June 1, 2026 • Posted by Design Bay Area
Following a successful first public open call, applications for the 2026–2028 residency cycle open May 20th.
SAN FRANCISCO (May 20, 2026) – The Exploratorium is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the 2026–2028 cycle of its Artist-in-Residence (AIR) program. After receiving more than 500 applications from around the world during its first public open call in 2025, the museum is once again inviting artists to apply for the celebrated residency program.
Since its inception in 1974, the Exploratorium’s Artist-in-Residence program has welcomed hundreds of artists and performers interested in collaboration, interdisciplinary dialogue, and experimentation. Alumni of the program include Ruth Asawa, Ned Kahn, Brian Eno, and Tristan Duke. Projects developed through the residency have taken many forms, including immersive installations, multimedia performances, theatrical productions, films, walking tours, and online experiences.
“The response to last year’s open call demonstrated how many artists are eager to engage deeply with inquiry, experimentation, and collaboration,” said Ann Meisinger, Program Director of the Artist-in-Residence program. “We’re excited to continue welcoming artists whose practices align with the Exploratorium’s spirit of curiosity and exploration.”
Residencies typically unfold over two years, allowing artists to pursue exploratory research before developing a major public-facing project in collaboration with the museum’s staff and community.
Throughout her residency, Dr. Catie Cuan developed Manifold, an interactive robot that learned from visitor interactions as part of the Exploratorium’s 2025 exhibition, Adventures in AI. The exhibition received widespread acclaim for its thoughtful and accessible exploration of artificial intelligence.
Current AIR James Allister Sprang, selected through last year’s first open call, is developing a large-scale sound installation that will debut at the Exploratorium in fall 2027. Sprang will also present at an After Dark public program later this summer on Thursday, August 27, 2026.
Applications for the 2026–2028 residency cycle open today and remain free through June 10, 2026. Beginning June 11, applications will require a $35 submission fee. The final application deadline is June 29, 2026.
Exploratorium AIRs receive a $15,000 annual stipend, support for travel and project development, and access to the museum’s facilities, workshops, and staff expertise. The program is designed for artists interested in beginning with curiosity and research rather than a fully formed proposal.
For more information about the Exploratorium’s Artist-in-Residence program, visit exploratorium.edu/arts/artist-residence.
About the Exploratorium
The Exploratorium is a portal to the astonishing scientific phenomena that animate our world and shape our actions. We create extraordinary learning experiences that ignite curiosity, upend perceptions, and inspire brave leaps forward. Since 1969, the Exploratorium’s museum in San Francisco has been home to a renowned collection of exhibits that draw together science, art, and human perception, and that have changed the way science is taught. Our award-winning programs provide a forum for the public to engage with artists, scientists, policymakers, educators, and tinkerers to explore the world around them. We celebrate diversity of thought, inspired investigation, and collaboration across all boundaries.