Veterans Residency Program

Veterans Artist Residency Program

Kala Veterans Artist Residency Program is part of Kala’s Veterans Initiative in the Arts. Veterans working in the arts, producing innovative work in mediums including printmaking, film and video, digital media, sculpture, textile, ceramics, and fiber arts, installation, social practice, photography, and book arts, are encouraged to apply during the next open call.

The Veterans Artist Residency includes 1-4 months of a studio residency with 24/7 studio access, cash stipend: $1,000, 1 month of housing at Kala’s apartment for artists coming from outside the Bay Area, an individual project spaces (150-200 sq ft) or a large shared project space (400 sq ft) available to artists staying in Kala’s apartment; funded Kala class or workshop, community and network of approximately 75 artists working at Kala, participation in Kala events and support of Kala staff!

The Veterans Residency Program is funded in part by Creative Forces®: NEA Military Healing Arts Network, an initiative of the National Endowment in partnership with the U.S. Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. The Creative Forces Community Engagement Grant program is managed by Mid-America Arts Alliance. Additional funding includes the California Arts Council  Impact Projects and UC Berkeley Chancellor’s Community Partnership Fund.

Apply Today – Deadline: July 1st, 2026

Visit kala.slideroom.com to begin your application.

VETERANS RESIDENCY PROGRAM INCLUDES
– 1-4 months of a studio residency with 24/7 studio access
– 1 month of housing at Kala’s apartment for artists coming from outside the Bay Area
– Individual project spaces (150-200 sq ft) or a large shared project space (400 sq ft) available to artists staying in Kala’s apartment
– Free Kala Art Class or Workshop
– Community and network of approximately 75 artists working at Kala
– Participation in Kala events and support of Kala staff

APPLICANT RESOURCES

– How to Apply
– Residency Experience
– Kala Facilities


2025-2026 Award Recipients:
Lisa Stone (San Jose, CA)
Wally Corona (San Francisco, CA)
Brandan Henry (Newark, DE)
Mark Micchio (Valencia, CA)
Emilio Gallegos (San Jose, CA)
Adrian Weiss (Richmond, VA)

2024-2025 Award Recipients:
Robert Hill (Harbor City, CA)
Javier Enrique Piñero (Long Island City, NY) (2024-25 Fellowship Artist)
Emilio Gallegos (San Jose, CA)

2023-2024 Award Recipients:
Emilio Gallegos (San Jose, CA)
John Yoyogi Fortes (Sacramento, CA) @jy4tes (2023-24 Fellowship Artist)
Phil Jones (El Cerrito, CA)
Amber Zora (Rapid City, SD) @amber.zora

2019-2020 Award Recipients:
Rodney Ewing
Dayton Grant
Rob Hill
Sara Stacy

2018-2019 Award Recipients:
Fanny Garcia
James Hardy
Michael Mokuau
David “DC” Spensley

Honorary AIR Awardees:
Phil Jones

2017-2018 Award Recipients
Adam Allegro
Roger Ourthiague Jr.
Gregory Rick
Ehren Tool

Honorary AIR Awardees:
Stephen Funk
Fanny Garcia