Kala Art Institute’s mission is to help artists sustain their creative work over time through its Artist-in-Residence and Fellowship Programs, and to engage the community through exhibitions, public programs, and education.

Founded in 1974, by artists Archana Horsting and Yuzo Nakano, as an international residency program rooted in the local community and a forum for ideas, Kala Art Institute encourages artistic experimentation. We are proud of Kala’s progress over four decades from a garage studio with one etching press and a single hot plate to a 15,200 sq. ft. facility and anchor arts organization in the historic West Berkeley Heinz building. Kala has grown steadily in the breath of its offerings and in the size of its operation, yet remains true to its mission to be a workshop of ideas and to engage the community through exhibitions, education, and public programs.