Residency Experience

Residency Experience:

– 24/7 access to a shared 8,000-square-foot print studio, digital lab, black and white darkroom, sculpture lab, and 3 individual project spaces (150 square feet / available to visiting artists).

– Local artists select full-time access (up to 7 days/week of studio access) or part-time access (up to 3 days/week)

– 1, 2, or 3-month-long residencies

– 2-week residencies must include Kala Housing

-Review current residency rates here to determine what option works best for you!

-Individual storage cubby and flat file

-Access to a community and network of approximately 75 artists working at Kala, participation in Kala events, and support of Kala staff

– 20% discount on Kala Classes and Workshops

Orientations:

– The online and in-person orientations help artists get situated in the studio.

– The online orientation usually takes about 45 minutes, and the in-person orientation usually takes 1-2hrs.

– Please plan to attend both orientations. During the in-person orientations, artists receive keys, storage, and a detailed walkthrough of the equipment and safety protocols.

– Kala’s studio environment is designed for artists to 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. Staff are available to answer questions & assist with troubleshooting as your projects develop; 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: Kala Classes and Workshops

Kala’s artist apartment:

Kala offers two shared artist apartments a block from Kala. Each apartment is a 2-bedroom unit, meaning you will have your own bedroom and be living with a roommate and sharing a kitchen, living room, and bathroom, and is limited to artists who reside outside of the Bay Area. Artists staying in Kala’s apartments also receive an individual project space (150-200 sq ft) or a large shared project space (400 sq ft)! 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

Digital Printing, Photography Lab, & Supplies:

– Artists should plan to ship/bring personal inkjet-compatible paper, and photography film chemistry

– Digital printing ink fee is $10/ft

– Transparency film printing at Kala is $2.00/ft/17″ wide roll and $2.50/ft/22″ wide roll

Returning to Kala:

Upon completion of the initial residency, returning AIRs can continue with another residency contract or return as alumni. Reach out to kalaair@kala.org with 4-6 months advance notice.