Common Area Maintenance (CAM) is a shared art studio and gallery, founded and propelled by artists, whose purpose is to cultivate an inclusive, affordable, and supportive creative community through resource-sharing and collaboration.

The CAM BIPOC Artist Residency offers a three month long residency to two BIPOC artists a year.

The residency will provide access and support for BIPOC artists to create two dimensional, three dimensional and/or installation work. We are open to experimental forms that work at the intersections of these mediums. CAM strives to build long lasting relationships with artists and for artists to feel connected to the space and the CAM community. We are committed to supporting underrepresented artists and creating a welcoming community space. We encourage Black, Indigenous and People of Color artists that are queer, transgender and/or non-binary to apply.

Benefits for Artists

$1250 artist stipend 

  • This stipend is intended to support the artist in the ways they need at their discretion for materials, cost of living for time in studio, any other expenses for their project (collaborators, equipment we don’t have)

  • Culminating exhibition or event determined in conversation with CAM organizers. CAM will provide space for the event or exhibition and installation/de-installation support. 

  • A connected (to the culminating event) or completely separate component of the residency will be an offering to the public. The format will be decided upon by the resident artist. Possibilities include, but are not limited to: a workshop, exhibition, or panel discussion.

  • CAM’s marketing support during residency including promoting and organizing an opening artist reception and the culminating event or exhibition

  • Three months of 24 hr Access to CAM’s shared studio space, equipment and all member resources to create work in the space - which include

      • work tables & easels 

      • wood shop

      • two risograph machines

      • photo backdrop and green screen bay 

      • poetry, art book & zine library 

      • a baby piano 

      • event/exhibition gallery 

      • two storefront window bays

Expectations for Artists

  • Artists live in King County. 

  • Artists produce 2D or 3D work at CAM during their residency.

  • Resident artist will collaborate with CAM organizers to determine the style of their final exhibition or event. You will need to offer at least one public facing event during the course of the residency.

    Examples: an installation, a conversation, a class, a potluck, an experimental get together. Please keep in mind we are a small capacity and low tech event space when brainstorming your sharing :)

How to apply

Please fill out our Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Artist Residency Form:

Our selection process includes a panel review by CAM organizers, members and community members passionate about the arts from outside of CAM’s organization. All CAM panel reviewers will be folks of color. We will review applications as a group and may follow up to talk with you and perhaps ask a few more questions as we narrow our search. We look forward to learning more about you and your artistic practice. Thank you for applying! We’re excited to hear from you! Please contact us at cam@camseattle.org with any questions about this opportunity.