2019 Camera Obscura Artist Residencies - Call for Proposals

Santa Monica Cultural Affairs seeks proposals from artists and artisans living in Los Angeles County for a fourteen-week studio residency at the Camera Obscura Art Lab in Palisades Park, Santa Monica. The Studio Residency Program offers a glass-walled work-only space with ocean views in an iconic midcentury park building overlooking the Santa Monica Pier, four blocks from the Expo line terminus. The City seeks artists whose work offers opportunity for inspiring the public through example and instruction. All disciplines and mediums are considered.

Three fourteen-week terms are available: January 9 – April 17, 2019; April 24 – July 31, 2019; and August 7 – November 13, 2019. The selection panel will select either two individual artists, one collective, or a combination to share the 46'x16' dividable studio space for each period. An honorarium of $2,000 and use of the facility for a final exhibit/presentation is offered to each successful applicant. Parking validations are available if desired.

Residents must present at least thirteen participatory events/workshops for the public and a final presentation, with events focusing on arts/crafts skills, community building, and hands-on participation for adults. Residents must utilize the studio at least three times per week in addition to their weekly public event. Studio access is 8:00am-10:00pm M-F and 9:30am-10:00pm Sat-Sun, with some exceptions. Available equipment includes tables, chairs, whiteboard, video projector/screen, relief printing press, and various craft equipment. Electricity, free City Wi-Fi, and access to a kitchen with refrigerator, stove, sink, and microwave are provided. Work in the studio will be in public view and should be appropriate for a general audience.

The residency is open to all artists, artisans and makers who reside in Los Angeles County. Artist teams are considered; partnerships and groups should apply through one coordinating member. Applicants who have received a Santa Monica Artist Residency or Fellowship in the past two years, are current grantees or resident artists through another City of Santa Monica program, or are currently employed by or serve on a Board or Commission of the City of Santa Monica are not eligible. Applicants must upload at least one image, video or audio clip (up to 6 images, 3 audio clips, and 3 video clips, with a maximum of 12 total samples). Video clips should be under 5 minutes. Applications will be reviewed by a committee of arts and community engagement professionals based on quality of previous work, applicant's plans for the residency period, ability to design and implement effective public engagement, and suitability of the artist's practice for the space. Notification of selected residents will take place in early November 2018.