REEF Residency

The School of Critical Studies and the School of Art are pleased to support recent graduates of the MA Aesthetics and Politics Program, MFA Creative Writing Program, and the MFA Programs in Art, Art and Technology, Graphic Design and Photo & Media through the CalArts REEF Residencies. Two students from the School of Critical Studies and two students from The School of Art will receive a cost-free space in a large shared open studio, with additional access to an exhibition/public space from October 1, 2020 – September 15, 2021. Recipients will also receive a grant of $5000 to support their work.

The REEF Residency is located in the Reef building, Maker City, Downtown Los Angeles and includes two floors of studio and artists’ facilities. The residency is situated in a thriving community of artists and art industry professionals, designers and makers, and the area provides technical access to sound and video equipment rental, and printing facilities. Local cafes provide meeting grounds throughout the day and after the many events and exhibitions that are held at the REEF.

This fellowship expressly encourages CalArts REEF residency participants to get involved in opportunities held at the building over the year and to propose their own exhibitions, symposia, events and readings. The REEF Residency participants are encouraged to be on site as much as possible. The chosen participants are not required to collaborate in making work over the duration of the residency, but they will be required to work together and collaborate on managing the studio space and the use of the public exhibition space.

Eligibility

Alumni graduating in the year(s):

2017-2020 MA Aesthetics and Politics, School of Critical Studies
2018-2020 MFA Creative Writing, School of Critical Studies
2020 MFA Art, Art & Technology, Graphic Design and Photo/Media Programs, School of Art

Resources & Details

The fellowship studio includes a 3336 square foot open studio located on the 12th floor with basic studio furniture, water, sinks. In addition, residents share a 1668 square foot public exhibition space adjacent to this workspace. The reef provides free parking and 24-hour access to the building 7 days per week. The use of each of the spaces must be negotiated with your fellow residents on arrival and throughout the year according to specific need and projects. CalArts and the REEF will support any marketing of residents’ events to a wider public if desired. Each resident will receive a stipend of $5000 paid at the beginning of the fellowship to assist in studio set up costs or other relevant studio costs.

How to Apply

Applicants should complete the application form answering each question as clearly as possible. Applications outlining the proposed use of the spaces and demonstrating an ability to work within a team are preferred.

There are four awards: Two residencies for alumni from the School of Art and two from the School of Critical Studies. Individual or collaborative applications are welcome. Collaborative proposals can be across disciplines (or the two schools) and should outline a proposed project.

The deadline for applications is Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020, at 5 pm.

For alumni from the School of Art:

Please send your application in one pdf document to: reefapplications@calarts.edu
Email Subject heading: REEF RESIDENCY application
Identify your name, the Program and the year you graduated from on all application documents.

For alumni from the School of Critical Studies:

Please send your application as a pdf document to Alecia Menzano at amenzano@calarts.edu
Email Subject heading: REEF RESIDENCY application
Identify your name, the Program and the year you graduated from on all application documents.

Review Process

A committee made up of representatives from the two schools will make the final decision. Applicants will be notified of their status by late September 2020. All successful applicants will be advertised on the CalArts website in a general press announcement, as well as other potential publications.

Agreement / Deposit

All residents upon appointment will be asked to sign a tenancy agreement taking on responsibility for any damage caused to the space or facilities and to be aware of the general health and safety regulations of the REEF building. Each resident will be required to pay a deposit of $500, which will be refunded following a building inspection of any damages caused at the end of the award.