The Kranzberg Arts Foundation is now accepting 2026 Artist Residency Program (KAIR) and Visual Exhibition applications.
Application and Selection Process
Artists interested in the Kranzberg Artist in Residency (KAIR) and/or Visual Exhibition opportunity will follow a straightforward application and selection process designed to assess artistic excellence and community impact.
Step 1 – Online Application:
Submit your application through our website. Applicants will provide details about their artistic practice, past work samples, and an articulated project proposal.
- Prequalification Requirement: Applicants must prove they reside in the St. Louis region. Applications that do not meet this geographic eligibility will not advance for review.
Step 2 – Review and Evaluation:
For juried residencies and exhibitions, applications are reviewed by a diverse panel of external experts who recommend artists to the Foundation for final consideration. A dedicated internal committee conducts a thorough review of internally selected residencies. The Residency Coordinator does not participate in or influence evaluations or selection decisions.
To maintain the integrity and confidentiality of the review process, we do not disclose the identities of our panelists or internal committee members. Both external and internal committees utilize a comprehensive rubric to assess applicants based on the following criteria:
- Artistic merit
- Project feasibility
- Potential community impact
- Alignment with residency goals
Step 3 – Finalist Interviews:
Selected applicants will be invited to an interview with Kranzberg Arts Foundation staff to discuss their proposals/applications, readiness, and alignment with the residency program.
Step 4 – Final Selection:
Final decisions will be based on the quality of the application, interview outcomes, and overall alignment with the residency goals.
All applicants must complete this outlined process.
Residency Timeline
Please note: This timeline outlines our application process but does not guarantee acceptance.
- Open Submission Period – Monday, May 19 – Wednesday, July 2, 2025
- Artist Notification – No later than Tuesday, September 2, 2025
- Interviews (for Selected Artists) – No later than Monday, October 6 – Friday, October 10, 2025
- Public Announcement of New Residents – No later than Wednesday, October 22, 2025
- Orientation & Onboarding – Monday, November 10 – Saturday, November 15, 2025
**TIMELINE SUBJECT TO CHANGE**
Residency Begins – Thursday, January 1, 2026
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
Desired Applicant Qualities
- Strong commitment to artistic creation and development
- High-quality examples of prior work
- Clearly articulated project proposals
- Realistic ability to complete proposed projects within the residency timeframe
Important Note for Applicants
About Residency:
The Kranzberg Arts Foundation Residency Program is designed to foster deep artist engagement through consistent attendance, flexibility, and active participation. We provide access to venues, studios, and workspaces to support your creative development while fully respecting your autonomy. We do not curate, direct, or interfere with your artistic process.
Please note: The Foundation is not an artist management company, commercial gallery representation, record label, marketing agency, publishing house, or booking agency. Housing is not provided, and artists must arrange their own accommodations. No additional funding is available beyond the residency stipend.
The Kranzberg Arts Foundation exists to provide the infrastructure artists need to thrive. We are not a grant-making body or curatorial institution; we focus on sustaining accessible spaces, platforms, and programs that empower artists and arts organizations.
Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is central to our mission. We aim to elevate St. Louis as a vibrant and inclusive cultural destination by investing in welcoming facilities and supporting artists from all backgrounds.
Explore our website for full details and application guidelines.
The Kranzberg Artist Residency welcomes serious artists from all backgrounds. Formal art education is not required to apply.
