How to Apply
How to Apply:
– July 26th, 2025 deadline, visit kala.slideroom.com here to apply!
– Complete application questions in SlideRoom
– Upload artist resumé or CV
– Upload work samples, up to 5 images and/or 5 minutes of video
– $15 Application Fee
Applicant Resources
– Residency Experience
– Kala Facilities
– Questions & Application Fee Waiver Requests: reach out to the Artist Residency Manager at leyla@kala.org / kalaair@kala.org, 510.549.2977 x 303 (Mon–Fri 9:00 am – 5:00 pm PT).
Apply for:
– Artist Residency (AIR) Program
– Jen Cole Artist-in-Residence Award (Bay Area printmaker)
– CCA Hamaguchi Emerging Artist Resdiency at Kala
– Veterans Artist Residency
Facilities:
Important to Note: Print Studio location description: Kala Print Studio is located at the top of three flights of stairs, a total of 52 steps. Feel free to reach the Artist Residency Manager at leyla@kala.org / kalaair@kala.org or by phone at T: 510.549.2977 x 303 Mon-Thu 9 am – 5 pm PT. If stairs present an access issue for you, please let us know.
Criteria:
The selection panel considers skills in the proposed project area that match the resources available at Kala, along with artistic and conceptual strengths. Examples of the proposed media are highly encouraged in the application. Artists who apply for a residency should be familiar with at least one of the media and equipment offered at Kala print studio, sculpture lab, digital lab, darkroom, and other facilities: find out more here. Applications are reviewed by Kala’s Co-Director, Artist Residency Manager, Print Studio Manager, and Digital Lab and Sculpture Lab Manager.
Residency Resources:
– 24/7 access to a shared 8,000-square-foot Print Studio facilities & equipment
– Sculpture Lab, Digital Lab & Media equipment
– black and white darkroom
– three individual project spaces, 150-200 sq feet each (available to visiting artists)
More about Kala’s facilities here.
Residency Rates:
Kala offers subsidized contract residency rates for different working needs and artist experiences! Artists may apply for 1-, 2-, or 3-month residencies and specify the desired residency length. Please review our contract rates here to determine what option works best for you. The 6-month residencies are available to continuing and returning artists who have completed a 3-month residency.
Kala Classes & Workshops:
You can view our exciting selection of Kala Art Classes & Workshops here! In Kala’s Print Studio and Digital Lab, artists work independently 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. If you are new to a piece of equipment or a technical process, we encourage you to take a class to gain proficiency.
Alumni:
Are you an alum looking to return? Returning AIRs are always welcome back to the residency program! Please email Kala’s Artist Residency Manager, Leyla Rzayeva, at leyla@kala.org or kalaair@kala.org 4-6 months in advance.
Housing Facilities for Visiting Artists:
Kala’s artist apartment: Kala’s two shared artist apartments (two, 2-bedroom apartments) are an additional $1200/month. Please note that 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. An Alternative Housing List with additional housing options in the neighborhood is also available.
– Non-residency participants are not permitted to live or stay on the premises.
– Washer & dryer and full kitchen; access to a gym and a community rooftop 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.