THE CALL
What is the Kranzberg Arts Foundation?
Kranzberg Arts Foundation developed and operates multiple acclaimed venues and creative spaces, including, but not limited to, The Kranzberg, .ZACK, The Marcelle, The Grandel, Hansen House, The Dark Room, The Big Top, High Low, Sophie’s Artist Lounge, 3333 Washington, Walls Off Washington, and 3701 Grandel Square. The Foundation also supports prominent events and initiatives such as MATI Festival and Conference (formerly known as Music at The Intersection), Wednesday Night Jazz Jam, and the St. Louis Art Place Initiative.
About the Residency Program
Through developing and managing artistic venues, galleries, studios, and community-based programming, Kranzberg Arts Foundation provides essential infrastructure enabling the arts to flourish in the St. Louis region. Our residency program adopts an arts-based approach to community development, aligning resources and investments with community vision and needs. Committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, the program supports economic development and cultural sustainability, further positioning St. Louis as a leading arts and entertainment destination.
Residency Mission Statement
The Kranzberg Residency Programs utilize artistic venues, studios, community programming, and strategic partnerships to empower artists from diverse backgrounds. These residencies offer structured time and resources, enabling artists to realize their full creative vision and potential.
Value of KAIR
The Kranzberg Artist in Residency (KAIR) provides artists access to premier venues, studios, and dedicated creative spaces. This infrastructure represents a significant financial investment fully carried by Kranzberg Arts Foundation, allowing residents to concentrate primarily on their artistic development without the burden of facility-related costs. Additional direct support from staff and partner resources further ensures artists can focus entirely on their creative process.
The Four Pillars of KAIR
Residents utilize Kranzberg Arts Foundation resources to thrive artistically and personally. Residency deliverables vary and are tailored to your practice.
What We Provide:
- Stipend:
- Residency Stipend (no additional funding beyond this)
- Promotion:
- Basic Storytelling Support through foundation channels and newsletters (not management or comprehensive marketing services)
- Workspace and Presenting Space:
- Venue Space and Event Staffing
- Dedicated Workspace (customized to practice needs; housing not included)
- Community Connections
- Proximity to residential organizations and other creatives
VISUAL ARTIST EXHIBITION OPPORTUNITIES
Visual artists and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations based in the St. Louis region may apply during this open submission period for exhibition opportunities.
Beginning in 2026, the Foundation’s juried exhibition season will feature solo exhibitions by artists selected through The Call. Selected artists will receive:
- A stipend
- Curatorial and exhibition design support
- The opportunity to present their creative vision in a professional gallery setting
Creative Projects:
- Solo Gallery Exhibition
Who Should Apply?
Painters, photographers, printmakers, ceramicists, illustrators, graphic designers, digital and electronic artists, textile/fiber artists, sketch artists, and multidisciplinary visual artists are all encouraged to apply.
Submission Information
Open Call Dates: Monday, May 19, 2025 – Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Deadline: All submissions must be received by 11:59 AM CST on July 2, 2025.
Note: During this open call, we are only accepting submissions from:
- Visual artists interested in the KAIR residency, and
- Visual artists and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations seeking exhibition opportunities.
Please follow our newsletter and social media channels for updates on future calls for music and literary residencies.
NOTE: We are actively redeveloping our music and literary residency programs, which remain an important part of our mission. Updates will be shared through our newsletter and social media channels once details are finalized. In the meantime, we kindly ask that no inquiries be made regarding these programs. Thank you for your understanding and continued interest.
For musicians seeking performance opportunities, please click here to apply for a booking at The Dark Room.
General Requirements for Applicants
- Must be 18 years or older
- Solo artists only (no groups, collaborations, companies, or organizations)
- Reside within the St. Louis region (view St. Louis region map)
- Cannot be employed by the Kranzberg Arts Foundation
- Cannot pursue a degree during the residency period
- Heart and Soul Training (Kranzberg Arts Foundation guest services and core values training)
- If selected, must be available the week before Thanksgiving for Orientation
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility
The Kranzberg Arts Foundation is committed to fostering cultural belonging and upholding principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). Both our internal team and external selection panel uphold these values throughout the review process to ensure fairness, transparency, and access for all applicants.
