2027 RAIR Open Call (Due Sept. 27)
2027 RAIR Open Call
Deadline: September 27th, 2026
RAIR's mission is to challenge the perception of waste culture by providing a unique platform at the intersection of art, industry, and community. Situated inside a construction and demolition waste recycling company in Northeast Philadelphia, RAIR creates and provides artist residencies, fellowships, new project commissions, interdisciplinary partnerships, and public programs.
Since its inception in 2010, RAIR’s flagship Residency Program has established itself as a unique opportunity for emerging, mid-career, and established artists. By facilitating artists’ direct engagement with the waste stream, RAIR encourages residents to consider their studio practice through the lens of sustainability and to thoughtfully reassess their processes of material sourcing and waste disposal.
Collaborating with community groups, art institutions, and waste industry partners, RAIR has also extended its reach far beyond its resident artists through Projects including recycling facility tours, class presentations, public events, and exhibitions that illuminate the connections between art, industry, and sustainability. RAIR offers assistance with the material sourcing, planning, design, and fabrication involved in a range of cross-disciplinary projects, and works with collaborators to maximize the creative potential of waste materials.
RAIR prides itself in addressing the individual needs and circumstances of all individuals interested in the program on a case-by-case basis. For any questions about accessibility, please directly contact Creative Director, Billy Dufala, who will personally address all needs and accommodations.
RAIR has 2 residency programs: THE STANDARD RESIDENCY and THE BIGGIE SHORTIE. Both are given access to Revolution Recovery’s waste stream as well as access to RAIR’s staff- who work closely with all residents.
WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO REGISTER FOR A IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE SITE BEFORE APPLYING AND CRAFTING A PROPOSAL. It is important to understand the nature and operation of the recycling facility to craft a feasible project proposal. Q&A’s will occur at the end of each tour provided. If you cannot make the scheduled tour dates, you can still watch a recording of a previous tour here.
THE STANDARD RESIDENCY:
A longer, more traditional studio-based program. Standard residents are given access to waste materials and a studio and project space during the week and weekends. This residency is good for people who want to dedicate 4-6 full weeks to their project and studio practice at RAIR.
THE BIGGIE SHORTIE:
A shorter length, project-based residency that takes place mainly on weekends, typically outside of the recycling facility’s operating hours. The flexible nature of Biggie Shorties allows for proposed projects to be customized to fit each residency. This residency is good for artists with commitments during the week and can only be present at RAIR during the weekends.