Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about the Program
Q. Is there an application fee?
A. There is no application fee.
Q. Can I apply with a collaborator, group, or team?
A. Yes. The Estuary AIR accepts applications from individual artists and artist groups.
Q. Can I apply if I don’t live in the Bay Area?
A. The Estuary AIR is only open to artists who live in one of the nine San Francisco Bay Area counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, or Sonoma. Click here to check if your city is within the nine counties.
Q. What documents does the application require?
A. The application requires a resume or CV, examples of your work, and a project proposal. Applicants should submit 3–5 work samples as PDF, PNG, JPG, or MOV files. Up to two work samples may be video or audio files, each no longer than one minute. Each individual file should focus on a single work rather than combining multiple works into one image.
Q. Is there an education requirement?
A. No. There is no education requirement for The Estuary AIR.
Q. Who will review my application?
A. Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee appointed by the San Francisco Estuary Partnership.
Q. Do you accept multimedia work samples?
A. Yes. We recognize that still images may not fully represent some forms of artwork. Applicants may submit video or a composite image showing multiple views of a single piece. Each work should be uploaded separately.
Q. Is there a size limit for image and video submissions?
A. The cumulative file size for all submitted digital materials should not exceed 100 MB. Video submissions should not exceed one minute each.
Q. Who do I contact if I experience issues with the application?
A. For questions about accessing or completing the application or other technical issues, please contact AIR@sfestuary.org. Our team will respond within three business days when time permits. If you need to speak with a member of the program team by phone, please email us to request an appointment.
Award Information
Q. How much funding is available?
A. The Estuary AIR will allocate $20,000 to support up to three art projects. Award amounts may vary among selected artists or artist groups. The awarded artist(s) will be paid through three installments across the six month program.
Q. If applying as a group, how is the award distributed?
A. Awards provided to a group will be distributed through three installments designated to the group liaison. How the award is divided among the group members is determined by the group.
Selection Process & Residency
Q. How are artists-in-residence selected?
A. Applications will be evaluated based on the quality of the proposed project, artistic approach, alignment with the 2026 theme, Rising Seas, and the applicant’s ability to participate in the residency.
Q. Can I postpone my residency or change the dates after I am accepted?
A. Applicants whose schedules do not align with the program timeline will need to reapply during a future open call.
Q. Is the residency remote or hybrid?
A. The residency does not require artists to regularly work from the Estuary Partnership’s office. However, participants will be required to attend at least three in-person activities: an initial site visit to the Emeryville shoreline, a photo/video shoot, and the final exhibit event.
Q. Are private studios provided?
A. No. Artists interested in finding studio space are encouraged to work with program partners at ABG Art Group, who may be able to assist with locating space at the artist’s own expense.
Q. Is the program ADA accessible?
A. We strive to provide accessible and welcoming spaces for participating artists and guests. Once artists are accepted into the program, there will be an opportunity to discuss individual accessibility considerations during the intake process.
Q. Who owns artwork created during the residency?
A. Artists retain ownership of their work. Participants are required to showcase their work at the program’s closing exhibit and to allow the program to share visuals, videos, and, when appropriate to the art piece or recordings of live performances during and after the residency.