Applications are CLOSED now for 2026-27 residencies.
New Open Call Opens in Spring 2027.
Monira Residency, Chicago
Who We Are
Since 2011, Monira Foundation (formerly Mana Residencies) has supported artists in Chicago and Jersey City by awarding rent-free, non-living studio space. Founded by Ysabel Pinyol Blasi, the residency was built as a gift of time, space, and community, a vital resource for artists working in urban environments where studio space is increasingly scarce.
We continue that mission each year through residencies hosted at Mana Contemporary Chicago. For 2026–2027, our program has undergone exciting updates that put artists first. We now invite interdisciplinary artists, through nomination or open call, to apply for a six-month, project-based residency in our Chicago space.
At the heart of Monira Foundation’s mission is a commitment to providing a stimulating, rigorous, and contemplative environment. We believe that talented and committed artists deserve physical space to work and the support of a vibrant, diverse, and engaged creative community. Our residency facilitates production and cultivates professional and intellectual connections that sustain long-term artistic growth.
The Program
The Monira Foundation’s Residency program in Chicago for 2026–27 provides time and space for interdisciplinary artists to focus on a specific project. Beginning in mid-September 2026, up to two artists or collaborative groups will each be granted six-month access to our project space in Chicago to develop new work or continue an ambitious ongoing body of work.
This residency emphasizes self-sufficiency and project focus. Artists will work independently in a flexible studio or gallery-style space and are expected to shape their schedules. The program supports experimentation and cross-disciplinary practices and is designed for artists ready to lead their own process. Residents must participate in a public Open House during their term, sharing their work-in-progress, research, or project outcomes with the community in a format of their choosing. A stipend will be announced before the start of the residency. We are actively fundraising to support artist stipends and will share confirmed amounts as soon as they are available. In addition to studio space and time, selected artists will be featured on Monira’s social media and communication platforms throughout the residency. Our studio is approximately 20 sqft x 50 sqft. It has a performance floor, tables, and stools. Pictures and the floor layout are just below.
Eligibility
Applications are open to individual artists or collaborative groups working across disciplines, including but not limited to visual art, installation, movement, sound, social practice, performance, research, and time-based media. We strongly encourage artists whose work is not clearly defined by a a specific process, who will actively engage with a studio for the duration of the program.
This residency is best suited for Chicago-based artists or those within commuting distance. It is designed for those motivated by a specific project who can clearly articulate their goals for the residency. Applicants should thrive in self-directed environments and be comfortable managing their time and resources. They should also be interested in sharing their process with the public as part of a community-driven institution.
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and not currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program.
Residency Periods
Residency 1: September 15, 2026, to March 12, 2027
Residency 2: March 16, 2027, to September 10, 2027
Selection Process
This is a project-based opportunity. Selection is based on the strength of the proposed project, the clarity of artistic vision, and the artist’s demonstrated ability to carry work forward independently.
All applications will be reviewed by a panel composed of Monira staff, invited curators, and former Resident Artists. Artists with strong portfolios and thoughtful project plans will be prioritized. Panelists will be announced after the Open Call closes.
Apply
Applications will be accepted from March 30th , 2026 to May 1st, 2026. The deadline to submit is midnight CST on May 1st, 2026. Applications must be submitted through Slideroom.
To apply, artists will need an:
1. artist statement (200 words maximum) describing the motivation and direction of their work;
2. a project proposal (300 words maximum) outlining the project they will work on during the residency, why this is the right time, and what they hope to accomplish; a brief description of how they might share their work with the public during the required Open House;
3. a current CV for the lead applicant if applying as a collaborative;
4. and five portfolio works may include videos or still images. Videos must be under three minutes and formatted to fit Slideroom’s upload limits. Each work should have a title, date, and a brief description including collaborators and their roles. Videos may be submitted via active Vimeo or YouTube links, which must remain accessible through September 2025.
Applicants will be notified of their status no later than June 12th, 2026.
* Please note that all our primary communication will come through Slideroom. Please ensure your email is updated in their portal and that you have your email settings so that Slideroom emails come through to your primary email.
Special Notes
- The application fee is $15, which includes a $5 Slideroom service fee and $10 to support panelist stipends and program administration.
- Housing and transportation are not included in this opportunity.
- The Monira Foundation is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible environment. Applicants with specific access needs related to the residency or application process are encouraged to contact us in advance so we can support your participation.
FAQS:
- Does it cost money to apply?
Yes. The application fee is $15 — $5 covers SlideRoom processing, and $10 supports our panel review and program administration. If the fee presents a hardship, you can request a waiver by emailing Anne Muntges at anne@monirafoundation.org.
- Can collectives or collaborative groups apply?
Yes. Collaborative groups are welcome to apply. In fact strongly encouraged to apply. If accepted, the group will share the space, resources, and stipend (when available). Only one artist should be listed as the lead applicant.
- Do you provide housing?
No. At this time, housing and transportation are not included. This residency is best suited for artists who are based in the Chicago area or within commuting distance.
- Can I travel elsewhere during the residency?
We understand that occasional travel may be necessary, but this is an active, project-based residency. Participants are expected to be regularly present and engaged in their work during the six-month term. Long trips or extended absences are discouraged.
- Do you have to be a U.S. citizen to apply?
No. You must have a U.S. Social Security Number and be eligible to complete a W9 form to receive payment. This includes U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA recipients, OPT holders, and Indigenous people born in Canada with U.S. work authorization. Monira Foundation cannot sponsor visas or accept residents who do not meet these requirements.
- What are the public program expectations and community connections?
All artists will participate in at least one public Open House during their residency. This is a core element of the program and offers a chance to share your process or outcomes with the community. Artists may choose the format, such as an installation preview, studio visit, participatory event, talk, or screening, and will coordinate with Monira staff. Additional optional engagements with curators, visitors, or collaborators may also occur throughout the residency.
- Do Monira residents donate artwork?
At the end of each residency, we invite artists to contribute a work to the Mana Permanent Collection. While not mandatory, this donation supports our mission to build a dynamic, living record of our artists’ practices. It ensures works are shared through exhibitions across our locations in Jersey City, Chicago, Miami, and beyond. Donations are coordinated directly with Ysabel Pinyol Blasi, Executive Director.