Kala Art Institute provides space and equipment to artists working in and across the fields of printmaking, photography, performance, sculpture, fiber and textile arts, installation, and media arts through our Artist-In-Residence (AIR) and Fellowship programs.
Artists accepted into our residency programs receive access to Kala’s facilities, which include an 8,000 square foot printmaking facility, digital media lab, black and white photo darkroom, and a new 600 square foot sculpture and textile lab. Through a wide array of equipment resources, communal space, a dynamic artist community, a 2,200 light-filled square foot gallery, print and media study center, and exhibition opportunities, Kala offers artists a unique and supportive environment to experiment and make new work. Please follow the guidelines to upload your application materials.
Residency Eligibility
Residency Experience Summary
Application Information
KALA FELLOWSHIP INCLUDES:
- Cash Award: $3,000
- Studio Residency: One to nine months of studio residency at Kala Art Institute with 24/7 access to communal studio spaces, equipment, and resources.
- Kala Class: One class that will provide training in a chosen area of printmaking and/or digital media.
- Exhibition: Each artist selected is included in our annual group exhibition of Fellowship artists. Public programs for artists are also possible and determined on an individual basis with each artist.
- Community: Access to a community and network of approximately 75-80 artists working at Kala, participation in Kala events, and support of Kala staff.
Visit kala.slideroom.com to begin your application!
- No fee for the application from Dec 15, 2025 – Jan 15, 2026
- $25 application fee: Jan 16-March 1, 2026
Info Session (register here): January 9th, 12-1 pm PST
Find out more about Kala’s Fellowship, Artist-in-Residence Program, Veterans Artist Residency, and residency experience:
- How to Apply
- Artist Residency (AIR) Program (March 1st, deadline)
- Fellowship (March 1st, deadline)
- Veterans Artist Residency (March 1st, deadline)
- Jen Cole Artist-in-Residence Award (July deadline)
- SFSU Emerging Artist Residency at Kala (March 1st, deadline)
- CCA Hamaguchi Emerging Artist Residency at Kala (July deadline)
PROGRAM PERIOD
- Application notifications: May 2026
- The 2026-2027 Fellowship program period is July 2026 – June 2027.
- Artists must be able to schedule a residency during that time. The Fellowship group exhibition schedule is to be determined.
ARTIST RESOURCES
Artists receive 24/7 access to a shared 8,000 square-foot print studio, digital lab, black and white darkroom, 600 square foot sculpture lab with woodworking tools, kiln, and sewing machines, and 3 individual artist project spaces (150 sq feet) available to visiting artists.
APPLICANT RESOURCES
Artist residency applications are accepted online at kala.slideroom.com.
Artists-In-Residence receive a 20% discount on Kala Art Classes and Workshops.
Project spaces and housing are available for artists coming from outside the San Francisco Bay Area.
Questions: please reach out to Artist Residency Manager Leyla Rzayeva at leyla@kala.org or kalaair@kala.org, 510.549.2977 x 303.