Recology San Francisco Artist-in-Residence Program 2027

The Recology Artist-in-Residence Program is a four-month residency at the San Francisco Recycling and Transfer Center — a 47-acre site on Tunnel Avenue where the city's discarded materials are sorted and processed. Founded in 1990 by Jo Hanson and described as the first program of its kind in the United States, the AIR program lets artists source materials directly from the Public Reuse and Recycling Area on site, producing work that engages with discarded objects and waste streams.

Six artists are awarded residencies each year, split across three sessions: February–May, June–September, and October–January. Each resident receives a monthly stipend, 24/7 access to a dedicated on-site studio, and support from Recology's Sustainability Education Program. Artists give regular talks to school groups and adult visitors during facility tours, integrating studio practice with public education. Each residency concludes with a public exhibition and artist talk; selected works enter Recology AIR's permanent collection.

Eligibility is restricted to artists who currently live within a one-hour drive of the San Francisco Transfer Station (401 Tunnel Ave); housing is not provided. The program is open to emerging, mid-career, and established artists across all disciplines — photography, new media, video, painting, performance, sculpture, installation. A mandatory on-site tour is required before applying.

Over its 35-year history the program has hosted more than 190 professional artists and 60 college and university student artists. The advisory board for selection includes Michael Arcega, Charmin Roundtree-Baaqee, JD Beltran, Terry Berlier, Kevin B. Chen, Elena Gross, Jamil Hellu, and Jonathan Carver Moore. The 2027 cycle deadline is September 1, 2026.