Camera Obscura Studio Residencies 2020 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 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. All disciplines and mediums are considered.

Three fourteen-week terms are available: January 8 – April 15, 2020; April 22 – July 29, 2020; or August 5 – November 11, 2020 (the latter two dates are approximate and may be adjusted). 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. A $2,000 stipend and use of the facility for a final exhibit/presentation are offered. Parking validations in a local structure 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. Use of fragile, hazardous, or very valuable materials is not allowed, and a waste removal plan is required for any proposed waste generation.

The residency is open to all artists, artisans, and makers who reside in Los Angeles County. Artist teams and partnerships are considered; 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. Selection criteria include quality of previous work, applicant's plans for the residency period, ability to design and implement effective interactive activities with the public, and suitability of the artist's practice for the space. Notification of selected residents will take place in early November 2019.