Art + Water’s mission is to make rigorous, classical art education accessible to emerging artists of all ages and backgrounds- no tuition, no debt, just dedicated time to grow your practice.
If you’re community-minded, ready to learn, and excited to be part of something new and glorious, we want to hear from you!
THE PROGRAM AT A GLANCE
Program Dates: January 2027 – May 2027 *subject to building construction
Cohort Size: 20 emerging artists
Location: Pier 29, San Francisco Embarcadero
Time Commitment: Full-time, approximately 30 hours/week for 11 months
Cost: Completely free (no tuition!)
Now accepting applications from artists living in the greater Bay Area- San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Solano counties!
WHAT YOU’LL GET
- Your Own Studio Space – A studio for the entire 7 months (5 months instruction + 2 months studio time), including some furniture. You’ll need to provide most of your own art materials (pencils, paints, charcoal, paper, stretched canvas, etc.), but all residents will receive a generous materials stipend.
- Mentorship from 10 Established Artists – Five days a week you’ll work alongside and learn directly from a cohort of accomplished artist-mentors. This isn’t a lecture series, it’s sustained, hands-on guidance embedded in your daily studio life.
- Rigorous Technical Training– Deepen your foundation through intensive instruction in classical and contemporary drawing and painting techniques. All training is conducted with non-digital tools, emphasizing direct material engagement and the development of a strong, versatile hand.
- A Year of Extraordinary Programming– Gain access to 100+ visiting artists over the course of the year, along with curators, writers, and cultural figures who will bring their expertise, perspectives, and practices into conversation with yours. These aren’t passive presentations, they’re opportunities to build lasting relationships across the field.
- Real-World Professional Experience– Hands-on training in curating exhibitions, art handling, framing, and managing gallery operations—the practical skills that sustain an artistic career, paired with meaningful opportunities to bring original work to diverse public audiences.
- A Creative Community- Learn alongside a cohort of 20 fellow emerging artists in a supportive, collaborative environment. This is how art instruction worked for centuries—artists learning together, growing together.
- Certificate of Completion- While Art + Water is not an accredited school, you’ll receive a certificate signed by all faculty- and an MFA-level education without the debt.
WHAT’S EXPECTED
-Full-Time Commitment
-Approximately 30 hours per week at Pier 29 for 5 months (January 2027 – May 2027) + 2 months studio and professional development. Attendance at all classes with your cohort is required (unless you’re ill, etc)
-Studio & Gallery Maintenance, 2-3 hours per week helping maintain our shared space: organizing exhibitions, installing art, prepping galleries, and other communal tasks.
Community Engagement
A gracious, community-minded attitude. You’ll regularly participate in open studios, open houses, and visitor engagement. Art + Water exists thanks to the Port of SF, City of SF, and generous donors- we welcome the public while maintaining boundaries during residency hours.
Non-Digital Practice
Almost everything is made using traditional tools and materials. This program focuses on drawing and painting fundamentals without digital assistance.
Learning Together
No grades, no competition- just dedicated growth. You’ll learn alongside your entire cohort, support each other’s development, and celebrate this experiment together.
WHO SHOULD APPLY
An “emerging artist” at Art + Water could be:
-A 22-year-old who showed talent but couldn’t afford art school
-A 45-year-old parent finally ready to pursue their artistic dreams
-A 62-year-old looking to deepen decades of practice
-A 38-year-old tattoo artist wanting to explore new directions
-Anyone committed to intensive learning and growth
We strongly encourage artists 30+, 40+, 50+, 60+, and 70+ to apply.
Requirements:
✓ Artists living in the greater Bay Area- San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Solano counties
✓ At least 21 years old
✓ Demonstrated intermediate-to-advanced skill in drawing and painting
✓ Able to commit to full-time study for 5 months
✓ Community-minded and enthusiastic about collaborative learning
Financial Considerations:
This tuition-free program (typically valued at $50,000-100,000/year) allows you to focus your resources on living expenses while we cover the cost of mentorship, studio space, furniture, and professional development. We will provide a materials stipends