An Introduction to Estuary AIR

The Estuary AIR is the San Francisco Estuary Partnership’s Artist-in-Residence program, bringing artists and the Estuary Partnership together to explore the San Francisco Estuary through creative practice. The program provides selected Bay Area artists with the opportunity to develop work inspired by the Estuary while engaging with its landscapes, communities, and ongoing environmental work.

The 2026 residency theme, Rising Seas, invites artists to explore the physical, cultural, emotional, and ecological transformations associated with sea level rise. Through their work, participating artists will help translate complex challenges, encourage reflection and dialogue, and offer new ways of understanding the changing Estuary.

Selected artists will participate in a six-month residency from December 2026 through May 2027, followed by a public exhibition in the summer of 2027. The awarded artist(s) will be paid through three installments across the six month program. Participants will also take part in program activities, including an initial shoreline site visit, opportunities to connect with Estuary Partnership staff and partners, and a final exhibit.

Interested in applying? Explore the Applicant Eligibility, How to Apply, Review Process & Timeline, and Frequently Asked Questions pages for additional information.