The City of Chula Vista is proud to announce the launch of its first-ever Artist-in-Residence Program, a pilot initiative designed to foster artistic innovation, art education and creative engagement with the community.

The pilot program will run from July 2025 through December 2025, the program will select two visual artists to participate in the residency. Selected artists will receive a monthly stipend along with studio and exhibition space at Casa Casillas, located at 50 4th Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91910.

Casa Casillas is a new public cultural arts center honoring Paula Casillas, a lifelong resident of Chula Vista, former Rohr employee and mother of Former Mayor Mary Casillas Salas. The center was inspired by her story of taking art classes at a Chula Vista recreation center which inspired a creative passion and led to a prolific body of artwork. Casa Casillas aims to celebrate and uplift local creativity by providing a space where community and culture come together through art.

“We are excited to create a space where artists can explore new ideas and connect their work to the community in impactful ways,” said Erwin Magbanua, Principal Librarian & Cultural Arts Manager. “This pilot residency program reflects our commitment to working with local creatives and exploring how art can help shape and improve our communities.”

The residency is open to 2D visual artists working in mediums such as painting, drawing and mixed media. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to apply. Priority will be given to artists who reside in Chula Vista. The pilot program is managed by the library staff and is intended to serve as a model for future residency programs.

During the residency selected artists will develop original work and engage with the public through workshops, artist talks or open studio events.

The application deadline is June 1, 2025.

To apply and learn more about the artist-in residence pilot program visit webpage.