The Reef offers a unique and supportive environment for dedicated postgraduate artists and designers seeking focused time and space for creative development.
These highly competitive residencies are designed for motivated, responsible, and collaborative individuals ready to engage with a shared studio setting and make significant strides in their practice.
The CalArts at The Reef Residency is a five-month program at The Reef in Downtown Los Angeles that provides recent CalArts graduates 24/7 access to individual studio spaces, a stage, kitchen, common areas, a screening room, and galleries. Residents are awarded a$2,500 stipend to use towards completing their projects.
The Residency occupies the 12th floor of TheReef building on Broadway and Washington, close to the Grand/LATTC Metro station. The building offers a range of amenities, includingon-site parking,* security, internet, a freight elevator, and proximity to other artists and cultural organizations. Check out a map of The Reef twelfth floor
*Parking passes available for purchase through The Reef’s parking vendor. Street parking also available nearby.
This fellowship expressly encourages residents to use CalArts at The Reef spaces for exhibitions, symposia, workshops, and other public or private events and collaborations. Residents are required to participate in a group exhibition midway through the residency term and an open studios at the end of the term.
Who is eligible?
CalArts Alumni (MFA and MA) who have graduated in 2025 and 2026 may apply.No more than two residents from each School (Art, Critical Studies, Dance, Film/Video, Music, Theater) can be enrolled during each term. Residents can reapply for a second consecutive 6-month residency and $2,500 stipend following the conclusion of their first term.
Email subject heading: ‘The Reef Residency Fall 2026’
Must include applicant name, program, year of graduation, email, and phone number
Completed residency questionnaire document (see below)
Detailed project budget for duration of residency term document
Review process
A committee of representatives from each school and the Residency Program Manager will oversee the selection process. All successful applicants will be listed on the CalArts website in a general press announcement.
Agreement and deposit
Upon appointment, all residents will be asked to sign a tenancy agreement assuming 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. Of the $2500 stipend, each resident will receive $2,250 upfront, and the remaining $250 will be released at the end of the residency as a security deposit.
FAQ
Which residents are eligible for a second Residency term?
Residents with a track record of frequent and proper facility use, progress towards artistic goals, participation in residency events, and having amiable relationships with other residents, building staff, and CalArts faculty/staff are encouraged to apply for a second fellowship.
Do I need to live in Los Angeles or regularly use Reef facilities to apply?
Applicants who do not plan to use residency facilities regularly, do not live in the Los Angeles area during the residency, or who plan to leave the Los Angeles area during the residency will not be considered.
Are collaborative residencies possible?
Candidates may apply for collaborative residencies, with a maximum of 2 collaborating residents per application. If accepted, collaborative residents must share their space, keys, and stipend.
Can I live at or store my belongings at The Reef?
Residents may not live or sleep overnight at The Reef, nor can they use it as a storage space.
