Summer AIR (Artists-in-residence)
One-week residency | June 21 - 27 2026
Interplay Jazz & Arts invites emerging professional jazz ensembles to apply for the Summer AIR Program, taking place June 21 - 27 2026. This one-week residency offers space, time, and community for creative project development while building meaningful relationships with Interplay’s students and faculty.
Summer AIR program
Artists-in-Residence will be greeted with accommodations on Kimball Union Academy’s idyllic campus, rehearsal space, and basic sound equipment. Meals are provided for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the KUA dining hall and yoga is offered daily.
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Artists-in-Residence have the freedom to develop their own rehearsal schedule for the week. It is our hope that Artists-in-Residence will also find it mutually beneficial to get to know our broader community, both faculty and students.
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Artists-in-Residence should expect to participate in jam sessions and host a short performance (~30-45 minutes) on Thursday June 25, 2026 in the form of a late night listening session.
SUMMER AIR FAQs
01.
Who is eligible to apply?
Ensembles of at least 2 members who identify as young professional jazz artists. Groups may include recent graduates or current graduate students but should not be composed entirely of undergraduate students.
02.
Can individual musicians apply?
No. This residency is intended for established ensembles actively working together.
03.
What does “emerging professional” mean?
Artists who are pursuing music as a career, performing regularly, and developing their artistic voice, but who have not yet received major awards or recognition for a group project or recording.
04.
Is housing included?
Yes. Artists will have the opportunity to stay in rooms on Kimball Union's campus.
05.
Are meals included?
Yes. breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided via the KUA dining hall.
06.
Is travel covered?
No. Artists are responsible for their own transportation to and from campus.
07.
What does the schedule look like?
The week includes rehearsal time, creative development, open interactions with students and faculty, jam session facilitation, and performance of one end of week listening session.
08.
How do we engage with the community?
Artists in Residence are expected to join and facilitate our student jam sessions. Other than this, engagement is informal and organic. The camp offers yoga, morning meetings, a swing dance night, faculty concert, and other performances. There will be an Artist in Residence coordinator available to help guide Summer AIR recipients through the week.
09.
When are applications due?
The deadline for submitting your application is March 16, 2026.
10.
When will applicants be notified?
Our Program Director, Justin Varnes may reach out to certain candidates; however, formal interviews are not required for selection. Final decisions will be made in early April 2026.