Kala Artist-In-Residence Program
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

APPLICATION PROCESS

How often does Kala accept applications for the artists-in-residence program?
There are three application deadlines per year for the Kala AIR program: March 15, July 15, and October 15. Artists may apply for 1, 2, or 3-month residencies, and must specify the desired residency length in the application.

How are the applications reviewed and who makes the decisions?
Applications are reviewed by Kala's AIR Program Manager and Directors in consultation with Kala's print studio and media center managers. Applications are evaluated based on artistic and conceptual strength, as well as technical proficiency.

I have applied for the AIR program and received notice that I am a finalist- what does that mean?
Your application has been approved from an artistic and conceptual standpoint. The next step in the process is to make sure that you are technically proficient in the area you would like to work in through a technical review.

What is a 'technical review'?
A technical review is a process completed by Kala's studio managers that determines an artists' technical proficiency in the area they'd like to work in and ensures that they are able to work independently once they begin. Applicants chosen as finalists are asked to complete a technical review as the next and final step in the application process. Reviews are completed by phone or email, depending on the situation.

How do I know if I have been accepted to the program?
After you have been notified of your status of a finalist and passed your technical review with one or both of Kala's studio managers, you will be accepted to the Kala AIR program.

Can I postpone my residency or change the dates once I am accepted?
Yes, we are able to change your residency dates if your plans change, or postpone your start date up to one year. Applicants who cannot begin within the year of their acceptance will need to reapply the following year.

RESIDENCY CONTRACT

Why does Kala keep artists-in-residence on a contract?
Kala welcomes up to 120 artists per year and keeps track of artists through residency contracts. The contract is an agreement between Kala and the artist that they will stay the amount of time that they have committed to and will abide by the terms of the residency. The contract is a binding agreement and ensures that we are all on the same page.

What kinds of contracts are there?
Kala offers artists 1, 2, 3 or 6 month contract options at full or part time rates. Contracts are for single artists, or we have a collaborative residency option. As of September 2012, Kala's contracts and rates are as follows:
• 1, 2, or 3 Month Part Time Contract: $285 per month
• 1, 2, or 3 Month Full Time Contract: $425 per month
• 6 Month Part Time Contract: $210 per month (available only to AIRs who have completed 3 months of residency)
• 6 Month Contract - Full Time: $350 per month (available only to AIRs who have completed 3 months of residency)
• Collaborative Residencies:
For artists working collaboratively, we have created a 1+ residency rate, which is 1.5x the 1 person rate:
-Short Term (1-3 month) contract: $425 for part time access and $635/mo for full time access
-Long Term (6 month) contract: $315 for part time access and $525 for full time access

What is the difference between part time and full time?
We ask that part time artists limit their studio days to 3 days per week. In other words, studio days are limited to 3 days per week, for as long as 12 hours per visit. Full time artists can use the studio as much as they would like.

What are the studio hours?
Kala's print studio and electronic media center are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year and does not close. Resident artists have their own keys and are welcome to use the studio whenever they choose as long as it abides by the terms of their contract.

Will you keep track of my schedule when I'm at Kala?
The part time and full time agreement is on an honor system basis. We do not keep you to a schedule or monitor your hours. Our day-to-day interaction with artists allows us to understand the patterns of studio days.

How often can I renew my contract?
Once you are an AIR at Kala, you are welcome to renew your contract as often as you like, as long as you are a pleasant member of our community. Once you have your 'spot' your welcome to keep it as often as you like.

Can I return to Kala after I finish a residency?
If you complete your residency and leave Kala, and would like to come back within one year, you are welcome to- just contact us with your intended dates and contract type. For past AIRs, we have a one day residency option, which is $100, and artists can use any equipment they've been trained on during a one day residency.

What determines the cost of the residency?
Kala's below-market residency rates are made possible through generous donations from foundations and individuals and are determined to be the lowest possible rates that we can offer given the costs of the organization and support that we receive. Full time rates are higher than part time rates since the impact on the studio is higher.

RESIDENCY EXPERIENCE

Are there private studios at Kala?
Kala's residency program is communal and designed to give artists access to a large array of printmaking and digital media equipment, as well as a large community of print based artists. Artists looking for private studio space may not be the right fit for Kala. We have one large, communal print studio and electronic media center for use by our resident artists. We do have two small 100 square foot private studio spaces in our gallery facility, available on a first come-first serve basis for AIRs for $150/mo. Interested artists should contact the AIR Program Manager for availability.

Can I work on artwork that is not printmaking or digital media?
Yes, Kala's print studio has large tables suitable for any type of paper media. We also try to accomodate large installation that incorprates print work when possible. Kala's facilities, however, are not designed to accommodate large sculpture or painting media.

How many residents are there at one time at Kala?
Kala has 75 artists-in-residence at any given time, but usually only about 10-15 are working in our studios at the same time.

75 artists! Does it ever get overcrowded?
Our studio is very large and can definitely accommodate all of our artists. Most of our artists are on part time schedules, which keeps the studio traffic down.