Camera Obscura Art Lab Studio Residency 2022

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 features a glass-walled space with ocean views in an iconic midcentury park building overlooking the Santa Monica Pier, four blocks from the Expo line terminus.

Three residency terms are available: January 19–April 27, 2022; May 11–August 17, 2022; and September 7–December 21, 2022. The selection panel will select either two individual artists, one collective, or a combination to share the 46'x16' dividable studio space for each term. The residency is open to all artists, artisans, and makers in Los Angeles County, including artist teams and MFA students in their final year. All forms of artistic production are eligible. 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 program, or are employed by or serve on a Board or Commission of the City are not eligible.

Successful applicants receive an honorarium of $2,500 and use of the facility for a final exhibit/presentation, plus parking validations. Studio access is 8:00am–10:00pm Monday–Friday and 9:30am–10:00pm Saturday–Sunday. Residents must present at least four online participatory workshops for the public and a final online presentation, and utilize the studio at least three times per week. Online workshops range from 2–3 hours and focus on arts/crafts skills, community building, and hands-on participation. Equipment provided includes tables, chairs, whiteboard, video projector/screen, relief printing press, various craft equipment, electricity, free Wi-Fi, and kitchen access. Work in the studio will be in public view and should be appropriate for a general audience. Applications must include a proposal letter, resume, work samples (minimum 5 images or maximum 15; up to 2 audio files and 3 video files), proposed workshop schedules, working hours, and any special requirements. Notification of selected residents will take place mid-November 2021.