIR application. This opportunity is for a Bay Area printmaker to come to Kala for a one-month artist residency and includes a small stipend for supplies. This award is meant to support an artist who is at a pivotal point in their practice, needs support financially or in other ways, and for whom this opportunity will be transformative creatively.
Annual Application Deadlines:
May 15 (for residencies starting in or after October 2024*)
October 15 (for residencies starting in or after January 2025*)
January 15 (for residencies starting in or after June 2025*)
*Artists can delay attending the residency within 12 months following the acceptance date; after 12 months, we ask you to please reapply.
Artists may apply for 1-, 2-, or 3-month residencies, and must specify the desired residency length in the application. Please review our contract rates here to determine what option works best for you; 6-month residencies are available to continuing and returning Artists-in-Residence who have completed a 3-month residency.
Applications are reviewed by Kala’s Co-Director and Artist Residency Manager in consultation with Kala’s Print Studio Manager and Digital Lab Technician. The jury considers skill in the proposed project area that matches the resources available at Kala, and artistic and conceptual strength. Examples of the proposed printmaking/digital media are highly encouraged in the application.
Kala’s studio environment is designed for artists who can work independently and/or collaboratively without staff assistance. Staff will provide basic orientations, which include information about functionality, tips & tricks, and individual “personalities” of our presses, machinery, and processes in the studio; however, we can’t offer instruction. If you are new to a piece of equipment or a technical process, we encourage you to take a class to gain proficiency. You can view Kala Art Classes & Workshops here.
Kala Print Studio is located at the top of three flights of stairs. Please reach out to leyla@kala.org so we can share more about accessibility for you (and your service animal) safely and efficiently.
A Full Application Includes:
-Completed application questions
-Artist resumé or CV
-Work samples, up to 5 images and/or 5 minutes of video
Apply online at kala.slideroom.com.
Please note: hardcopy or email submissions are not accepted.
For more information, please reach out to Artist Residency Manager Leyla Rzayeva at leyla@kala.org / kalaair@kala.org
Alumni
Are you an artist-in-residence alumni looking to return? Please email Kala’s Artist Residency: kalaair@kala.org at least 2-3 months in advance of the dates you’d like to come back to Kala. Returning AIRs are always welcome back without any additional application!
Housing Facilities and Services
Kala’s artist apartment: Kala’s two shared artist apartments (two, 2-bedroom apartments) are an additional $1200/month, and a $200 non-refundable housing deposit is applied towards the residency fee. Please note each 2-bedroom unit is shared, meaning you will be living with a roommate and sharing a kitchen, living room, and bathroom. We cannot accommodate partners, co-parents, or children. Apartment availability is limited to 4 artist-in-residence each month; we have an alternative housing list also available.
*Non-residency participants are not permitted to live or stay on the premises.
*Washer and Dryer in unit. Workout space and a top-floor community deck with views of the Berkeley Hills.
*Residents are in charge of their meals and groceries.
Left to right: Room 1: Printers Paradise, Living Room, Room 2: Setswell Suite
Throwback to 2021!
Shelter in Studio: Kala Art Institute – hosted by San Francisco Center for the Book. Meg Pohlod, Nick Shick, and Gabriela Yoque talk about the studio space and residency program at Kala Art Institute in Berkeley, CA.