SMIAR
Santa Monica International Artist Residency
Edition 1 | October 19–26, 2026
"Where California light meets international vision."
Curated by Atilio Pernisco & Mariano Cinat · Produced by Irie Talent Agency, Los Angeles. California.
The Opportunity
Los Angeles is the 3rd largest contemporary art market in the world — and Santa Monica sits at its creative epicenter.
Bergamot Station
20+ galleries in Santa Monica's landmark arts complex
Frieze Los Angeles
100+ international galleries at SM Airport each year
SM City Gallery
Brand new civic gallery opened April 2026
The Gap
Few accessible short-format residencies with exhibition + certification. SMIAR fills it.
The Program
An 8-day immersive residency for 5 emerging artists — fully structured from studio to stage.
Studio & Materials
Private workspace + all art materials provided
Museum Circuit
The Getty, LACMA, The Broad, MOCA
Gallery Access
Bergamot Station + SM City Gallery guided visits
Exhibition & Catalog
Final group show + digital catalog with ISBN
Professional Documentation
Photography, certificate, recommendation letter
Community Events
Artist Talk, Open Studio Night, Collector's Breakfast, Closing Celebration
Global Impact
Over 8 days in Santa Monica, California — October 19–26, 2026 — SMIAR gives 4–5 emerging international artists a concentrated residency shaped by studio practice, museum and gallery access, public presentation, and direct engagement with the Los Angeles art scene.
Global Connections
Build lasting ties with an international cohort of 5 artists, plus curators, gallerists, and collectors from the LA scene — relationships that outlast the 8 days.
LA Market Access
Step inside the 3rd largest contemporary art market in the world: Bergamot Station, SM City Gallery, Frieze LA, and direct introductions to 2–3 active LA gallerists.
Cross-Cultural Practice
Work alongside artists from different countries and traditions in a shared Santa Monica studio — your practice challenged, expanded, and documented.
Career Credentials
Leave with a CV-ready exhibition credit, an ISBN-catalogued work, professional photography, a curator's recommendation letter, and a framed certificate.
Day by Day
1
Day 0–1
Arrival, Welcome Dinner, Orientation, Cultural Walk, Studio Setup
2
Days 2–3
Getty Center + Art Market Lecture; Bergamot Station + SM City Gallery + Studio Intensive
3
Days 4–5
LACMA + The Broad; Portfolio Reviews 1:1 + Artist Studio Visit
4
Day 6
Venice Beach Murals + Full Studio Day + Public Artist Talk
5
Days 7–8
Challenge Judging + Collector's Breakfast + Open Studio Night + Final Exhibition Opening
Eight days. Five artists. One city. Structured mornings, free studio afternoons, and landmark evenings that build your career.
The Challenge: Golden Hour
Each artist creates a body of work inspired by California's iconic golden light — interpreted freely as literal sunlight, metaphorical transformation, or the luminous threshold between day and night.
Winner Prize
$500 cash award
Double-page spread in catalog + intros to 2–3 LA gallerists
50% scholarship on next SMIAR edition + premium materials kit
All Participants
Framed certificate + recommendation letter
Professional photos + digital catalog + Alumni pin
15% discount on next edition + right to exhibit in Annual Alumni Show
Enrichment Activities
Beyond the studio — a curated series of experiences that deepen practice and expand networks.
Artist Talk
Day 6 public event — present your process to LA's art community
Collector's Breakfast
Intimate morning meeting with 5–8 active LA collectors before the opening
Postcard Project
Limited edition prints (ed. of 20) sold at the expo for $25–50 each
Hollywood Creative Session
Filmmaker or photographer on visual art in cinema production
Open Studio Night
The public watches artists at work — live, unfiltered, process-focused
Letter from LA
Each artist writes a reflective letter published in the official catalog
Alumni Network & Membership
SMIAR builds a lifelong creative community that grows stronger with every edition.
Alumni (Free · Lifetime)
Private group, newsletter, and global artist directory. Automatic for every participant.
Alumni Plus ($150/yr · Free First Year)
15% discount on next edition, priority in open call, Annual Alumni Show participation.
Alumni Mentor (By Invitation)
Guest critic role, bio on SMIAR website, premium referral commissions. Requires 2+ editions.
Investment & Value
$2,500
per artist
The $2,500 fee is less than flights + Airbnb + museum entries alone — without any program, exhibition, or professional contacts.
Exhibition in Santa Monica, CA — priceless CV value for international artists
Portfolio reviews ($150–300/session), professional photography ($400+ value), ISBN catalog
Direct access to curators, gallerists & collectors — impossible to arrange solo
75% of artwork sales returned to the artist
Who Should Apply
Emerging Visual Artists
Painting, drawing, mixed media, and installation — at a pivotal stage of their career
Recent MFA Graduates & Advanced Students
Seeking structured international exhibition experience beyond academia
International Artists Targeting the US Market
Looking to build a California exhibition credit and connect with LA's gallery scene
Apply Now
Dates
October 19–26, 2026
Location
Santa Monica, California
Investment
$2,500 USD · 4–5 spots only
Curators
Atilio Pernisco & Mariano Cinat, LA
"Your art. California light. International stage."
Application link and contact details to be announced. · Edition 1 — limited to 5 artists worldwide.
Your Curators
Atilio Pernisco
Atilio Pernisco has a BFA from Art Center College of Design and his MFA from Claremont Graduate University. He worked as an illustrator and designer for more than a decade for a diverse list of clients until he began exhibiting his work nationally and internationally. He also teaches at his Alma Matter and at many other local institutions.
Mariano Cinat
Gallery8 NYC was established in 2017 by Artist/curator Mariano Cinat. Gallery8 NYC actively participates in art fairs worldwide, connecting artists with diverse audiences and opportunities. Facilitating entries and ensure your art gets the attention it deserves in the global art market.
Organized in partnership with IRIE TALENT AGENCY, Los Angeles.