Residencies for Established and Emerging Artists
How were the 10 established artists chosen?
These established artists were selected through a deliberate process- we reached out to artists we knew, admired, and wanted to work with. We chose artists who could offer emerging artists valuable skills, mentorship, and connection to the broader art community. In exchange for free studio space, these artists will teach and mentor emerging artists from across San Francisco.
There will be 20 free studios available for emerging artists. Who can apply and when?
These 20 emerging artists will be chosen by our established artists, through a portfolio process. Our program is open to all San Francisco residents ages 21 and above. (Sorry, no one from outside the city can be considered for now.) There are no tuition fees or degree requirements, only a basic knowledge of drawing and painting, and a demonstrated commitment to craft, learning, and community. Applications are open now, and we will be doing extensive outreach to make sure that everyone in the city knows about it. But for those hoping to apply: please go to the Residencies tab above.
What disciplines will be represented?
Our studios will support painting, drawing, and printmaking. All 20 emerging artists will be trained in all 3 of these mediums. We had to limit the scope of our programs to be sure that we were able to provide a very thorough one-year educational program for our emerging artists. We also chose to focus on two-dimensional art that required very little equipment and electricity!
How long is the residency for these emerging artists?
This is an 11-month residency. In the first 10 months, emerging artists work closely with our established artists, receiving instruction and mentorship. The final month gives them dedicated time to complete their body of work. Like any rigorous art program, emerging artists are expected to be on-site most weekdays throughout the year.
What is expected of these emerging artists?
The emerging artists will work together as a cohort of 20, attending classes most weekdays, sharing expertise, and supporting one another throughout the year. They’ll also help maintain our space, including its galleries and exhibition hall. Through this hands-on work, they’ll gain invaluable knowledge across all aspects of the art world- from art making to production and museum curation to exhibition design and the business of selling art.
Major Exhibitions
Will Art + Water be competing for major shows with other museums in the city?
Not at all. Our aim is that Art + Water exhibitions and special events can be looser, more time sensitive, and serve more general interests. Because flexibility is key to everything we plan at Art + Water, we hope to mount shows that respond in a timely way to events in the world, that can be exciting and fresh, and that need not be planned years in advance. Because the pier is not a formal museum environment, and its large doors and loading make it exceptionally accessible, we can present shows of unusual scale and artworks that would be far harder to show in a more restrictive museum setting.
Will Art + Water be free to the public?
Admission to smaller exhibitions, most programs, and many community events will always be free. We believe access to art and creativity should never depend on income. We also need to be sustainable so we will charge for tickets to our major exhibitions, but families and groups will always be given generous discounts. Accessibility will be key. No one ever turned away for lack of funds.
Public Classes
Will you offer classes to the public?
Yes! Our Open Education Program will create a low-barrier, welcoming space where people of all ages can step into making, whether they already see themselves as artists or are picking up a pencil for the first time. It serves both as an entry point to creative self-expression and as a cornerstone of Art + Water’s vision to build a vibrant, public-facing arts hub. Check back with us as we get closer to our 2026 opening for more details.
Gallery Space
Tell me about the gallery space at Art + Water, and who can reserve it?
Art + Water will feature convertible gallery space with portable walls that can be reconfigured as often as needed- making room for an ever-changing roster of artists, organizations, and ideas. Our galleries will be easily accessible and always free to enter, just like any gallery in the city. We will prioritize artists and organizations who most need a place to show their work.
Who will maintain these galleries?
The galleries overall will be overseen by our Head of Studios, and our Art + Water staff and our resident artists. When exhibiting organizations ask to use 1,500 square feet of gallery space for a 2-month period, for example, they will be the ones to staff that space. It will be a bit like the Ferry Building in that respect — an array of individual organizations showing their own work and staffing their own (temporary) spaces.
Who will select the programming of Art + Water’s gallery spaces for partner organizations?
Art + Water will do everything possible to accommodate space requests from all local arts groups and individuals! We will be responsible for determining the schedule and access, however. The amount of space requested and scheduling will, of course, be important factors. We believe and hope that many local partners will find space with us in any given year.
Funding + Structure
How is Art + Water funded?
Art + Water is supported by donations from generous individuals, foundations, and corporate partners who share our belief that art belongs to everyone. Art + Water is a fiscally sponsored project of The Hawkins Project, a registered 501(c)(3). We have applied for our own 501(c)(3) status. All donations are tax-deductible. For more information, please contact Rebecca Teague at rebeccca@artpluswater.org, or visit the donate page above!
Food & Beverage
Will Art + Water feature any food or coffee to visitors?
We will have a coffee cart outside the pier and expect food trucks and other temporary vendors to make Pier 29 a destination. After all, there is a vast parking lot next door. If all goes to plan, we hope to host temporary coffee and food experiences such as Mokhtar Alkhanshali, the world’s foremost importer of Yemeni coffee, and the hero of The Monk of Mokha.
The Space Itself
When will Art + Water open?
Our inaugural exhibition and residencies launch in September 2026!
Is Art + Water accessible to everyone?
Yes. Art + Water is committed to being fully accessible to visitors of all abilities. Our space will be designed to meet or exceed ADA requirements, with step-free entry, accessible restrooms, and clear pathways throughout. We believe that physical barriers should never stand between people and art. If you have specific accessibility needs or questions, please reach out to us at info@artpluswater.org and we’ll do everything we can to help.
Didn’t find what you were looking for?
If your question isn’t covered above, feel free to ask it here and we’ll get back to you.