Waller Artist Residency Program (WARP)
MISSION STATEMENT
Clayroom recognizes the disparity of underrepresented and under-resourced Black people in the ceramic art community and strives to work towards providing access and opportunity for those who want to cultivate their clay practice. We introduce the Waller Artist Residency Program, a Ceramics Art Residency to specifically support Black artists. The program is named after Kevin Waller, the co-founder and co-owner of Clayroom (work pictured above).
WARP is a 6 month residency program that serves visiting artists by supporting creative development. WARP operates as a means of fostering marginalized contemporary artists in a creative space founded and maintained by working artists. Artists-in-residence are encouraged to experiment with their practice in a creative and progressive setting in the heart of San Francisco.
RESIDENCY PROGRAMMING
The Waller Artist Residency Program (WARP) is offered to black emerging ceramic artists. Clayroom provides: $250 worth of clay and materials, memberships (valued at $1055) with resources at both our Potrero and SoMa studios, and opportunities to receive mentorship and instructor training. Artists-in-residence will assist in our member workshops and studio functions at least 2 hours per week. At the end of residency, Clayroom will host an exhibition to showcase work completed by the artist-in-residence where they will provide an artist talk.
SELECTION PROCESS
The application deadline is February 1st, 2025 at 11:59PST. The WARP selection committee will contact all applicants by March 1st, 2025. Selections are based solely on the work submitted and artist intention.
FACILITIES
Clayroom’s art studios include equipment that is available for artist-in-residence use during business hours. The studios include kilns, pottery wheels, 35+ glazes, spray booth, slab rollers, drying shelves, projectors, full woodshop, etc. Artists-in-residence provide all other tools and materials. WARP does not provide housing.
DATES
2025 Residency Session
April 1st, 2025-September 30th, 2025
Application due date for 2025 residency sessions: February 1st, 2025, 11:59pm PST.
FEES
The residency program is free of charge including a 6 month membership ($1055) and select classes ($355). Artists-in-residence are provided $250 worth of clay and are welcome to purchase additional clay from the studio at $25 a bag after usage of allotted materials.
DISCIPLINES AND MEDIUMS
Ceramics as the primary medium with a woodshop for use at the SoMa studio.
APPLICATIONS
All applications must be in PDF format and submitted below by February 1st, 2025, 11:59pm PST. Applications must include the following:
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Letter of Interest - In 500 words or less, express how residency participation will affect your practice as well as your interest in being part of Clayroom’s community.
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References - Names and contact information of two professional references. We will only contact references of candidates at the final stage of selection.
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Portfolio - Documentation of 5-10 of your most recent work that best represents you as an artist.
