The CalArts Reef Residency offers a transformative opportunity for artists to immerse themselves in creative collaboration and production, providing the space, resources, and community needed to bring ambitious projects to life in the heart of downtown Los Angeles.
The CalArts Reef Residency provides participants with a shared studio space, a performing space, a kitchen, common areas, and a gallery. The currently supported CalArts Reef Residencies are:
CalArts Postgraduate Reef Residency Divided into five-month residency terms (Spring and Fall), the Postgraduate Reef Residency provides recent MA and MFA-holding CalArts postgraduates from each of CalArts’ Schools (Art, Critical Studies, Dance, Film/Video, Music, Theater) with a $2,500 stipend and 24/7 access to art spaces to use toward developing and completing projects after graduation.
CalArts Graphic Design Reef Residency (New) Divided into five-month residency terms (Spring and Fall) with a $2,500 stipend, the Graphic Design Reef Residency supports recent CalArts Graphic Design postgraduates with 24/7 access to art and design incubation spaces while developing the Reef Residency’s visual identity.
Applicants for the Postgraduate Reef Residency and Graphic Design Reef Residency can reapply for an additional consecutive 6-month term and $2,500 stipend following the conclusion of their initial term.
This fellowship expressly encourages all CalArts Reef residents to get involved in opportunities held at the building over the year and to propose their own exhibitions, symposia, events, and readings.
Individual or collaborative applications are welcome. Collaborative proposals can be across disciplines or schools and all proposals should outline a proposed project or theme to be explored. Any collaborative proposals that cross schools must be submitted to one School alone.
The residencies are housed in the Reef building in downtown Los Angeles on Broadway and Washington, close to the Grand/LATTC Metro station. The building hosts a range of amenities, including free parking, 24/7 access, security, a freight elevator, proximity to other artists and cultural organizations, and on-site facility rentals.
Applicants to all residencies at the Reef must be highly motivated, responsible, and collaborative to be considered for participation. Applications outlining the proposed use of the spaces and demonstrating an ability to work within a shared studio environment are preferred.
The CalArts Postgraduate Reef Residency
Alumni (MFA and MA) from the schools Critical Studies, Film/Video, Art, Music, and Theater who graduated in 2024 and 2025 may apply. Graduates from The Sharon Disney Lund School of Dance who graduated in 2023, 2024, and 2025 may apply.
The Residency can support two residents from each school. Shared applications may be submitted, in which case two residents may share stipends and studio space.
The call for postgraduate residency applicants for the fall 2025 term closed on May 15, 2025. The deadline for applicants from the schools of Dance and Musicwas May 21, 2025.
The CalArts Graphic Design Reef Residency
Alumni from the MFA Program in Graphic Design that have graduated in 2024 and alumni slated for graduation in 2025 may apply. The CalArts Graphic Design Reef Residency can support two residents.
The call for applicants for the fall term closed on May 20.
