One of the cornerstones of KAF’s mission to provide essential infrastructure for the arts to thrive in the St. Louis region is the Kranzberg Artist in Residency (KAIR) program. The program was launched in 2021 with the mission of helping each participant define, pursue and achieve their individual goals as an artist by providing the tools and space to improve their skills, develop new professional relationships and increase their knowledge. KAIR grew out of KAFs Music Artist in Residence program that was established in 2018, and expanded to include visual and literary arts.
Since that time, the program has empowered dozens of St. Louis-based artists from diverse backgrounds, utilizing KAF artistic venues, studios, community programming and strategic partnerships to help take their careers to the next level. Eleven artists, including five visual artists, three musicians and three writers recently completed their 18-month residencies, hosting exhibitions and performances as their final projects. Moraa Nyaribo, a fiber artist deeply connected to Black and African heritage, just wrapped her well-received exhibition Nyuso: A Celebration of African Artistry and Afrofuturism at The Gallery at The Kranzberg.
“Having a dedicated studio space for the past year and a half has been such a gift. This residency has been amazing—eye-opening, fun, and full of opportunities. I’ve grown so much, not just as an artist but as a person,” Nyaribo says. “Through it all, I feel seen and heard. My voice is stronger, my practice keeps getting refined, and I’m more confident in who I am as an artist. The connections and relationships I’ve made here have helped me plant real roots in STL, and I’ve got the energy and drive to keep moving forward.”
Committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, the KAIR program supports economic development and cultural sustainability, further positioning St. Louis as a leading arts and entertainment destination. Applications for the next visual arts residency cohort, running from January 2026 – June 2027, are currently under consideration. Four outstanding visual artists will be selected and provided with the time, space, and support needed to develop substantial bodies of work, foster collaboration, and fully realize their creative visions.
“The value of the Kranzberg Arts Residency comes from the infrastructure we provide to artists — not only dedicated space, but also literal and physical work space where they can create uninhibitedly,” says Larry Morris, KAF Director of Programs and Partnerships. “Just as important is proximity: our district has become a natural stop-through for world-class artists, it houses many of the region’s most influential arts organizations, and it serves as a place where creatives from all over come to connect. That combination of space and community is what makes KAIR such a powerful experience for residents.”
KAIR program residents are supported through six distinct pillars, including:
- Dedicated workspaces
- State-of-the-art presenting/performance spaces
- Technology, tools and training
- Programming and wellness support
- Marketing, storytelling and partner support
- Cash stipends
In addition to musicians and visual artists, Sophie’s Artist Lounge recently announced its new DJ Residency cohort —a dynamic class of 10 artists whose energy, creativity, and range are elevating the sound and soul of the space in weekly and monthly rotations, curating vibes on both weekends and weeknights. More than just a nightclub, Sophie’s is an innovative space where artists, curators and DJs play an integral role in shaping St. Louis’ cultural landscape.
“All of our residencies are designed to help artists define, pursue and achieve their goals by providing the tools and space to improve their skills, develop new professional relationships, and increase their knowledge. We are thrilled that a KAF residency is a critical step and highlight on the resumes of a variety of St. Louis artists who are destined for greatness,” says KAF Executive Director Chris Hansen.
Photo Credit: Taylor Marrie
