Since 2003, the **Tournesol Award** has recognized one local painter each year, supporting them in taking the first major steps toward establishing a career in the Bay Area. The Award provides **financial and professional support** to a dedicated painter in the critical early years of artistic development.

Designed to support the artist over a full year, the Tournesol Award includes a **generous stipend**, **private studio**, and **access to Headlands’ creative community**. The award year culminates in a **funded final project** of the artist’s choice—typically in the form of an **exhibition or a publication**.

  
The 2025-26 Tournesol Award year is July 1, 2025 – June 26, 2026.

  
**Program Goals**

* To support promising **Bay Area-based painters** in establishing a professional career in the region.
* To ensure that the Bay Area remains a **vibrant center for emerging artists** by providing local opportunities for growth and success.
* To create a **thriving cultural center** for Bay Area artists to participate in a **national and international artist community**.

  

* Fully sponsored, year-long residency with a $10,000 stipend
* Final project, typically in the form of an exhibition or a publication, at the conclusion of the 12-month period
* 750-sq.-foot studio
* Chef-prepared meals
* Facilities access: Basic woodshop; audio/video equipment; artists’ library with computer
* Wi-Fi in studio and main buildings
* Engagement with Headlands Artist community
* Participation in “Show & Tell” nights
* Participation in seasonal Open Houses
* Access to Headlands Public Events
* Become part of Headlands Alumni Network

Tournesol Award 2025

Chamberlain Award is a fully sponsored artist residency and $10,000 prize to support an artist working in the social practice discipline This award supports artists employing non-traditional media to creatively engage with social concerns of the day. 

  
**Program Goals**

* To invest in individuals at the cutting edge of the social practice field, whose artwork creates dialogue and social change.
* To support artists in exploring and experimenting in order to take their work to the next level.
* To build a nurturing and dynamic community of local, national, and international artists and thinkers.
* To encourage artists to develop ideas and work within the context of the Marin Headlands, a part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
* To bring national and international artists to the Bay Area to engage and have cross-cultural exchange with local artists and audiences.

  

* Fully sponsored 6- to 10-week residency
* Paid roundtrip airfare
* 100- to 2000-sq.-foot studio
* Private bedroom in shared house
* A maximum two-week stay for families in the Family House (by request only and subject to availability)
* Five chef-prepared meals per week
* Access to vehicles on-site
* Facilities access: Basic woodshop; audio/video equipment; artists’ library with computers, scanner, and printer
* Wi-Fi in designated spaces
* Up to 15 Artists in Residence living on-site
* Up to 8 other local Headlands artists working in studios on-site
* Participation in monthly “Show & Tell” nights
* Participation in seasonal Open House
* Access to Headlands Public Events
* Field trips to Bay Area museums, galleries, and cultural venues
* Become part of Headlands Alumni Network

 Chamberlain Award 2026

The Chiaro Award is a fully sponsored artist residency and $15,000 prize for a mid-career painter residing in the United States. The Chiaro Award residency includes a private studio, and inclusion in a dynamic network of Headlands’ creative practitioners and thinkers.

  
**Program Goals**

* To support and have a meaningful impact on the lives and careers of accomplished painters creating exceptional and exemplary work.
* To bring outstanding painters into a nurturing and dynamic professional network of creative practitioners and thinkers.
* To encourage artists to develop ideas and work within the context of the Marin Headlands, a part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
* To bring national and international artists to the Bay Area to engage and have cross-cultural exchange with local artists and audiences.

  

* Fully sponsored 6- to 10-week residency with an award of $15,000
* Paid roundtrip airfare
* 750 square foot studio
* Private bedroom in shared house
* A maximum two week stay for families in the Family House (by request only and subject to availability)
* Five chef-prepared meals per week
* Use of Headlands’ vehicles
* Facilities access: basic woodshop; audio/video equipment; artists’ library with computers, scanner, and printer
* Wi-Fi in studio and designated spaces
* Up to 15 Artists in Residence living on-site
* Up to 8 other Headlands’ artists working on-site
* Participation in monthly “Show & Tell” nights
* Participation in seasonal Open House
* Access to Headlands Public Events
* Field trips to Bay Area museums, galleries, and cultural venues
* Become part of Headlands Alumni Network

  

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