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 was through invitation only, but for the first time in the summer of 2021 we will be accepting artists through an open call. 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 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 mid career artists who work in any visual arts media. All applicants must be at least 21, American citizens or Permanent Residents of the United States, not be enrolled in a degree-granting program at the time of their residency, and be able to demonstrate a need for studio space. 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 1,000 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 multiple electrical outlets and internet access. There is also a shared kitchen space onsite.
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. 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.
The residency takes place at Mana Contemporary in Jersey City. The path has a drop off location close by. There is also ample parking in the lot for those who drive.
Application and Selection Process
To apply to the 2021-2022 open call, visit our Submittable page. Please review the eligibility and application guidelines carefully before beginning your application. The Monira Foundation will convene a panel of arts professionals from New Jersey and New York to select the 5 artists for the upcoming year. For application question please contact Emily Sussman at emily@monirafoundation.org
Applications will be open June 14th – July 31st, 2021.
There is a modest $15 fee for each application. This fee 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 this is truly a hardship please contact us at info@monirafoundation.org.
Community Give Back:
The Monira Foundation cosponsors two Open House events with Mana Contemporary annually, as well as sponsored visits from curators, critics and gallerists. Artists are expected to participate and engage. Additionally artists will be asked to offer one public event during their residency. This can include a talk, a workshop, social media takeovers, or other engagement. At the end of each residency each artist will be asked to donate a work to the Mana Permanent Collection. These works will be exhibited throughout the Mana Contemporary locations in Jersey City, Chicago and Miami for exhibitions.
