Artist Residencies

A hallmark of the Hammer’s residency program is the freedom given to residents—resident artists are not obligated to produce or exhibit anything. Some residencies lead to an exhibition or public program, and others are open-ended, with research and experience as primary goals. Resident artists are encouraged to engage with the UCLA community through lectures, workshops with students, meetings and collaborations with faculty members, and research in the university’s many collections. They can also explore the wide array of archives, academic institutions, and specialized industries found in greater Los Angeles. Several resident artists have produced films and videos, conducted workshops, staged performances, and traveled around the county and state finding new sources of inspiration and engagement. Another distinguishing feature is the degree of support provided to the artists. Hammer staff aid in research and introduce artists to the area with a focus on locations of interest to each individual artist. In addition, we connect them with curators, critics, and other local artists. The prolonged time in residence (residency length varies depending on individual needs and availability) allows for strong connections to form between the artists, the museum, and the city, and many artists find long-lasting inspiration from their time spent in residence at the museum.