OPEN CALL 2023 is May 1 and ends June 30, 2023 (application link below)
Who We Are:
Since 2011 the Monira Foundation (formerly Mana Residencies) has awarded rent-free, non-living studio space to artists for 12 months periods. Started by Karline Moeller and Ysabel Pinyol Blasi, this residency is the gift of time, space, and community.
Our mission is to provide a stimulating, rigorous, and contemplative environment in which talented and committed artists benefit from a large studio workspace and the support of a vital creative surrounding community. Studio space is still critical to the practices of the overwhelming majority of artists but remains at a premium, especially in the New Jersey and New York tri-state area; a residency at Monira facilitates continued production and helps strengthen professional and intellectual bonds among diverse individuals.
Monira Foundations Artist in Residence Program supports established artists who work in any visual arts media. All applicants must be at least 21, able to reside in the United States during the residency period, not be enrolled in a degree-granting program or other residencies at the time of their residency, and be able to demonstrate an understanding of our program. We encourage artists working in all visual media to apply.
Program Overview and Facilities:
Selected Artists will have access to a private studio that is about 450 square feet. Each space comes equipped with a sink and basic studio equipment like a work table and chairs. The spaces are adaptable to artists’ needs with ample natural light, multiple electrical outlets, and internet access. There is also a shared kitchen space onsite.
Each cycle residents are given a stipend for providing a public program and fully participating in the residency. The stipend amount for the 2023-24 cycle is $1000.
In addition to much-needed physical space, residents will receive visits from artists, curators, critics, and collectors at specific points during their residency.
Special Notes:
Artists who are accepted into the program must be prepared to actively use their studio space and not be enrolled in any other program during their residency. Studios will be assigned based on a rolling basis throughout the year and not all artists will start at the same time. The program director will coordinate dates each cycle. Given the nature of this program we ask that artists consider their needs for a studio before applying so that they know they will thrive in the spaces offered. For the 2023-2024 cycle, studios will be open beginning in December – April 2024.
The residency takes place at 888 Newark Ave, Jersey City NJ (Inside the Mana Contemporary Building). The path train has a drop off location close by in Journal Square. There is also ample parking in the lot for those who drive.
Application and Selection Process:
Applications will open May 1, 2023. In each application we ask you to provide an artist statement (150 words), tell us why are you interested in the Monira Residencies Program (250 words), and to submit 5 images or videos of your work. It can be in any media, though note that our program best serves visual art practices. No composite images or files with multiple images exceeding the 5 requested will be accepted (application will not be reviewed). You may share video links as part of your portfolio. Each link will be viewed as part of the 5 and not additional to. Please note in the description which sections to view and remove and password restrictions. Videos, images, and statements cannot have artist names or identification on them as we work hard to keep our applications blind. Image descriptions should include title, media, year, and relevant description. Our aim is to keep this application equitable and heavily focused on the work submitted. Reviewers will not see applicant names during the process and only have access to the artist statement, the program statement and the portfolio. They will not spend more that 10-15 min with each application so plan accordingly.
Each application will also ask for general information and a recent resume for internal use only. Please make sure your Slideroom account is up to date when submitting as we rely on their system to communicate during this process.
The Monira Foundation will convene a panel of arts professionals from New Jersey and New York to select the 4-5 artists for the upcoming year. This panel will only be announced after the each cycle (about 10 weeks after the open call ends) and will change each year. This cycle, we will likely send notifications in late September or early October. For application questions please contact Anne Muntges at anne@monirafoundation.org
Jurors look for:
1. Artistic Excellence, work that is compelling with a distinct voice and vision.
2. Evidence of Commitment, A history of active engagement in creating artwork and presenting it publicly
3. Impact: Will this residency help the artist further their practice and/or career.
4. Engagement: Will artist participating engage with the community at the Monira Foundation and the general public through studio visits and community programming.
The Monira Foundation is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and fostering mutual respect for the diverse beliefs and values of all individuals and groups regardless of age, sex, race or ability. The Monira Foundation will not discriminate among any of these grounds and encourages all established artists who would benefit from this program to apply.
Applications open MAY 1, 2023 and close JUNE 30, 2023 at midnight EST.
There is a modest $15 fee for each application. 5 dollars goes to Slideroom and the remaining 10 helps pay our reviewers / curators for the time spent reviewing and thoroughly considering each submission. It also supports the program so that it can continue year to year. If you are unable to pay contact Anne Muntges at anne@monirafoundation.org.
